Boys and Men of Color Success: Rico's story

Rico is a graduate of Goodwill’s Boys and Men of Color program’s first cohort.

The Boys and Men of Color program is an eight-week learning and mentorship experience for men of color, to 
build skills for the workplace and participate in personal development experiences such as goal setting, financial 
education and peer networking experiences to develop a foundation for long-term success.

Rico works as a retail associate at the Goodwill Store & Donation Center in Melrose Park, Illinois and joined the Boys and Men of Color program as a growth and development opportunity. As a single father, Rico’s commitment to the program was an investment in himself and his family’s future. Participating in the program, Rico gained a better understanding of how to manage his work relationships and best present himself through enhanced communication skills, created a long-term financial plan to achieve his goals, increased his mental health awareness, and identified areas of improvement to help him achieve career advancement into a leadership position.

Rico also built valuable connections within Goodwill that provided support to improve his resume and interview skills and mentorship around career and life experiences. 

“Getting to speak to other men of color in a safe space made me feel supported and like I could have brought up anything,” reflects Rico on his experience in the program. 

Boys and Men of Color Program Manager, Miguel Frias, created an environment of trust where Rico could thrive. Miguel worked closely with Rico to help him understand the support systems available to him within Goodwill so together they could work on achieving his long-term goals. 

“Creating a judgement-free space for young men like Rico to learn and grow helps them feel that they can be open with us so we can start working on their goals,” said Miguel. “Rico has a passion for life and is willing to work hard toward his aspirations. I’m excited to see what he does next and to be able to support him on that journey.”