Ricardo Jara
Senior Director, Community
Programs
Unleashing the power of communities has been at the core of Ricardo’s leadership and life’s work. And, it’s the essence of his mission as Echoing Green’s Senior Director of Community
Fueled by a righteous indignation and fierce commitment to serving the most marginalized communities and battling systems that perpetuate racial injustice, Ricardo brings a unique wealth of knowledge and experience accumulated over 15 years of serving in a variety of leadership roles.
As a classroom, program, and school leader in Los Angeles and Oakland, California, he worked alongside community members to conceive and actualize bold visions of powerful and innovative educational models for students. As a school district leader in Madison, Wisconsin, he mobilized and unified a diverse community coalition in service to the community’s youth put most at risk by the system. Through it all, Ricardo has leveraged a raw and authentic visual and oral storytelling style to build community and galvanize individuals, groups, and organizations into action.
Prior to joining Echoing Green, Ricardo served as Senior Director of Communications at the Latino Community Foundation (LCF), leading as an “air traffic controller” to LCF’s internal and external communication systems, ensuring its overall narrative was aligned to its core values and strategic vision. As a member of its senior leadership team, Ricardo contributed to the strategic planning and execution of LCF’s Latino Power Fund, an initiative that secured nearly $20 million in funding within a year of its launch.
Ricardo is a proud son of immigrants from Zacatecas, Mexico, born and raised in Southeast Los Angeles alongside his many (many) siblings. He holds a Doctorate in Education Leadership from Harvard University, a Master of Education in Education Leadership from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, Fullerton.
In his free time, Ricardo relishes time envisioning just and beautiful worlds (and bringing them to fruition however he can), drawing inspiration from great films, refining his skincare routines, and stuffing his face with the culinary delicacies of his motherland (often with the use of his trusty comal) in the company of loved ones.
