Dr. Ricardo Valdez is the CEO of RGI Corporation, where he leads efforts in grant writing, evaluation, and research to advance educational programs and initiatives. Dr. Valdez leverages his expertise in securing and evaluating national, state, and regional grants to drive strategic growth, build impactful partnerships, and maximize resources for underserved communities. He plays a key role in shaping corporate strategy, solving challenges, and implementing solutions that enhance educational access and success.
With over 20 years of experience in local, state, and federal grant programs, Dr. Valdez has dedicated his career to serving economically and educationally disadvantaged students of color. His university experience includes research, evaluation, and program management focused on expanding educational opportunities for underrepresented populations.
Prior to leading RGI Corporation, Dr. Valdez was an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University in the Doctor of Education Program. He also served as the Principal Investigator of a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Title V grant at Heritage University, designed to increase Hispanic representation in STEM education.
For over a decade, Dr. Valdez was the Director of the University of Washington’s Yakima Valley Community Partnerships Program, where he led faculty research initiatives, professional and continuing education, and established the first UW in the High School dual-credit program in the Yakima Valley. His efforts expanded college access for local students, providing them with early exposure to university-level coursework.
A first-generation Latino college graduate, bilingual and bicultural, Dr. Valdez was born and raised in the Yakima Valley on the Yakama Indian Reservation. His personal journey informs his deep commitment to supporting students in overcoming barriers to educational and career success.
Dr. Valdez earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington, where his research focused on first-generation college students’ self-efficacy, validation, retention, and persistence. He holds a Master’s in Educational Administration from Heritage University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington.