Ricardo Auguste is the founder of GIFTS Foundation, an organization built from lived experience, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping the next generation succeed.

At 21, Ricardo was shot in a nightclub, leaving him paralyzed with a T12–L1 spinal cord injury. The experience forced him to rebuild his life through discipline, faith, and determination.

Through that journey, he developed a clear understanding of what it takes to overcome setbacks and how critical the right support is at the right time.

For over six years, Ricardo has been actively involved in youth development. He is a member of the 100 Black Men of Stamford and serves as a coach with Future 5, helping students prepare for college, careers, and life beyond school.

Working closely with students, he recognized a deeper issue, many lacked consistent access to the basic resources and support needed to stay on track.

GIFTS Foundation was created from that understanding. It is not just a program, it is a structured system designed to provide students with the tools, confidence, and opportunities needed to succeed.

Today, Ricardo is building a scalable model that combines partnerships, community support, and consistent investment in students to create measurable, long-term impact.