Born in the Lower West Side of Manhattan, New York and of Puerto Rican descent. Rick has been involved in Businesses in New York for over 30 years. He is a graduate of Pace University specializing in Marketing, Business and Information Technology.

Today Rick not only leads the Brooklyn (Kings County) Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; he also sits on several boards as well:

• Co-Chair "Northeast Region Leadership Council" for the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce representing Region V (approximately 14 states from Maine to Virginia which encompasses 34 Hispanic Chamber of Commerce).
• Member of the "Community Advisory Council" for St. Joseph's College.
• Member of Boricua College's "Advisory Board"
• Member of the U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand's Business Focus Group & member of the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Certification Focus Group.
• Member of the Hispanic Alliance for Free Trade and the New York State Federation of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.

Most recently The Brooklyn Hispanic Chamber of Commerce under Rick's leadership successfully secured a Minority/Women Business Enterprise contract with New York Small Business Services under the Minority/Women Business Leadership Association.

Also Rick was recently appointed by the Mayor's Office to the M/WBE Advisory Board. Another major accomplishment made to enhance Minority/Women Business contracting not just in Brooklyn but throughout New York City.

A native of Guatemala, Juan Carlos Pocasangre relocated to Brooklyn, New York in 1988 Juan Carlos, he has demonstrated an unrelenting passion for helping others in the community to grow and succeed. Although he works a full time position as a supervisor for New York City government, he generously volunteers his free time in the evenings, weekends, and sometimes in his vacation time to conduct a variety of business and financial seminars and workshops or to coach someone one-on-one. He never seeks fees for his time, or reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses relating to travel or training materials which he provides for his workshops. When asked why he gives so much of his time, talents and resources, Juan Carlos responds, “We must thank God for the education we have earned, and not keep it to ourselves. Help others, even if it is only one person at a time. If all of us did that, we could change the lives of millions of people.” Juan Carlos is a skilled businessman, teacher and leader. He relates to all levels of people and does so humbly, treating everyone with respect.

Alexander Pas is a lifelong resident of New York City. Mr. Pas has worked in the government civil service and in the private sector. His career started in the service of the United States Marine Corp in the Communications field. He owns and operates three businesses. His main business is as a NYS Licensed Realtor-Investor, involved in all aspects of Real Estate.