As one of the initial Roldan Fellows, Ricky Trinidad joined the Roldan Scholarship Program in 1996 while pursuing a Master’s in Urban Planning and Policy degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago. During this time, he interned at HHDC and remained part of the program until his graduation in 1998, when he was hired as a staff member at HHDC. In 2020, Ricky founded his own real estate development and construction company. He has since been dedicated to the real estate development industry, driven by a passion for creating sustainable communities designed for middle-income families and businesses, revitalizing targeted areas, and fostering economic growth in local communities.
With over 28 years of urban planning, real estate development, and construction experience, and as Founder and President of Metrovitalization, Ricky Trinidad has successfully designed, developed, managed, constructed, and operated numerous residential and commercial communities and buildings across various U.S. markets. As an expert in urban planning, real estate development and construction, Ricky possesses extensive experience in designing, planning, and executing sustainable development projects both domestically and internationally. His diverse portfolio encompasses residential subdivisions, townhome developments, urban infill mixed-use projects, mid-rise buildings, and commercial properties. Driven by a deep commitment to community enhancement. Ricky's work focuses on generating substantial social, economic, spiritual, environmental, and aesthetic impacts through his strategic and holistic development practices.
Ricky holds a Master of Urban Planning and Policy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is a recipient of the UIC Leadership Award (1996), 2-time recipient of the Martin Luther King Scholarship Award (1997 and 1998), and the Certificate of Honor of Lincoln Trail (1996), among other recognitions. Ricky is fluent in English and Spanish. He is the author of two published real estate development and construction books, including “Modular Homes: The Smart Choice for Homebuyers (2024), and “Build Correct” (2009).
In his own time, Mr. Trinidad is a guitarist and songwriter focusing on Bolero, Musica Romantica, and Spanish classical music. He serves as Licensed Minister of Business and Finance for Jubilee Ministries International Church in New Castle, PA, and enjoys leading Bible study groups and serving in multiple ministries for God. He is a devout husband and father of three children who enjoys and values time with family and friends.
