Ricky Hardy - Men of Excellence Award

We are excited to congratulate Ricky Hardy on his well-deserved recognition as a member of the Men of Excellence Awards Class of 2024, an honor that celebrates 50 outstanding African American men who have made impactful contributions to their communities.?

During an interview, Ricky discussed how his impact began in March 2011 as a home visitor with Family Foundations. He quickly embraced the role, finding deep fulfillment in creating meaningful 1:1 connections with families. His dedication led him to become the Program Coordinator in December 2020, a position where he truly made his mark. Ricky shared how he transformed the program from being under-enrolled and understaffed into a fully staffed, high-demand initiative with a waitlist of families eager to join. His team focuses on supporting mothers and children, promoting child development, and nurturing the bond between parent and child from birth to age three, all with the goal of preparing families for Head Start.?

In his leadership role, Ricky manages a team of 6-7 staff members and is committed to fostering strong relationships with the families they serve. He also prioritizes community engagement, continually creating opportunities for involvement. His leadership is marked by reflective supervision, regular staff meetings, and active participation in infant mental health case conferences. Ricky emphasized that his success is rooted in the strength of his team, saying, "This award is a reflection of the team around me. I believe a leader is only as good as their team and how well they can build their team up too."?

Ricky also shared how his personal background influenced his professional mission. As a 2004 graduate of Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation and Sociology, he grew up in a single-parent, low-income household. This experience sparked his passion for supporting families facing systemic challenges, a drive deeply rooted in the values his mother instilled in him.?

Beyond his work with Family Foundations, Ricky continues to give back as a business owner, offering employment opportunities to his neighbors and further strengthening his community. He also serves on the Board of Trustees at his church, which has the largest African American congregation in Pittsburgh.?

Ricky’s achievements, both professionally and personally, reflect the qualities that earned him this well-deserved recognition. His leadership and commitment to his community make him an exemplary honoree, and we look forward to celebrating his excellence at the Men of Excellence Awards.?