Born and raised in Mexico City, Ricardo “Ricky” Villa’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and purpose. With a bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Arts, his career began in the heart of Mexico’s cultural scene. He worked with El Consejo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes and Radio Educación, immersing himself in projects that celebrated Mexican arts, education, and storytelling. His early exposure to the world of performance and communication laid the foundation for what would later become a lifelong commitment to culture, education, and human connection.
In his twenties, Ricky took a leap of faith and moved to New York City—a decision that would profoundly shape his professional and personal journey. Over the next two decades, he immersed himself in the vibrant rhythm of the city, working across diverse industries that spanned finance, education, wellness, and the arts. His career path included positions at HSBC Bank, Prudential Financial, Re/Max Today, New York University, DanceSport, Equinox, and the New York Sports Club.
But Ricky’s story was never about convention—it was about passion and purpose. Alongside his professional pursuits, he embraced one of his greatest loves: dance. As a Latin and Ballroom performer, he graced stages such as the Lincoln Center Midsummer Festival, blending elegance and discipline with his cultural roots. Through movement, he found not just an art form, but a universal language that transcended barriers and connected people from all walks of life.
Driven by his dedication to education and inclusion, Ricky pursued a master’s degree in Bilingual, General, and Special Childhood Education. He then joined the New York City Public School system and several private institutions as a Case Manager and Special Education Teacher. His work in education allowed him to advocate for children with diverse learning needs—helping them discover their voices, potential, and place in the world.
Inspired by his time in intentional communities, ecovillages, and artist residencies in New York and Vermont, Ricky began to envision a space that would embody creativity, collaboration, and community. This vision led him to California, where he discovered the perfect setting to bring his dream to life: Casa Sur Hacienda in San Diego’s South Bay.
Casa Sur Hacienda is more than a physical space—it’s a living ecosystem of art, business, and human connection. Ricky founded it as a multidisciplinary hub where artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers could gather to collaborate, learn, and uplift one another. Today, Casa Sur hosts an inspiring array of events including retreats, business networking gatherings, artist residencies, fundraisers, workshops, and cultural celebrations. The hacienda’s warm, inclusive atmosphere reflects Ricky’s philosophy: that when people come together with intention and creativity, transformation follows.
Beyond Casa Sur, Ricky continues to serve as a connector and catalyst in the local community. He is an active member of Business Networking International (BNI) La Mesa Chapter, the Chula Vista and National City Chambers of Commerce, and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. He also volunteers with Cause San Diego and Corazón de Vida San Diego Chapter, supporting initiatives that provide resources and hope to underserved populations.
Even with a full schedule, Ricky makes time for the activities that nourish his spirit—open water swimming in La Jolla, hot yoga, road cycling, and of course, dancing and teaching privately. Each of these pursuits reflects his belief in balance: nurturing body, mind, and soul as part of a holistic approach to life.
Ricky Villa’s journey from Mexico City to San Diego is one defined by courage, creativity, and compassion. Through Casa Sur Hacienda, he continues to build bridges—between cultures, professions, and generations—empowering others to create meaningful impact in their communities. His story embodies the essence of Latino Excellence: the power of vision, dedication, and cultural pride to inspire transformation and belonging wherever we go.