Ricardo Benavidez, MPA (he/him)
Associate Director
At Ktisis Capital, Ricardo serves as a strategy and organization advisor, researcher, and project manager for a diverse mix of individuals and foundations. He works primarily with individuals, families, and private foundations on formulating their giving strategies. Ricardo manages the Ktisis Capital communications portfolio and is responsible for developing a strategy that advances the work of the firm and our partners.
Ricardo is also on the faculty at Grand Valley State University, teaching courses on inclusive and visionary leadership and belonging in the Integrated, Religious, and Intercultural Studies Department. Prior joining the Ktisis team, Ricardo served as project specialist for community enrichment in the Office of the President at GVSU. In that role, he led projects and program teams focused on connecting communities to each other and to the university, donor relations and stewardship, and the University’s community sponsorship program which supported historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, arts and culture organizations, environmental initiatives, and education focused programming.
Ricardo holds a Master of Public Administration degree with foci in public management and urban and regional policy and planning, and a B.S. in history and public & nonprofit administration – both from Grand Valley. He is certified for the responsible conduct of research, earned the Graduate Dean’s Citation for Academic Excellence, and was a NASPA Undergraduate Fellow. Ricardo serves as president of the board of directors for Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities, as the vice chair of the City of Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission by mayoral appointment, as an Alumni Champion for GVSU, and as co-chair of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation's LGBTQ Fund.
Ricardo has received recognition as a 40 Under 40 Business Leader from the Grand Rapids Business Journal, received the Young Alumni Award from GVSU, and was a member of 21/64’s inaugural cohort of certified advisors of color.
Ricardo lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan and uses his free time to become the unofficial connoisseur of craft cocktails, supporting all things local, and taking his pup, Casper, for long walks.