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No matter what time it is, Ricardo Almodovar is fighting for a cause.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p,m., it's environmental justice. Outside of the office, Almodovar is involved in issues spanning from voter access to equality
"So many organizations are looking for board members, advisors or consultants, and we need to hear from folks who are regularly not taken into account," Almodovar said.
That need to be involved stems from personal experience. During his younger years, he was one of the underrepresented people he serves today.
"I felt the sting of both racism and homophobia, and it really hurts because it's something that I can't help as a human being. I didn't choose to be gay just like I didn't choose to be Latino, I just happen to be both," Almodovar said.
Ricardo came out when he was 18 years old. Coming from a conservative, Catholic family, he didn't have a lot of support.
"Initially, a lot of folks thought that it would be a phase and that I would get over it. I've had people tell me to 'pray the gay away,'" Almodovar said.
He found community through music when he joined the Queer Big Apple Corp that performed at the Macy's Day Parade.
Advocacy followed through roles with Lancaster Pride, the PA Advisory Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs, and the Campus Vote Project.