Ricardo Henriquez is a Program Director at Shift Work Forward, where he leads national initiatives focused on improving job quality and advancing worker-centered workforce systems. Originally from Chile, Ricardo began his U.S. career as a community organizer and brings more than 18 years of experience across workforce development, community organizing, and cross-sector collaboration.

Ricardo leads national initiatives that support communities in designing and implementing systems change strategies to expand access to quality jobs and economic mobility. His work includes leading the Shifting the Childcare Industry initiative, working with communities across the country to improve job quality for early childhood educators while expanding access to care. He also provides technical assistance, coaching, and peer learning to regional workforce partnerships, helping stakeholders align around employer engagement, job quality, and worker voice strategies.

Before joining Shift Work Forward, Ricardo served as Vice President of Community Development at United Way Suncoast, where he led workforce and economic mobility initiatives across the five‑county Tampa Bay region and oversaw community resource centers serving thousands of residents each year. Earlier, he directed the Workforce Solutions Collaborative of Metro Hartford, aligning more than 30 funders, employers, training providers, and public agencies to connect workers to training, credentials, and employment opportunities.

Education

• Master of Arts, Nonprofit Management — New England College
• Bachelor’s Degree, Journalism and Communication — Universidad Católica del Norte