Ricardo Batista, pictured with his three daughters, two of the founders Swannie and Rachel Batista on left and right

Ricardo Batista was an entrepreneur, interior designer, contractor, developer, innovator, devoted father, and husband.  He immigrated from the Dominican Republic to the Lower East Side in the late 1970s, selling various items to pursuing a passion for interior design, he eventually became a developer and contractor, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he served. In 2017, tragedy struck when Ricardo was killed while walking the family’s dog in Connecticut. The youngest of 12 siblings was suddenly gone, leaving behind his wife and three daughters.

As the family mourned his loss, they also faced the devastating reality that justice was never served. Determined to make a   difference, his daughters turned their grief into advocacy. After two years of fighting for change, working with city officials, and demanding action, traffic lights and speed bumps were finally installed to prevent similar tragedies from happening to others.

A year later, in honor of their father’s legacy, Swannie and Rachel founded Paralegals for the Community, a mission-driven organization dedicated to uplifting those burdened by the loss of a loved one, fighting injustices within the legal system, and paying it forward—just as Ricardo did and would have wanted them to.

This scholarship was created in his memory—to support students who aspire to pursue legal careers but face economic hardships. It stands as a testament to Ricardo Batista’s spirit of resilience, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his community.