Meet Michael A of Rita Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael A

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
First and foremost, I’m a proud son of immigrant parents from Mexico. I’m also a proud son of Brooklyn, New York. From the creativity to the realness, from the people to the culture, the borough that raised me has undoubtedly shaped me and my trajectory. Growing up, I always saw people doing multiple things, working on multiple projects, or perhaps working multiple jobs to make ends meet – like my dad. I grew up watching my dad work 3 jobs just so my family and I could have the essentials. And now, I operate the same way. I’m a multi-hyphenate hustler.

I grew up on Hip Hop. I legit used to fall asleep to Hip Hop as a kid. My family had an old boombox, the one with a cassette tape for recording. I would spend hours creating “mixtapes” of my favorite songs. I can’t explain it, but that creative process spoke to me as a kid. I remember being so aware of that process. I also remembering being so aware of the technology that was enabling that process. A few years later in High School, I took a class named “JavaScript” – I didn’t learn any bit of JavaScript… However, I learned enough about frontend tech to point me in the right direction. I then obsessively taught myself everything I could get my hands on about building web products that summer. There I was, again, using a piece of tech (our old family shared laptop) to build, create, and let my imagination run.

Fast forward to today – I’ve been in tech for 12 years. I’m a Design Leader, Tech Strategist, Educator, and Founder. And part-time DJ! My most recent full-time gig was working as Director of Product Design at an agency based out of Brooklyn. In the evenings, I teach at Kingsborough Community College (a college in the same borough that raised me). I’m also a mentor at a tech bootcamp. And since leaving my full time job, I’ve been building out my ed-tech company named Rita Group (made up of 3 subsidiaries).

I feel compelled to use this opportunity to say the following: Don’t let people confuse you into doing one thing. Humans are naturally multidimensional. Your full time job doesn’t have to be your main thing. Everything overlaps. Our journeys are complicated. Simplifying your greatness is counterproductive. Everything is just time management. Do all the things. Your greatness is a combination of a bunch of things. Don’t limit your greatness.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve always said I’m very comfortable in uncomfortable situations. I credit Brooklyn again. My upbringing wasn’t easy. My parents struggled raising my siblings and I – as immigrants from Mexico building from zero. Sometimes we didn’t have enough to eat, sometimes we didn’t have enough to pay the bills, and most times we were in debt. I can’t thank my parents enough for their sacrifices and hard work, but I also appreciate the struggle itself. It made me stronger, it gave me perspective, and it prepared me for future struggles (that would seem significantly less in comparison). And this doesn’t even cover the multiple near-death experiences I’ve had.

As a result, I feel so ready to take on anything that comes my way. Creative blocks, professional problems to solve, entrepreneurial struggles, whatever. Now that I’m at this point in my life and career, my perspective is completely different. I don’t have to, I get to. No matter what the struggle is, I get to. No matter what tries to get in my way, I get to.

Professionally, I’ve made mistakes, I’ve been challenged, I’ve been embarrassed, I’ve been rejected, I’ve been delayed, I’ve been disrespected, I’ve been under-appreciated, I’ve been put in very difficult situations – the list goes on and on. But all of these things are part of it. It all makes for a better story. And I can’t wait to tell it later once I get there.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rita Group?
Over the last few years, I’ve been building Rita Group where we’re designing a next generation human experience.

More specifically, Rita Group is an inclusive ecosystem where creatives, builders, and entrepreneurs can connect, learn, and create within the tech, digital, product, and design industries. Our mission is to design and realize an efficient, inclusive, and sustainable future human experience by leveraging technology, digital, creativity, design, and diverse voices.

https://www.instagram.com/_ritagroup

The first phase of our mission, and larger 10 year plan, is focused on community and career. The three initiatives that make up phase one are: Rita Lab, Rita ABC, and Rita XYZ.

1. Rita Lab – supporting the next generation of technologists.

More specifically, Rita Lab is a community for those coming up in tech at the intersection of career, connection, creativity, and culture. Our mission is to make tech and digital spaces more diverse and inclusive by inviting and supporting more diverse voices, career seekers, and entrepreneurs. We offer community, connection, free events, educational and informative seminars, helpful resources, and so much more!

https://www.instagram.com/_ritalab

2. Rita ABC – a roadmap for the next generation of hustlers.

Simply put, we’re building an app and with your support, it’ll be out very soon! More specifically, Rita ABC is an all encompassing AI-powered platform guiding future creatives and technologists on their career journeys. Our mission is to make the tech and digital spaces more diverse and inclusive by helping creatives, future innovators, career changers, and the next generation identify their unique contributions to society.

https://www.instagram.com/_ritaabc

3. Rita XYZ – a next generation studio for mission driven works.

More specifically, Rita XYZ is a creative collective supporting diverse creatives by connecting diverse small business owners with diverse technologists to drive purposeful progress. Our mission is to support diverse creatives through mission- and purpose-driven technology. Simply put, we offer premium digital services to new or growing small businesses and we also host an impactful apprenticeship program for beginners – helping both small business owners and tech beginners succeed.

https://www.instagram.com/_ritaxyz/

Listen y’all, we have big things on the way. I invite everyone to join us. Our vision is clear. Our strategy is tight. Our team is focused. I truly believe we can build a post-modern education offering. I truly believe we can help people achieve generational wealth. I truly believe can help people pursue truly fulfilling careers. Let’s get it!

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelmakesco

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmakesco/

Website: https://www.michael-a.info/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelmakesco

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michael-a.info/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelmakesco
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelmakesco
• Other: https://www.michaelmakes.live/