Ricky Parker

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT RICKY PARKER

Ricky Parker is an educator, strategic advisor, and award-winning creative professional with a passion for community building and social impact. Formerly Vice President of Community & Business Development at JPMorgan Chase, Parker now advises athletes, universities, and small businesses — most notably serving as Advisor to the Tyrod Taylor Strive Academy at Hampton University— helping them shape powerful narratives that unlock growth opportunities and drive lasting impact.As the Founding Director of the Hip Hop Studies Program at Virginia Union University, Parker developed groundbreaking programming at the intersection of Hip Hop, theology, and popular culture through launching academic courses, public events, and creative projects that elevated the cultural and scholarly conversation around the genre. This pioneering work paved the way for the creation of the Virginia Hip Hop Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and advancing the legacy of Virginia’s Hip Hop culture through education, community engagement, and artistic innovation.A trusted voice in the creative and entrepreneurial space, Parker is also a broker for fine artists, galleries, and collectors, and an avid collector of contemporary art and Hip Hop artifacts. As co-founder of Shockoe Wine and founder of multiple culture-driven ventures, his work bridges the worlds of business, art, and advocacy.His dedication to uplifting marginalized voices has been reflected in his board service with Art 180, The Poe Museum, and Firehouse Theatre. He continues to champion the role of the arts in building stronger, more equitable communities through his work as Vice Chair for the Richmond Public Art Commission.