One Road, Many Paths

In the spring of 2008, 17-year-old Rícky J. Marc received a rejection letter from the University of Central Florida. For many, this moment might have marked a dead end. But for Rícky, it was the spark that ignited an extraordinary journey—one built on resilience, adaptation, and purpose.

Undeterred, he chose a different path, enrolling at Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBAU), where his passion for public service and civic engagement began to flourish.

By 2010, as a junior at PBAU, he found himself walking the halls of District 84’s office of Florida State Representative Mack Bernard, serving as an Executive Intern. This opportunity provided his first real exposure to the legislative process, policy research, and the critical role of government in shaping communities—setting the foundation for what would become a career rooted in public service.

In 2012, Rícky graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Communications, equipping him with the analytical and communication skills essential for political strategy and policy development.

Shortly after graduation, he joined the office of newly-elected State Representative Bobby Powell, serving as Junior District Secretary for House District 88.

Little did he know, this was only the beginning.

In 2013, law school admissions brought another wave of rejections. Yet, true to his nature, Rícky pressed forward and began his legal studies at St. Thomas University School of Law. By 2014, he had enrolled in a dual-degree program, pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Sports Administration alongside his Doctor of Law, recognizing the importance of integrating business acumen with legal expertise.

That same year, his academic excellence was recognized with the CALI Award for Sports Law, a distinction awarded to the highest-performing student in the course.

Beyond the classroom, Rícky sought hands-on experience in the sports industry. He interned with the Miami HEAT’s Business Communications Department, where he contributed articles to TIPOFF Magazine, gaining insight into the business and legal operations of a professional sports franchise.

Then, as fate would have it, something extraordinary would happen next.

In December 2015, Rícky received an invitation to join the White House Internship Program under President Barack Obama.

Serving in the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, he helped coordinate opportunities for dialogue between the Obama Administration and communities across the nation, ensuring that diverse voices were heard in policymaking. The experience was transformative, opening his eyes to the power of public service on a global scale and reinforcing his belief in the role of government as a force for equity and progress.

But his journey did not stop there.

In the summer of 2016, Rícky embarked on a new chapter, joining Cornell Law School’s Paris Summer Institute at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.

Paris would soon become a second home, offering him an international lens and a deepened appreciation for global law, comparative legal systems, and policy frameworks. His studies in the City of Light continued for two additional summers, further shaping his expertise in international affairs and molding him into the globally minded professional he is today.

By 2017, with three summers in Paris under his belt, Rícky could see the finish line. Years of dedication and perseverance culminated in the completion of his Doctor of Law and Master of Science in Sports Administration, marking a major milestone in his academic career. These achievements were not only the result of rigorous study and professional discipline but also a testament to his unwavering drive to merge legal expertise with leadership in the sports and public sectors.

Yet, his commitment to service remained steadfast, calling him back to where it all began: the District Office of Senator Bobby Powell. Returning with a broader perspective and refined skill-set, he took on the role of Legislative Aide, where he played a pivotal part in shaping legislative communication, fostering meaningful engagement between policymakers and constituents, and advancing policies that directly impacted the community he cherished.

Today, Rícky is in pursuit of even greater heights. With a Ph.D. in International Relations and Diplomacy and an LL.M. in International Law from the University of Miami on the horizon, he continues to expand his academic and professional reach, deepening his expertise in global governance, diplomacy, and legal frameworks.

His global impact is evident through his leadership at Marc-Vincent Global, where he drives innovative initiatives at the intersection of law, policy, and international affairs. Additionally, his role as a Teaching Assistant at the American Graduate School in Paris allows him to contribute to the academic development of future global leaders. His unwavering dedication to human rights advocacy and translation reflects his broader commitment to accessibility, justice, and cross-cultural dialogue.

Native-fluent in English and continually refining his French proficiency, Rícky bridges cultures and communities through his diverse body of work—spanning media production, international law, and civic engagement—as he remains steadfast in his mission to create a more just and interconnected world.

 Amazingly, Rícky’s journey began with what many would see as an ending—a rejection letter in 2008. But as his story demonstrates, rejection is often just the prelude to transformation. 

What seemed like a closed door became a gateway to opportunities that would reshape his path in ways he never imagined. Rather than letting disappointment define him, he used it as fuel to forge ahead, setting the stage for a journey of resilience, purpose, and growth.

From the halls of the Florida Legislature to the White House, from Miami to Paris, Rícky’s life is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the power of relentless determination. Each step, each challenge overcome, has strengthened his resolve and expanded his vision. The future remains unwritten, but one thing is certain: the best chapters are yet to come.