June 18, 2021 —  Northern Kentucky University's Rico Grant has been presented with the Reds Community Advocate Award. Grant, an entrepreneur and executive director of NKU's SoCap Accelerate, received the award as part of the Reds' annual African American Community Night on July 16.

The award, presented by TriHeath, celebrates and recognizes business representatives, community leaders and civil servants in the region who advocate connection and inclusion. Known as a connector throughout the region, Grant is a serial entrepreneur advising several startups and various local foundations. He is the under of Paloozanoire and creator of Gallery At Gumbo, in addition to his role with NKU's health innovation accelerator, SoCap Accelerate. 

"To be recognized is one thing but to be recognized by an organization you absolutely adore is a whole new ballgame, no pun intended," said Grant. "None of this would be possible without the support of our community, the people who make up that community and our region at large. So we'll celebrate this win, but with the people in mind, so we'll make it brief, allowing us to get back to work." 

Grant also serves on the board of Findlay Market, OTR Chamber and Elementz. In addition, the Reds recently partnered with him to create the 'In the Street On Juneteenth Block Party at The Banks.'