In a constantly evolving technological world, Michael A. is focused on creating lasting change—especially for those traditionally underrepresented in the tech world. A Brooklyn native, his upbringing as the son of Mexican immigrants inspired him to bridge the gap between opportunity and access in the digital age. His journey from a self-taught tech enthusiast to the founder of Rita Group is a story of resilience, vision, and a commitment to empowering others as he climbs.

A Journey Rooted in Resilience

Michael’s story is not one of immediate success but of overcoming significant challenges. Growing up in a family that struggled to make ends meet, he watched his father balance multiple jobs to provide for his family. This work ethic, paired with an early interest in technology, served as a foundation for Michael’s future endeavors. By high school, he was already teaching himself web development and front-end tech, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become Rita Group.

With no direct path ahead, Michael took the initiative to create his own. His journey was shaped by the same determination that pushed him to overcome adversity. Now, as the founder of Rita Group, he is working toward reinventing the future of tech education and career development.

Rita Group: A Vision for the Future

Rita Group is Michael’s response to a tech ecosystem that often overlooks the very people who stand to benefit from it the most. The company’s mission is to build infrastructure for the next generation of hustlers—those who are willing to work hard, embrace innovation, and use technology as a vehicle for social and professional growth. Through AI-powered solutions and community-driven initiatives, Rita Group is rethinking how we approach tech careers and education.

One of Rita Group’s most impactful features is its subsidiaries, each focused on different growth areas for future technologists and creatives. Rita Lab, for example, is a community-driven initiative emphasizing mentorship, collaboration, and learning resources. It creates a space where aspiring creatives and technologists can access the tools and knowledge they need to grow in their fields. By focusing on underrepresented voices, Rita Lab is aiming to diversify the industry from the ground up.

The company’s Rita ABC platform takes things further by using AI to provide career guidance. Navigating a career in tech can feel overwhelming for many, and traditional education sometimes lacks the practical tools needed to succeed. Rita ABC seeks to bridge this gap by offering AI-driven career tracking, ensuring that individuals can stay on track as they develop the skills required for success.

Then there’s Rita XYZ, a creative collective that links small businesses with technologists to support mission-driven projects. It fosters partnerships that allow businesses to access high-quality digital solutions while creating opportunities for diverse communities to apply their talents in real-world scenarios.

Diversity, DEI, and the Future of Tech

One of the key driving forces behind Michael’s work is a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He recognizes that tech has long been dominated by similar voices, leaving out those who have the potential to shape it meaningfully. Michael A’s stance against the growing anti-DEI movement in tech reflects his belief that the industry’s future lies in inclusivity.

Every initiative at Rita Group embodies this commitment to DEI. From Rita Lab’s mentorship opportunities to Rita ABC’s tailored career tracking, each aspect of Rita Group is designed to help level the playing field and ensure everyone has the chance to succeed. Michael believes that the future of tech is not in big corporate structures but in smaller, diverse ecosystems that empower individuals to thrive.

Photo Courtesy: Rita Group / Michael A

Reclaiming the “Hustle” and Reimagining Mondays

Through his #builtformondai campaign, Michael aims to shift how we view the workweek and the hustle concept. By launching new tech products every Monday, Rita Group encourages people to start their week with a sense of innovation and growth. This approach challenges the conventional, often negative view of Mondays, instead positioning them as days of opportunity and forward momentum.

Michael A also believes that the narrative around hustle needs to be rethought, particularly in communities of color. Rather than equating hustle with burnout, he sees it as a cultural asset—a reflection of ambition, drive, and the desire to achieve meaningful goals. This hustle is nurtured and celebrated at Rita Group, where work is about impact, not just hours logged.

The Role of AI in Career Transformation

While AI has become a buzzword in nearly every industry, Michael A’s approach is grounded in its potential for positive change. He believes that AI should not be viewed as a catch-all solution but rather as a tool that supports individuals in taking control of their career paths. With tools like Rita ABC, AI helps individuals navigate their careers with guidance and support, not replace human connection or mentorship.

As Rita Group grows, Michael’s vision remains to make tech careers accessible, fulfilling, and inclusive. His work is a testament to the potential of leveraging technology for good, ensuring that those who have historically been left out of the conversation are offered the tools and resources they need to succeed.

In the years ahead, Michael A plans to expand Rita Group’s reach and continue to redefine how we think about education, tech careers, and the role of AI in professional development. With a future built on innovation, inclusivity, and community, Rita Group is poised to lead a new era in tech—one where opportunity is available to all, regardless of background or circumstance.

Published by Anne C.