Meet the Founder: Rickey-Dean Wasson

Hi, I’m Rickey-Dean Wasson, a proud native of Los Angeles with a passion for technology, the arts, and helping others find their spark. My journey began with an unlikely promise and an old-school computer that changed everything.

At the age of 10, my grandmother made me a deal: spend more time outdoors, and she’d buy me a computer.

True to her word, Christmas 1980 delivered the RadioShack TRS-80 Color Computer—the gift that opened the door to a world I never knew existed. I spent hours teaching myself BASIC coding from its 300-page manual, turning curiosity into a lifelong love of technology.

But life, much like coding, is a series of loops and iterations. As I grew, my interests expanded to writing, acting, and directing. I explored the arts while staying connected to tech, editing yearbook layouts on a Mac and tinkering with the early internet before it was cool.

After high school, I pursued acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and my career took me across the globe. Eventually, my journey led me to a pivotal moment at the Los Angeles Times, where I trained teams on new tech systems and discovered my passion for teaching. That experience launched me into the world of instructional design and corporate training, including a 22-year stint in London with firms like PriceWaterhouseCoopers and IBM Business Consulting UK. I helped global clients adapt to large-scale business solutions while sharpening my skills in facilitation, program management, and instructional design.

Now back in Los Angeles, I’m embracing my "Third Act" with a mission close to my heart. After years of contemplation, I realized my legacy isn’t just about the knowledge I’ve gained—it’s about the opportunities I can create for others. That’s why I founded the TechArts Empowerment Foundation.

TechArts is my way of paying it forward, combining my love of technology and the arts to empower marginalized youth with digital and creative skills. My goal is simple: to open a world of possibilities for young people who may not have the means to explore it on their own.

Looking back, I often think about what I’d tell my 10-year-old self as he typed away on that TRS-80 late into the night: Keep going. Every keystroke, every creative endeavor, every failure, and every triumph is building something extraordinary.

Fun Facts About Me

  • Favorite Artists: I’m inspired by storytellers like the late Maya Angelou and Ava DuVernay and captivated by visual artists like Kehinde Wiley and Salvador Dali.

  • Advice to My 10-Year-Old Self: You are not alone, there’s a whole world of thinkers like you. Don’t let the naysayers detract you from doing what you love. Don’t be afraid to fail.

  • Where I See TechArts in 10 Years: I envision a thriving community where thousands of students have gained the confidence and skills to break barriers, innovate, and create.

Let’s create a legacy of possibilities together.