When Ronnie pops up at a skatepark they are on a solo mission.  And that works because when they go places they usually just know people.  

Being super friendly and welcoming is how I met Ronnie back in 2019 at an event co-hosted by Skate Like a Girl and Leo Baker’s NYC Skate Project where they were instructing.

Ronnie’s cousin Gian got them into skateboarding when they were younger, but at the time they were way more into basketball.  “I was a poser.  I used to pretend that I skated in high school.  People asked me about tricks and I would be like ‘oh, yeah, that one,’ so then I decided to pick it up for real.”  Around 19 they really started getting into skating and that’s been a huge part of their life ever since.

Recently, Ronnie started The Collective Vibe, a black skate group that has meetups about once a month.  There is also The Collective Tribe which is for black, brown, and indigenous folks launching soon.  The Collective Ally is for everyone to join in and support, making space for everyone.  (Big shout out from Ronnie to Skate Like a Girl for supporting them with gear to raffle off as well as All-a-Board Skate Shop and Pops Skate Shop.

The Collective gives out equipment to anyone who needs used stuff, people can donate their used equipment by DMing The Collective Ally.  You can also donate to The Collective through Venmo @checkthecollective.