Councilman Riccardo Dale: Youth, Leadership & Mental Health

On his 28th birthday, Councilman Riccardo Dale shared a candid message that resonated with a generation navigating identity, purpose, and growth.

“I turned 28 today, and regardless of how it may look, I’m still trying to find out who I truly am,” he wrote on Instagram. “I think we all are... We aren’t that different—just starting adulthood on a journey to discover the best versions of ourselves.”

For Dale, this personal reflection is more than just a birthday post—it’s a glimpse into the values that have shaped his work as an international speaker, elected official, and youth advocate. While many in public office speak from polished podiums, Dale chooses authenticity. “I don’t speak from a place of perfection, but from the perspective of someone who is still figuring it out.”

Leading With Purpose

At just 28, Dale serves as a Councilman and the Executive Director of Free All Minds, a year-round academy devoted to providing inner-city youth with the professional, academic, and emotional tools they need to thrive. Through workshops, mentorship, and direct community engagement, Free All Minds is transforming the way underserved youth access opportunity.

Dale recently added TEDx speaker to his list of accomplishments, continuing to amplify his voice in spaces that matter.

Breaking Barriers in Mental Health

One of Dale’s most impactful moments this year came with the hosting of New Jersey’s largest young men’s mental health conference—a powerful gathering that put vulnerability and healing at the forefront.

The event drew hundreds of young men, energized by the presence of rapper G Herbo, who didn’t just perform—he got personal. G Herbo opened up about his own mental health journey, offering insight into how he stays grounded despite the pressures of fame, fatherhood, and touring. The crowd—packed with young men who rarely see this level of openness—responded with admiration and emotion.

A Leader Still Becoming

In an era where many leaders posture as finished products, Riccardo Dale's honesty is a breath of fresh air. His birthday reflection wasn’t a moment of arrival, but a reminder that real leadership includes growing, questioning, and embracing change.

As he continues to travel the world speaking to students, activists, and emerging leaders, Dale proves that you don’t have to have it all figured out to make a difference—you just have to care enough to try.

Follow Councilman's Dale Journey: https://www.instagram.com/freeallminds_/

Donate: https://www.freeallminds.org