Founder

Dr. Reynaldo Carreón, a Texan born in 1900 to Mexican parents, defied the limited opportunities that prevailed in his community during those times. With unwavering determination, relentless effort, and support from others, he triumphed as an esteemed ophthalmologist in Los Angeles. However, his true calling beckoned him when he discovered the dire healthcare void in East Coachella Valley, where impoverished Mexican workers were deprived of essential medical services. Displaying immense compassion, he devoted his weekends to offering pro bono healthcare in Indio. Recognizing the pressing need, he took a remarkable step by purchasing land and relocating to Indio, where he played a pivotal role in co-founding the Indio Community Hospital in 1966, selflessly donating the land for its establishment. This institution eventually evolved into the renowned JFK Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Carreón’s profound love for the Valley and unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of Mexican-American families have left an indelible impact on countless individuals over the years. His exceptional contributions have garnered widespread recognition from various cities and organizations, immortalizing his legacy through tributes like Dr. Carreón Boulevard, Dr. Carreón Park, and the Dr. Reynaldo J. Carreón Jr. Academy, all proudly bearing his name.

Executive Director

Ricardo Loretta was raised in a small village in northern Mexico named Dinamita, Durango. His father was sent there by DuPont to manage an explosives factory – hence the name “Dinamita” which is dynamite in Spanish.

A graduate of Chapman University (BA Economics), where he met wife Jennifer, and University of Southern California (MBA in International Business), he worked for Ford Motor and Clark Equipment Companies in Michigan, completing his corporate career as CEO of International for Clark. He and his family lived in Mexico and Brazil, and are fluent in Portuguese, in addition to Spanish and English.

Ricardo has a lifelong love of education. He was president of school boards in Michigan and Brazil. He also served on Advisory Boards at University of California San Diego, USC and Chapman, and is currently Chair of the College of the Desert Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Ricardo and Jennifer are active Rotarians as members of Palm Desert Rotary, and they both hold leadership roles. Ricardo was District Governor of the district which covers Riverside and San Bernardino counties in 2018-20.

In 2022, Ricardo received the Senior Inspiration Award from the City of Palm Desert, among many others including the Above & Beyond Award from Angel Light Academy; the President’s Award from the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce; and the Champions of Justice Award for Education from the Riverside County Fair Housing Council. He was also recipient of Rotary International’s highest honor, the “Service above Self” award.

Assuming the position of Executive Director of the Dr. Carreón Foundation is like a dream come true and represents somewhat of a “return to his roots” for Ricardo. “Assisting Mexican-American and other minority ethnicity youth to achieve their dreams of going to college reminds me of where I started and how important it is for young people to get a good education,” he says proudly. Ricardo’s goals are three-fold: Maintain the excellent quality of service the Foundation has delivered in its 32+ years of existence, foster broader awareness of the Foundation in the Eastern Inland Empire, and develop a growth plan so that the Foundation is capable of helping more students in the future.