SARASOTA, FL, November 25, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Ricardo Pena Rodriguez has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Pena is recognized for his significant contributions as the founder of Black Shirt Club, which is dedicated to transforming lives by supporting entrepreneurs and individuals eager to enter the business world but uncertain where to begin. The organization prioritizes individuals with drive and dedication, connecting them with the infrastructure and resources needed to develop essential skill sets.

A renowned expert in process optimization, Mr. Pena manages and leads teams across a diverse array of projects, providing strategic guidance and monitoring progress to ensure objectives are met. His responsibilities include balancing project demands, collaborating with developers on technology and artificial intelligence initiatives, and supporting early-stage projects that require additional resources.

Rather than providing direct funding, The Black Shirt Club leverages its in-house agency and network of companies to deliver marketing, financial consulting and technology solutions. Under Mr. Pena's leadership, the organization currently sponsors 15 individuals from sectors including technology, health care and finance, fostering a community where successful members mentor new entrepreneurs in turn.

Alongside his endeavors at The Black Shirt Club and Black Shirt Consulting, Mr. Pena has excelled as a senior financial analyst at Bluestein Capital since 2019. In this role, he applies his extensive background in Treasury and Liquidity to support liquidity risk management initiatives.

From 2018 to 2019, Mr. Pena served as vice president of liquidity risk in the internal audit department at Barclays Investment Bank, where he managed portfolios focused on liquidity and guided audit decisions through comprehensive risk assessments. His leadership in this area was also in part informed by his prior experience as treasury manager at Cheetah Digital, a cross-channel marketing company part of Experian that was later re-branded in 2017. During this time, he was responsible for building the treasury function from the ground up, establishing banking relationships and opening accounts across eight countries.

Mr. Pena's well-traveled career also took him to JP Morgan, where he worked in the chief investment office and treasury with a focus on managing liquidity risk and supporting funding operations for nearly a year.

From 2014 to 2015, Mr. Pena was involved in treasury, funding, and liquidity management at Barclays Investment Bank, where he handled funding for United States broker accounts and conducted liquidity stress tests — critical functions in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Prior to that, he served as an analyst in cash, collateral and liquidity for three years, further developing his expertise in financial operations. His outstanding achievements over the course of nearly seven years at Barclays saw him honored with the CCL Excellence Rises Award.

Before venturing onto his financial and entrepreneurial paths, Mr. Pena pursued higher education and obtained a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. Dedicated to making an impact outside the classroom as well, he was a member of both the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Along with his education, Mr. Pena attributes his success to networking, open-mindedness and empathy — qualities instilled in him by his upbringing. He emphasizes maintaining humility and adherence to core principles, often recalling the wisdom imparted by his parents as a guiding force in his career.

Having grown up in a modest family in the Dominican Republic before moving to Puerto Rico, Mr. Pena understands the barriers faced by those who come from humble beginnings. His early experiences in New York, particularly after leaving the banking realm, highlighted the importance of access and opportunity. It all started with his first startup, a financial services company in New York. Due to his financial background, he quickly became more than just an investor as he took on various roles to support the firm's growth. The challenges he faced in this very first venture, led him to create a platform in Black Shirt Club that facilitates resources, personal growth and skill development for aspiring entrepreneurs — a legacy he considers his greatest accomplishment.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Pena is deeply involved in charitable activities through EM Sports, a sports clothing company owned by his wife Eva. Together, they organize volleyball tournaments in rural areas of the Dominican Republic, distributing clothing and volleyballs while collaborating with local agencies to improve sports facilities. Their outstanding efforts include painting courts and transforming community spaces to promote youth engagement and well-being.

Mr. Pena's commitment to civic engagement extends to ongoing projects in Puerto Rico, where he is working with local entrepreneurs to revitalize neglected beach areas and enhance tourist attractions across the island. He is immensely grateful for the opportunity to give back to the communities that have shaped his journey. Happily married and a proud father of one son, he also enjoys running, traveling, exploring different cuisines, and is an avid car enthusiast with a particular interest in Porsche vehicles.

Looking toward the future, Mr. Pena plans to expand Black Shirt Club by welcoming more entrepreneurs and targeting new regions, including the United Kingdom. Having accomplished a great deal through both his career and community service, he remains dedicated to empowering additional leaders within the organization and pursuing new ventures that align with his mission of making a positive impact around the world.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #