Richard A. Higgs has woven a diverse tapestry of professional success and philanthropic endeavors throughout his life. His career began in the global financial markets, where he held senior executive positions across Sydney, London, New York, and São Paulo, specializing in Foreign Exchange, Money Markets, and Energy & Commodities.
In 2011, Richard acquired an innovative patent that would later become the foundational technology behind water-soluble PVA film pods. This breakthrough technology is now used by major household brands such as Procter & Gamble’s Tide Pods for Laundry and Cascade for Dishwashing. Richard licensed the technology to other consumer product companies, helping pioneer an entirely new market segment within the cleaning industry. Alongside this, he built a U.S. manufacturing facility to launch his own consumer and commercial brands while also offering private-label contract manufacturing for well-known brands.
This entrepreneurial journey ultimately led Richard to Puerto Rico, where in 2016 he helped establish Great Bay Global Fund. In 2020, he further expanded his footprint on the island by founding HAS Global Ventures LLC, exporting managerial services to the United States and deepening his long-term commitment to Puerto Rico’s economic growth through multiple real estate and business ventures.
Richard’s impact extends well beyond business. As the Founder and Chairman of Dorado Cares Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) and 1101.01 foundation fully certified for child welfare under CECFL, he has played a critical role in addressing urgent community needs. Dorado Cares supports emergency response efforts, ongoing community relief, municipal infrastructure initiatives, and comprehensive child welfare programs focused on social integration and long-term opportunity.
Richard and his wife, Josie Yousef, are deeply integrated into the Puerto Rican community. Together, they have enrolled their three children—Hunter, Sebastian, and Amaya—in local schools and actively engage them in sports and community activities. Their family’s involvement reflects a strong commitment not only to living in Puerto Rico, but to becoming an active and contributing part of Dorado’s future.
Dorado Cares was founded in the wake of Hurricane Fiona, driven by a profound sense of responsibility and compassion to address disaster relief and support the children of Puerto Rico. Looking ahead, Richard has set ambitious goals for the organization, including the creation of a K–12 scholarship fund designed to provide underserved children with access to quality education. Serving as Board Chair, Richard exemplifies the Board’s hands-on leadership and unwavering dedication to creating lasting, meaningful impact through education, community support, and opportunity.
