Richard Anthony Celestin was born and raised in Jamaica, Queens, where his entire academic journey took place including his graduating from CUNY School of Law. Prior to entering law school, and since becoming an attorney, he has directed his work towards underrepresented and at-risk youth via the not-for-profit sector and with alternative-to-detention programs in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. He offers his knowledge and insight into the juvenile and criminal justice areas by participating in panel discussions and conducting workshops throughout New York City. In addition, Richard created a limited liability corporation, Richard Celestin Consulting Group, LLC, over 13 years ago for the purposes of developing and providing legal skill development, self-awareness, youth empowerment, and consequential thinking programs to elementary, middle and high school students and parents in the five boroughs and Long Island.

Richard also serves as a consultant for various organizations seeking to develop youth-based programs within the community, practices various areas of the law, and is an adjunct professor at two CUNY colleges, teaching public speaking, critical thinking, criminal justice and professional development. He is the self-published author of “The Hard Facts About Soft Skills“,  “Evolving into Manhood- How to Think, Act and Grow into a Successful Man” and “Embracing Adversity- Finding Power and Strength in Life’s Most Challenging Times” as well as a contributing author in “Our Stories, Our Voices: Black Men Speak Their Truth.”