Ryan's early years were marked by fracture and absence. His parents' divorce carved a quiet void in his childhood, and with his mother often away, the house became a place of silence more than sanctuary. He grew up surrounded by women, yet still felt alone—adrift in a world where guidance was scarce and structure even scarcer. The absence of a steady father figure left him searching, yearning for connection and approval in places that offered little of either.
April 08
School, instead of offering stability, became another battleground. Academics eluded him; homework went unfinished, lessons unabsorbed. Each poor grade carved deeper into his confidence, until self-doubt became a constant companion. Soon, classrooms became cages. He began to slip away—skipping classes, disappearing for hours, then days—until even the thought of school stirred resentment in him. In time, he didn't just struggle with school. He despised it.
April 08
During his tumultuous teenage years in Calgary, Ryan Perez regularly skipped school, get in trouble with the law, finding the traditional classroom environment overwhelming and incompatible with his undiagnosed autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. His absences weren't merely acts of defiance but desperate attempts to escape settings that bombarded his senses and made learning feel impossible rather than enriching.
April 08
In 2002, amidst his struggles with school and identity, Ryan Perez encountered mentors who recognized the untapped potential beneath his troubled exterior and fundamentally altered his life trajectory. These perceptive guides introduced him to transformative worlds that traditional education had never offered: the cultural richness of Black history, the disciplined artistry of martial arts, the emotional expression of music, and the structured creativity of business development. Unlike previous authority figures who had focused on Ryan's deficits, these mentors celebrated his unique perspectives and channeled his intense focus into productive avenues that matched his natural interests and abilities.
April 08
In the early stages of his career, Ryan Perez embarked on his freelance journey as a volunteer graphic designer for non-profit. He dedicated his time to designing promotional materials for nightclubs and served as a print broker, facilitating printing services for various clients. This period allowed Ryan to hone his skills and build a diverse portfolio, laying the groundwork for his future as a full-time freelancer. His commitment to volunteering not only enriched his professional experience but also strengthened his connections within the local business community.
June 09
Ryan won both a gold and a silver medal at the Tiger Balm Internationals tournament.
March 08
Ryan founded the AllCiti Rap Crew alongside his friends Jay Anthony and Nathan Witte. Their goal was to provide an alternative to the prevalent negative rap music of the time. They aimed to divert young people from paths involving violence and drugs.
April 08
The Allciti crew volunteered their time by visiting various schools to teach kids how to avoid choosing the wrong path. They also organized events focused on history, specifically black history. These included a three-day series called "Roots," which celebrated different music genres such as blues, funk, soul, hip hop, reggae, and dancehall.
February 08
Ryan, the rap instructor, approached teaching Matthew Perry how to rap with a personalized and supportive method, starting by breaking down the structure of “The Presents Rap” into manageable sections. He introduced Perry to essential rap techniques such as rhythm control, enunciation, and lyrical flow, helping him understand how to stay on beat and deliver lines with confidence. Through repeated practice sessions and constructive feedback, Ryan guided Perry in mastering the timing and energy needed to perform convincingly. His patient and encouraging style allowed Perry to gradually build his skills and develop the charisma necessary to bring the rap to life on screen.
July 01
Ryan volunteered his time at several organizations, such as the African Caribbean United Foundation of Alberta and the Calgary Reggae Festival. At these places, he organized youth events. He was the first to introduce youth sections at the festival. This happened for two consecutive years when the festival first began.
August 08
In March 2006, Knox United Church in downtown Calgary hosted the Rock Against Racism event, aiming to unite the community through music and raise awareness about the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The event showcased local bands and young artists dedicated to celebrating diversity and combating racism. Among the performers was Ryan Perez's band, AllCiti Crew, who contributed their talents to support the cause and promote inclusivity within the community.
March 21
Ryan won a Western Legacy Award for Youth for his community work with AllCiti, his volunteer efforts, and for turning his life around. He was apart of the first group to receive such an award.
October 01
At the Vertigo Theatre show, Ryan had the unique opportunity to share the stage with Motown legend Martha Reeves and original Funk Brother Joe Hunter. As a young Calgary hip-hop artist, he opened the event with a rap performance, blending his modern style with the timeless soul of Motown. The collaboration created a memorable moment, showcasing the power of music across generations and genres.
March 03
In 2006, Ryan Perez collaborated with Global News to investigate racial profiling in Calgary nightclubs. He organized a group of friends to assist in the hidden camera operation, aiming to highlight discriminatory practices at local venues. Ryan documented this experience and shared it on YouTube, marking his first viral video. The investigation played a pivotal role in raising awareness about racism in Calgary's nightlife scene and contributed to journalist Jill Croto receiving a medal for her exemplary reporting on the issue.
May 23
Ryan also had the honor of meeting Motown legend Uriel Jones during his visit to Calgary. They shared the stage at a local event, where Uriel—known as one of the original Funk Brothers—took a moment to offer Ryan some heartfelt advice: "Do what you love, and let the music lead you." That message stuck with Ryan and continues to inspire his journey as an artist.
March 11
Ryan Perez was featured in the Calgary Herald for his standout remix submission in a national contest held by acclaimed Canadian artist K-OS. Known for blending hip-hop, rock, funk, and soul, K-OS represents a more modern, genre-bending wave of music—very different from the classic Motown sound of the Funk Brothers, with whom Ryan had also worked. The article highlighted Ryan’s unique ability to bridge musical generations, from sharing the stage with legends like Martha Reeves and Joe Hunter, to creating fresh remixes for artists like K-OS. It showcased Ryan’s commitment to building his career from Calgary, proving you don’t have to leave home to make an impact.
February 09
Ryan's greatest collaboration yet arrived with the birth of his son, Malcolm — a new chapter full of love, purpose, and inspiration.
April 09
After the birth of his son Malcolm, Ryan made the decision to stay home and focus on fatherhood while continuing to pursue his passion. He launched a creative agency offering graphic design, online marketing, video editing, and more—allowing him to support his family while staying rooted in his craft. Through his agency work, he collaborated with top Canadian talent, including the iconic Jully Black, and began to establish himself as a trusted creative force behind the scenes.
June 09
Ryan Perez played a pivotal role in co-producing (volunteer role) the Black Gold Awards and the Obsidian Awards, both of which honor excellence within the Black professional community in Calgary, Alberta. The Obsidian Awards, for instance, include categories such as the Black Professionals Trailblazer of the Year, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in their fields. Through his production expertise, Perez ensured these events effectively celebrated the achievements and contributions of Black professionals across various industries.
October 09
Ryan Perez produced the podcast HustleZone, which he later rebranded as Pathway to the Heart. The show garnered over 13,000 downloads and featured interviews with notable guests, including former American Idol contestant William Hung. Additionally, the podcast welcomed a diverse array of entrepreneurs and motivational speakers. Ryan also produced Peasant, Sex and Relationships, Hustle Zone Jam Session, Hustle Zone Exclusiva, The Monica Black Diamond Show, and The First Class Entrepreneurs Nomadic show.
April 09
In this episode, the host interviews Ryan Perez, a web developer who created a project called OneLove, which provides free, professional websites for people with disabilities who are unable to afford them. Perez was inspired by a motivational speaker with cerebral palsy who was struggling to attract business to his website due to its poor design. OneLove is not a foundation but a project affiliated with the Ishin Institute, where Perez learned about community building from his mentor Gary Martin. Martin is a musician, martial arts instructor, and activist who works with the Institute to help young people find their paths and become wholehearted individuals. Martin has worked with people with disabilities in the past, teaching them self-defense and helping them gain confidence. The host and Perez discuss how OneLove works, with small businesses buying a website and donating one to a person with a disability. The program aims to foster community involvement and support for people with disabilities. The interview concludes with a discussion of Perez’s and Martin’s websites and their desire to promote change through their projects.
May 23
As a producer of "Antoinette and Friends," Ryan Perez leveraged his extensive experience in media production and creative direction. His background in various production roles including creative direction, writing, and producing positioned him well to contribute to the show's development and execution. He worked on prouctions with Antoinette Peragine & Norman Seeff. Notable projects were with Sharon Gless, Renee Taylor, Luciana, Gregory Zarian, Trish Doolan and Julian Schlossberg.
September 24
Ryan Perez collaborated with renowned photographer and filmmaker Norman Seeff to produce an engaging virtual seminar for students at the University of Nebraska. Seeff, originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, began his career as a medical doctor before transitioning to photography and filmmaking. He is celebrated for his iconic portraits of artists such as Patti Smith, Andy Warhol, and Carly Simon, and his work often explores the dynamics of human creativity and the creative process. In this seminar, Perez facilitated the integration of technology to connect Seeff with students remotely, ensuring a seamless and interactive experience that highlighted Seeff's insights into creativity and personal development.
April 30
Discover the excitement as beloved actress Renee Taylor, renowned for her iconic roles in "The Nanny" and "The King of Queens," shares her heartfelt testimonial For Ryan! With her firsthand experience, Renee highlights the incredible benefits that have made a difference in her life.
October 16
Ryan Perez began his journey as a content creator by producing online videos advocating for dyslexia awareness. His authentic and informative content resonated widely, leading to significant growth across multiple social media platforms. On Instagram, his account @digitalstemcell has amassed over 41,000 followers, while his @hustlezone account has attracted over 27,000 followers. Collectively, Ryan’s social media presence has expanded to over 300,000 followers. Through his advocacy, Ryan received feedback from the community that led him to explore the possibility of being autistic. This prompted him to begin a self-diagnosis journey and engage in self-advocacy.
April 09
Ryan Perez faced significant mental health challenges due to undiagnosed and untreated symptoms of ADHD and autism. The prolonged struggle to manage these conditions without adequate support led to severe burnout, ultimately resulting in the loss of his job and stable housing. This experience underscores the critical importance of early diagnosis and appropriate support for neurodivergent individuals to prevent such adverse outcomes.
October 09
Ryan’s (while unhoused) had an insightful speech at the Community Now! magazine mental health summit highlighted the urgent need for open conversations about mental health and wellness in our communities.
December 14
In March 2024, Ryan Perez announced that he would be delivering a keynote speech titled "Intersectionality & Reducing Silos" at the Equitable Employment Leadership Summit (EELS) 2024, hosted by the Gateway Association. This event was scheduled for May 21, 2024, at 903 153 Avenue Northeast, Edmonton, AB. The summit aimed to advance inclusive employment and build leadership within communities, featuring sessions such as interactive networking activities, storytelling, and leadership panels.
March 09
In February 2024, Ryan Perez discovered that Dr. Gregory Skinner, a Calgary-based family physician specializing in adult autism assessments, offered diagnostic services covered by Alberta Health Care. Unlike publicly funded assessments, which often involve extended waiting periods, Dr. Skinner's services provided a more timely alternative. Ryan proceeded with the necessary steps and received his autism diagnosis in November 2024. This experience underscored for him the importance of accessible diagnostic services and the need for timely support for neurodivergent individuals.
November 09
In December 2024, with the assistance of local mutual aid organizations, Ryan Perez successfully transitioned out of homelessness. Throughout the year, groups such as Mutual Aid Canada initiative providing food and essential supplies to at-risk Calgarians—offered him consistent support. These organizations played a crucial role in helping Ryan regain stability and secure permanent housing.
December 15
During a challenging period of homelessness, Ryan Perez channeled his experiences into writing three impactful books, all published in April 2025. His memoir, I'm Autistic, Bich!, offers a raw and unapologetic account of his life as a Black autistic man navigating childhood trauma, systemic racism, and a late autism diagnosis. In the socially charged novel Frozen by Light, Ryan explores the story of a billionaire CEO who secretly lives as a homeless man to study the very people his business decisions affect. Additionally, his non-fiction work, Social Media Uncensored, serves as an unfiltered guide to navigating today's complex social media landscape, drawing from his experience as a digital strategist with over 300,000 followers. Through these works, Ryan offers readers a blend of personal narrative, fictional exploration of societal issues, and practical advice, reflecting his multifaceted experiences and insights.
April 09
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