My name is Riley Barrett, and I’m a proud graduate of Marquette University High School, Class of 2018. It was at MUHS that I learned what it truly means to be a “Man for Others”—a lesson that has stayed with me and continues to shape who I am today. It was also at Marquette High where I discovered one of my greatest passions: rugby.
After graduating from MUHS, I attended the University of Iowa, where I earned my degree in Business Management while continuing to play rugby and falling even more in love with the sport. Rugby taught me lessons that extend far beyond the field—leadership, discipline, teamwork, resilience, and the importance of showing up for the people around you.
Knowing I wanted to pursue a career in real estate, I continued my education at Pepperdine University, where I was accepted into a top-ranked master’s program focused on real estate. While earning my master’s degree, I also had the privilege of serving as captain of the rugby team, an experience that strengthened both my competitive spirit and my ability to lead a team toward a common goal.
After completing my master’s degree, I knew I wanted to bring everything I had learned back home to Milwaukee. I’m proud to have begun my career in the real estate industry with Barrett Lo Visionary Development, where I currently manage one of the company’s signature assets, The Moderne. Coming home has given me the opportunity to build my career in the city that raised me.
When I’m not working for Barrett Lo or on the rugby field, you’ll usually find me ice fishing, snowmobiling, enjoying the outdoors, or spending time with friends and family. I’m always up for a challenge, which is how I somehow found myself trading in my rugby cleats for dancing shoes!
I’m used to tackling opponents, but taking on the dance floor might be my toughest competition yet. I’ll be bringing the same competitiveness, energy, and willingness to laugh at myself that I bring to everything else. I may have zero dance experience, but I’m ready to step into the spotlight, put on a show, and hopefully surprise a few people—including myself.
Most importantly, I’m doing it for a cause that means a great deal to me. My continued education has helped shape the person I am today, and having the opportunity to give back to an amazing school while having some fun along the way makes this challenge even more meaningful.
My footwork may be better suited for the rugby field than the dance floor, but I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got. Hopefully I can dance my way to victory, raise some money, share a few laughs, and make a difference for a great cause.
