“I watched my son disappear into a system that saw him as a statistic, not a person,” Caryn reflects. “And I knew he wasn’t alone. There were thousands of young people in communities like Compton who needed someone to believe in them, to invest in them, and to show them a different path forward.”

That pain became purpose in 2017 when Caryn founded TouchUp Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing technology education and workforce development for underserved and at-risk youth. Drawing on her background in psychology, she understood that transformation requires more than just skills training—it demands holistic support, mentorship, and genuine human connection.

Caryn chose to focus on Compton deliberately. While many saw a community defined by its challenges, she saw untapped potential and a critical need for rebranding and opportunity creation. “Compton has been written off by too many people for too long,” she explains. “But this community is full of brilliant young people who just need someone to invest in their potential. Closing the digital divide isn’t just about technology—it’s about dignity, opportunity, and belief.”

Under Caryn’s leadership, TouchUp Inc has achieved remarkable outcomes that reflect her personal commitment to redemption and second chances. The organization’s work with probation-involved youth has resulted in zero recidivism during 12-month follow-up—a testament to what happens when young people receive comprehensive support rather than condemnation. Her coding program at Job Corps Los Angeles achieved a 78% completion rate, with 60% of graduates pursuing additional technology education.

Today, Caryn serves as CEO of TouchUp Inc while working as a financial controller,  bringing financial expertise and community connections to both roles.

For Caryn, this work is not just a professional calling—it is deeply personal mission. “Every young person we serve reminds me of my son,” she says. “They deserve the same thing every parent wants for their child: a real chance to build a meaningful life. That’s what we’re creating at TouchUp Inc—not just training programs, but genuine pathways from incarceration to innovation, from poverty to possibility.”

Her message to funders and partners is simple but powerful: “When you invest in TouchUp Inc, you’re not funding a program. You’re investing in redemption, in second chances, and in the belief that every young person—no matter their circumstances—deserves the opportunity to thrive.”