Caryn York

39, CEO and President, Baltimore Corps

Caryn York, born and raised in West Baltimore and a City College graduate, previously led the Women’s Prison Association in New York City, focusing on family reunification as well as barriers to education and jobs.

“I think a lot of folks see my work, and they look at me as a criminal justice advocate,” York said. “That’s not totally untrue. But what’s more is I’m a workforce advocate. I’m very focused on economic justice as one of the major civil rights issues of the day.”

In September 2023, York moved back home to take over Baltimore Corps, a nonprofit co-founded by Gov. Wes Moore that hosts a fellowship program for local HBCU graduates interested in local government and entrepreneurship.

“There was just this yearning in me to come home,” York said. “I’m a Baltimorean. I love being able to do work in my city on behalf of my city.”

York called Baltimore Corps’ recent 10-year anniversary a major milestone for the organization and said she is excited about continuing to help keep bright locals in the city with civic opportunities.

“Honestly and very unapologetically, I am always concerned with how we make Black or brown folks have the same opportunities when it comes to job opportunities with livable wages,” York said.

— Dillon Mullan