Since 2007, we have Empowered Futures Through STEM, Because Knowledge Is Beyond Boundaries
Saving the Future
Upward Bound Charities, Inc. (IRS tax exempt), Engineering and Math Program, promoting STEM Career’s and College Majors, among 6-12 grade Students in Southern California, STEM, an acronym for (Science Technology Engineering and Math), is a program that consists of two components, College Prep / Career guidance and an Academic Enrichment in Math, Science, Chemistry and Physics. In the College Prep segment, STEM, prepares Middle and High school students, for a College major in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics; and into Careers of the Future. In the second segment, which is Academic Enrichment segment, students are provided academic assistance with the following subjects: SAT-Prep, Algebra, and Calculus, College Prep-Science w/Lab Dissection, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Technology. In closing, the STEM Program is different, then current YLC (Youth leadership Conferences) that teaches morals and a way of life.
Executive Board
Meet Our Ceo
Damon E. Martin, Esq. is a graduate of California State University at Northridge where he earned a B.A. in Political Science the year of the Earthquake (1994). After graduation Mr. Martin worked as a Career Counselor at California State University at Pomona. Mr. Martin ended his career with the CSU system to pursue a different career in law. A year after working, Mr. Martin enrolled in law school at Pepperdine University School of Law. Three years later Mr. Martin graduated from law school in the top quarter of his class. After passing the California State Bar, Attorney Martin began his legal career in 1999 as a Staff Attorney for the County of Los Angeles. For the last several years Attorney Martin has been in private practice with an office in Van Nuys, CA. Attorney Martin’s areas of legal expertise are Family Law and Estate Planning. Attorney Martin has over 20 years of legal experience. Attorney Martin has published multiple articles in the American Journal of Family Law and has been a featured speaker at numerous conferences.
In addition to practicing law, Attorney Martin is a full-time college professor at National University. In July 2018, Prof. Martin was promoted to the position of Academic Program Director of the Criminal Justice Program at National University. When Attorney Martin is not practicing law or teaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife Lia of 23 years, son Taylor and daughter Alex. And sometimes he is even able to play a round of golf.
Attorney Martin has served as CEO of Upward Bound Charities, Inc., since 2019.
Meet our Executive Officer of Administration
Rashad Gilliam is a multifaceted professional with a rich background spanning healthcare administration, technology, and military service. Graduating from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration and holding an Associate of Science in Health Information Technology from Charles Drew University, Rashad's commitment to service is evident.
His journey took an innovative turn with a 4-Month Intensive Full-stack Developer Bootcamp at LEARN Academy in San Diego, where he honed his skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Ruby on Rails, and more.
Currently, Rashad serves as a Veterans Service Representative (VSR) at the Veterans Benefits Administration LARO, applying his expertise to determine veterans' eligibility for benefits and interpreting complex VA laws.
Outside his primary role, Rashad dedicates his time to the US Air Force Reserves as a Heavy Equipment Operator, ensuring the construction and maintenance of critical infrastructure while upholding safety standards.
Previously, Rashad contributed his talents as a Disability Retirement Support Specialist II at the Los Angeles County Employee Retirement Association (LACERA), where he meticulously analyzed workers' compensation files and prepared comprehensive disability evaluation reports.
With a robust blend of healthcare, technology, and military experience, Rashad is well-equipped to tackle challenges and drive meaningful change. His unwavering dedication to service and continuous pursuit of excellence make him a valuable asset to any organization.
Meet our Executive Officer of Public Relations
Robert Taylor is a graduate of California State University of Long Beach where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1992 and an Associate Art degree from West Los Angeles College in 1989. Both degrees were in Criminal Justice.
After graduation Mr. Taylor began working for the State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF) where he worked as an adjuster for 18 years. Soon after Mr. Taylor left SCIF and began working for the Uninsured Employers Benefit Trust Fund where he worked as an adjuster for 9 years; thereafter, Mr. Taylor promoted to a State of California Auditor where he worked for 5 years before being promoted again to a Senior Auditor position which is the current title Mr. Taylor holds.
Mr. Taylor has two daughters. Britney Taylor who’s 35 years of age and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and currently works for the State of California. Morgan Taylor who’s 13 years of age will be graduating from middle school, St. Jerome, and will be attending Bishop Montgomery high schoolRobert Taylor is a graduate of California State University of Long Beach where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1992 and an Associate Art degree from West Los Angeles College in 1989. Both degrees were in Criminal Justice.
After graduation Mr. Taylor began working for the State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF) where he worked as an adjuster for 18 years. Soon after Mr. Taylor left SCIF and began working for the Uninsured Employers Benefit Trust Fund where he worked as an adjuster for 9 years; thereafter, Mr. Taylor promoted to a State of California Auditor where he worked for 5 years before being promoted again to a Senior Auditor position which is the current title Mr. Taylor holds.
Mr. Taylor is a member of Phi Beta Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc since 1994 where he’s since has been financial and held positions as an Executive Officer and a Committee Chair. Mr. Taylor currently holds the office of Executive Officer of Public Relations in Upward Bound Charities, Inc.
Meet our Executive Officer of Operations and Grants
Michal Haynes is a 20-year veteran in the Engineering and Compliance Division -Air toxic and Waste unit of the SCAQMD, a regional Governmental Agency. As a senior compliance officer/ auditor and member of the Haz Mat/ Emergency Response team, he is responsible for complaints, investigations, joint agency audits, compliance inspections and Toxic/Haz wastes releases and emergency response investigations. Currently, assigned to investigations and compliance audits that require an elevated level to details/ knowledge. He serves as the agencies expert witness in court/depositions regarding asbestos, lead and contaminated work sites. He currently teaches the asbestos contractors compliance class and performs outside speaking engagements. He has expert knowledge of the rules and regulations regarding remediation of DOD, DOE, Classified and Biological contaminated waste sites and Landfills. He interfaces with General/ Demo contractors, DOSH-Certified Asbestos Consultant (CAC/CSST), DTSC/ EPA/ Fireman/ Corporate Environmental Officers, Health Department and other Business and Government representatives.
Investigation Types:
Asbestos Release
Site Inspection /Preliminary Compliance Actions
Site Stabilization
Site Sampling (Asbestos Survey)
Survey Results
Mitigation/ Cleanup Plan
ACWM Storage
Haz and Non-Haz Manifest / Disposal Sites
Final Compliance Actions
Fines And Penalties
Rules/ Regulations Handling an Emergency Chemical Release/ Spill.
Education: BS Science Minor: Chem. Engineering Certificates: Hazardous Materials Specialist/ Waste specialist
Organizations: Omega Psi phi Fraternity, Inc. and Chemical Society Hobby: Tutoring Biology and Chemistry to middle and high school students
Meet our Executive Officer of Social Action
Zephran Hamlin has been a Licensed CA Real Estate Broker since 1996. Mr. Hamlin is a R.E. Professional with extensive residential income property investments and management experience, over 35years, with hands on operations with Tenants, Owners and Commercial Building Managers. Complete competence in Landlord tenant relationship rules of law and R.E. client ethics. Mortgage Loan Originator Designation
Regional & Engineering Manager, 13 years in Telecom Industry
As Engineering Manager, he directed and managed performance of Transmission Design Engineers and Strategic Technology Planners for Los Angeles & Ventura counties in CA. He provided new network equipment implementation cost analysis and performance impacts to meet future technical and basic service needs of growing area populations. As Ca. Regional Manager for Site acquisitions, he negotiated leases with large commercial building owners, managers or large Commercial Portfolio managers as needed. Also, he provided direction and coaching to Ca Regional team members that all possess Law J.D., R.E. Agents & Brokers or Engineering credentials.
Education and Skills Training
B.S. Electrical Engineering from Ca. State University Long Beach 1982
Leadership group facilitation training over 100 small & large group meeting 1986-88
Engineering & Management Program UCLA Extension 1988
Technology Internship Program at Bellcore (formally Bell Labs) TIPB Class of 1991
Ca. Dept. of Real Estate Broker License 1996. MLO- Mortgage Loan Originator Designation March 2022
Community Involvement & Honors
Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers (LACBPE) Life Member, Past President 1996-97
40 year Fraternity Service Award 2018 Held various chapters leadership and regional committee titles
Inglewood Citizens Oversight Committee for School Board Architect Selection and construction 1996-98
Mr. Hamlin volunteered with LA and Inglewood schools grades 3-12 and college engineering students, frequently, over past 40 years as a mentor or college liaison by partnering with nonprofit organization's programs.
Mr. Hamlin served on several non-profit and other Boards including CITIES, Achievers Ltd., MESA, NSBE, LACBPE and others.
Special Thanks to Our Biggest Supporter