Every Life Is a Canvas. Every Young Person Deserves the Tools to Create Their Future.
Mentorship • STEAM • Leadership • Creativity • Community
Who We Are
Opportunity Changes What Is Possible.
Paint Your Canvas brings creativity, mentorship, education, wellness, and leadership together to help people grow, contribute, and thrive.
Programs
Featured Programs
Luminary Initiative Mentorship
Consistent, trusted relationships that turn potential into direction — with the family engaged, not sidelined.
Ignite Academy
STEAM learning, creative projects, digital literacy, and early career exposure. Where curiosity becomes confidence.
Leadership Excellence Program
Public speaking, civic engagement, service learning, and restorative dialogue. Leadership is not a title — it is a practice.
Athlete Performance Accelerator
Athletic development, wellness, academic accountability, and mentorship through sport. Discipline that carries past the game.
Luminary Sound Lab
Music creation, recording, storytelling, and media skills. Every young person carries a story — this gives them the tools to shape it.
5 Core Programs
1,000 People by 2030
Multiple Community & Institutional Partners
2025–2026 Grant Support
Voices
The People Behind the Numbers
My name is Isaac Valdivia and I reside in Concord, California. I am currently 17 years old and a student at Clayton Valley Charter High School, entering my senior year. I first met Conrad when I was 15 at a football camp held at De La Salle High School. Over time, Conrad and a few others provided me with the opportunity to attend De La Salle High School, which I accepted. However, I soon realized that the school was not the right fit for me, and this is when I truly witnessed Conrad's mentorship and support in action. I felt that I had minimal support when I decided to transfer back to Clayton Valley, but Conrad and my father stood by me throughout the process. Even now, about 2 years after our initial meeting, Conrad continues to stay in contact with me on a weekly basis and provides me with opportunities that others have not. Despite living on the other side of the United States, Conrad still makes an effort to mentor me and check in on my well-being. Conrad's support is invaluable to me, as I do not receive the same level of care and guidance from anyone else aside from my family members. I am truly grateful for everything Conrad has done and continues to do for me.
As a single mother raising two adolescents in the concrete jungle of NYC . It’ has not been an easy. I’m fortunate that I have met wonderful people throughout this journey of motherhood. It’s been tough as my financial circumstances have caused stressed and limited my opportunities to give my children what I would’ve hoped for. However, meeting Conrad and his non profit organization, Paint Your Canvas has been a blessing to me and my son . Conrad has become a true mentor and advocate for young men that need leadership and support. My son has benefited and recognizes the importance of guidance and paying it forward . Conrad’s, Paint Your Canvas is truly a positive gift that all young men can experience by learning what it takes to become a successful leader. Beyond blessed that there is still caring people that are passionate to help those in need.
With great admiration and respect, I share this testimony for Conrad Roberts, a dedicated leader and advocate for the youth in Richmond, CA, and now the New York City community with Paint Your Canvas. For years, Conrad has created opportunities for at-risk youth, offering them pathways to success and hope through his tireless work. Conrad has designed and led workshops and groups to build young people's self-esteem and resilience. His approach goes beyond programming-he has created safe spaces where youth feel seen, heard, and valued. His work empowers youth to develop confidence and envision a future full of possibilities. Conrad has inspired youth and taught them life skills through integrating sports and education. I wholeheartedly support and commend his efforts and am confident that his work will continue to uplift and empower future generations.
Voices
The People Behind the Numbers
My name is Isaac Valdivia and I reside in Concord, California. I am currently 17 years old and a student at Clayton Valley Charter High School, entering my senior year. I first met Conrad when I was 15 at a football camp held at De La Salle High School. Over time, Conrad and a few others provided me with the opportunity to attend De La Salle High School, which I accepted. However, I soon realized that the school was not the right fit for me, and this is when I truly witnessed Conrad's mentorship and support in action. I felt that I had minimal support when I decided to transfer back to Clayton Valley, but Conrad and my father stood by me throughout the process. Even now, about 2 years after our initial meeting, Conrad continues to stay in contact with me on a weekly basis and provides me with opportunities that others have not. Despite living on the other side of the United States, Conrad still makes an effort to mentor me and check in on my well-being. Conrad's support is invaluable to me, as I do not receive the same level of care and guidance from anyone else aside from my family members. I am truly grateful for everything Conrad has done and continues to do for me.
Most people operate out of lack and fear and self centeredness. Empathy. Sympathy and compassion are only relegated to themselves. They fail to see the connectedness of the shared human experience of suffering, love and a need for authenticity and connection. PYC fosters hope and love in action. It is through active loving, acceptance, inclusion , belonging and protection that PYC allows for at risk families and youth to flower into the future thriving, valued and empowered.
As a single Mother of a 15 years old male High School Sophomore, sometimes expenses get out of control. He runs AAU track and eats nonstop!!! I work a full time job and with the prices of everything, a lot of the times there is more month than money. It is so important to me to keep my young black son busy so that he won’t have idle time to get himself into trouble, I have to make sacrifices. I was talking to Conrad about my situation and he was able to give us money for food through his non profit Paint Your Canvas. I pride myself on not asking for help, but sometimes you need to lean on others.
As a single mother raising two adolescents in the concrete jungle of NYC . It’ has not been an easy. I’m fortunate that I have met wonderful people throughout this journey of motherhood. It’s been tough as my financial circumstances have caused stressed and limited my opportunities to give my children what I would’ve hoped for. However, meeting Conrad and his non profit organization, Paint Your Canvas has been a blessing to me and my son . Conrad has become a true mentor and advocate for young men that need leadership and support. My son has benefited and recognizes the importance of guidance and paying it forward . Conrad’s, Paint Your Canvas is truly a positive gift that all young men can experience by learning what it takes to become a successful leader. Beyond blessed that there is still caring people that are passionate to help those in need.
The amount of support and advice that i have received from Paint Your Canvas has been tremendous. I am an upcoming sophomore in highschool, I aspire to go to College and Play basketball and major in criminal justice. Throughout my years of schooling I have been supported by PYC to continue my dreams as well as giving me lessons and ways to achieve said dreams. My favorite part about PYC is how I’m shown role models that I dream to be like and hope to become successful just like them. Having an image of success by you and around, greatly contributes to how i will grow as an athlete, student and an overall leader. In conclusion the support and love I have and will continue to receive from PYC has exponentially improved my life, wellbeing, and dreams to become the best and most successful person i can be.
With great admiration and respect, I share this testimony for Conrad Roberts, a dedicated leader and advocate for the youth in Richmond, CA, and now the New York City community with Paint Your Canvas. For years, Conrad has created opportunities for at-risk youth, offering them pathways to success and hope through his tireless work. Conrad has designed and led workshops and groups to build young people's self-esteem and resilience. His approach goes beyond programming-he has created safe spaces where youth feel seen, heard, and valued. His work empowers youth to develop confidence and envision a future full of possibilities. Conrad has inspired youth and taught them life skills through integrating sports and education. I wholeheartedly support and commend his efforts and am confident that his work will continue to uplift and empower future generations.
Conrad is deeply committed to community service and youth development. Through his mentorship of young black and brown men in Richmond, CA, and New York, NY, I have seen him use leadership, a love of giving back, and service to bring equity and access to our disadvantaged communities. He is an insightful thought partner and a true team player and leader.
"As a young student-athlete, I had the pleasure of getting to know Conrad, and this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Being a three-sport athlete, it's essential to have people in your corner who not only support you but also empower you to become a better person overall. Regardless of the situation, Conrad has always found time to check up on me, even to this day. Despite the negative circumstances I faced, I was able to overcome them and move forward to play collegiate football, and much of that success can be attributed to Conrad's unwavering support. Now, as an adult with kids of my own, I realize just how invaluable the relationship I have with Conrad truly is. Student-athletes need the kind of genuine support that I was fortunate enough to receive from him. Thanks to Conrad, I was able to continue painting my canvas and pursue my dreams."
After a career in education that spans more than five decades, I derive great joy and satisfaction from attesting to the character, dedication, and intellect of those I came to know in all aspects of my life. In the case of Conrad Roberts, I do so with a special sense of gratification. Over the past ten years, we spent countless hours discussing his vision for enriching the lives of at-risk youth. I followed him when that mission took him to the West Coast, and I know the plans that he now wants to bring to fruition on the East Coast. Those who wish to invest in the future of young people who face unique challenges in education and in the workforce would be wise to support him in his endeavors. I offer my highest testimonial on his behalf.
“It was truly a pleasure to work alongside Conrad and the Paint Your Canvas team for the Fall Campaign event. The project was a great opportunity to support and empower our youth by creating a space where they could engage, express themselves, and learn through meaningful activities and conversations. I was especially encouraged by the strong sign-ups and interest we received, which is a clear indication that young people genuinely want to be involved. That level of engagement gives us something positive to build on and creates excitement for the future programs and opportunities Paint Your Canvas can continue to offer the community. I’m grateful to have been part of the experience and look forward to seeing how this partnership continues to grow and make an impact.”
I first met Conrad as a patient at my clinic, but that connection eventually introduced me to something much greater, Paint Your Canvas. I became a mentee of the organization, with Conrad continuing to serve as my mentor, providing the guidance, accountability, and support I needed as I worked toward becoming a more responsible and confident young man. Paint Your Canvas has supported me in ways that go beyond words. When I needed help, the organization provided clothing and other essentials, but the greatest investment has been mentorship. Through conversations, encouragement, and accountability, I have been challenged to think differently about myself, my future, and the kind of man I want to become. There were moments when Conrad’s words reminded me that my struggles did not have to define my future. Through his mentorship and the support of Paint Your Canvas, I have learned that becoming a man requires discipline, integrity, responsibility, and making intentional choices every day. Paint Your Canvas saw potential in me and invested in that potential. I am grateful for the support I have received and for the impact this organization continues to have on the man I am becoming.
As the first in my family to pursue a creative career in fashion, I've been largely self-taught. I had the passion and vision, but I needed guidance, access, and people who genuinely understood what I was trying to build. Through Paint Your Canvas, I found that support. As my mentor, Conrad took the time to understand my goals and has consistently challenged me to think bigger about myself and my future. When he saw the work I was putting into building my clothing brand, he connected me with an established creative professional, Chris Korey, who welcomed me into his boutique, shared his journey, and gave me valuable insight into navigating the industry. That experience showed me what Paint Your Canvas represents: mentorship that creates access, relationships that create opportunity, and guidance that helps young people turn their ideas into something real. I’m grateful to have Paint Your Canvas supporting my journey and Conrad as a mentor who genuinely wants to see me succeed.
The children are the future. As a supporter of Paint Your Canvas, I have seen the intention behind its mission to help young people recognize what is possible for their lives. Through mentorship, education, guidance, and meaningful opportunities, Paint Your Canvas is creating pathways for young people to grow with confidence, purpose, and direction. What I admire most about Paint Your Canvas is that the work is personal. It is rooted in care, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to investing in young people and the communities that surround them. I have known Conrad for many years and have watched his experiences, growth, and dedication become part of the foundation of Paint Your Canvas. His commitment to this organization is not simply a job—it is a calling. Paint Your Canvas represents what can happen when we believe in our children, invest in their potential, and give them the support and opportunities they need to build stronger futures. Paint Your Canvas has my highest recommendation.
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