Expanding access to cybersecurity, AI, and digital skills.
Cyber Ninja Foundation was founded in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where its work began through libraries, community programs, churches, and family-focused education. Those local experiences shaped a broader mission: expanding access to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital skills for communities too often excluded from technology opportunities.
Our mission
Empowering underserved and underrepresented learners with industry-aligned cybersecurity education, mentorship, and workforce pathways so they can achieve economic opportunity, lifelong resilience, and community safety.
The Foundation is developing its artificial intelligence and digital-skills programming in support of this mission.
Our vision
A future where every person, regardless of background, income, or ZIP code, can understand, use, question, secure, and build with technology and artificial intelligence.
A path made clearer for the next person.
Cristian Martinez built a career in technology and cybersecurity without the clear roadmap, mentorship, and professional network he wished had been available when he started. After more than 15 years in the field, he created Cyber Ninja Foundation to make that path clearer for others.
An immigrant from the Dominican Republic, he developed his technology and cybersecurity career in the United States through persistence, education, certifications, and real-world experience. His certifications include CISSP, CEH, CCNA, CND, and Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Expert.
He has delivered youth workshops at Lawrence Public Library, computer-literacy instruction through GLCAC, technology and cybersecurity presentations at local churches, and online internet-safety education for parents and children.
The team guiding the work.
Cristian Martinez
Founder and Executive Director
Elizabeth Antigua
Chief of Staff
Carl Hobert
Board Member
Rosay Polanco
Board Member
Altagracia Pierre
Board Member
How the work developed.
Community technology education
Cristian began delivering practical technology, internet-safety, and cybersecurity education through libraries, community programs, and local churches.
Youth and family outreach
Programming expanded to include youth workshops, parent and child online-safety education, and computer-literacy instruction.
Nonprofit recognition
Cyber Ninja Foundation received IRS 501(c)(3) recognition in August 2025.
Local grant support
The Lawrence Cultural Council approved a $2,000 Fiscal Year 2026 grant to support community programming.
Why Lawrence.
Lawrence is a city of immigrants, families, and working people. Many residents face real barriers to technology careers: cost, language, limited professional networks, and uncertainty about where to begin.
Cyber Ninja Foundation was created to address those barriers with practical, bilingual education and mentorship rooted in the community. The challenges visible in Lawrence reflect a broader national gap in technology access and opportunity.
Community first
We are rooted in Lawrence and the families we serve.
Respect and dignity
We recognize each participant's strengths, experience, and potential. Programs are designed with the community, not simply for it.
Responsible technology
We teach people to question, verify, and protect.
Equity
Access should not depend on income, language, or ZIP code.
Committed to transparency.
Verified organizational information and approved governance documents are shared on our transparency page.