The ICAN Foundation was founded by Eddie Bland, a Baltimore, Maryland native and former active-duty Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. Raised in the inner city of Baltimore, Eddie was fortunate to participate in several leadership development programs that helped shape his character, discipline, and vision for the future. Those early opportunities had a profound impact on his life and planted the seeds for a lifelong commitment to leadership and service.

Driven by a strong sense of duty and a desire to give back, Eddie established the ICAN Foundation to help equip and empower the next generation of young leaders. The organization is rooted in the belief that when young people are given the right guidance, mentorship, and leadership tools, they can unlock their full potential and positively impact their communities.

Eddie is a servant leader who is deeply passionate about youth leadership development. Through executive style coaching, mentorship, and leadership training, the ICAN Foundation seeks to help teens build confidence, strengthen character, and develop the mindset needed to lead in school, career, and life.

Professionally, Eddie holds a Master’s degree in Computer and Information Science and maintains several respected industry certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP), Red Hat Certified Systems Administrator (RHCSA), Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), and American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Master Trainer. 

During his time as a Marine Corps leader and later as an IT Field Engineer, Eddie has served in demanding environments and some of the most austere locations around the world. These experiences strengthened his leadership philosophy, one centered on resilience, discipline, accountability, and service to others.

Today, Eddie channels those experiences into the mission of the ICAN Foundation: to develop, mentor, and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.