When Laura Crandon began her career journey in 1988 as an INROADS intern with IBM’s Federal Sector Division, she had no idea how profoundly that experience would shape her path. “INROADS changed my life by teaching me the importance of setting goals, networking, and advocating for my career,” she recalls. Those early lessons in self-advocacy and professional development became the foundation for a career—and a calling—focused on health equity and community empowerment.

Today, Laura is the Founder and President of Touch4Life, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is transforming the landscape of breast health for Black and Brown women. Her signature initiative, MyGenesMyLife™, encourages women of color to advocate for and complete genetic and biomarker testing—helping to close the gap in breast health equity and improve access to lifesaving care. What began as a response to her own battle with breast cancer has evolved into a nationwide movement grounded in education, advocacy, and data-driven change.

As reported by Afro.com, Laura was inspired to act after realizing that many of her friends and peers were unaware of the critical importance of breast screenings and genetic testing. In 2019, she launched Touch4Life, attending health fairs and working alongside community organizations to educate women on early detection and personalized care. Since then, more than 2,500 women have participated in Touch4Life events, with over 100 mammograms performed at those sponsored by the organization. Under Laura’s leadership, Touch4Life has also partnered with pharmaceutical and genetic companies to promote inclusivity in clinical trials and has earned support from organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Before founding her nonprofit, Laura built a distinguished 20-year career in corporate leadership, including more than a decade at UnitedHealthcare, where she led strategic partnerships and alliances across the enterprise. Her experience in managed care and her deep understanding of healthcare inequities uniquely positioned her to bridge the gap between corporate strategy and community need.

Laura continues to advocate for equitable healthcare through her service on the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Board, to which she was appointed by Governor Wes Moore in 2023. Her mission is simple but profound: to ensure that no woman is ever surprised by a late-stage cancer diagnosis.
Laura Crandon’s journey—from IBM intern to healthcare executive to nonprofit founder—embodies what it means to turn adversity into advocacy. Through her leadership, education, and unwavering commitment to community, she continues to inspire others to take action, create change, and make health equity a reality for all.