Syd started his career as a full stack web developer in the public sector in 2012, after graduating from UCLA with a degree in Russian Language and Literature. As a result of his undergraduate work, as well as his participation in the Russian Language Flagship, Syd is passionate about acquisition and pedagogy of both spoken and coding languages. Syd first learned about in-prison programs after volunteering with the Prison Education Project in the Greater Los Angeles Area. Syd’s first position at The Last Mile involved working with the Web Developers at the TLM Works Development Shop. Syd then transitioned into an administrative role outside the classroom environment and currently serves as TLM’s Executive Director. Syd continually draws on his experience as a language learner, self-taught web developer, and day-to-day work with TLM students and in-facility staff to inform his decisions regarding the TLM program, platform, and vision.

The Last Mile has a "tech for good" approach to disrupting the system of mass incarceration, by providing opportunities for personal and professional growth for justice-impacted individuals through education and technology training. Currently, the Last Mile has programs in Web Development and Audio & Video Production, with a Chromebook Pilot Program underway, first-of-its-kind, providing 24 hour laptops to students in the TLM program.