Beats For Boxing at Warehouse XI – Boston Event Space – Somerville, MA

Carlos Contreras and Jesus Baeza began their educational journeys at Boston College in 2008. After graduating from the Donovan Urban Teachers Graduate program in 2013, Jesus became an educator in Cambridge, while Carlos started his career in Somerville. Both participated in the Perrone-Sizer Institute for Creative Leadership in the 2024 and 2025 school years, respectively.

Throughout their careers, Carlos and Jesus have become educator-leaders, addressing the growing mental and physical health crisis affecting students. Sports have always been central to their lives, fostering community, respect, and mentorship. For Carlos, martial arts built self-confidence and ignited his passion for teaching. Jesus, a member of his high school’s first graduating class, participated in varsity sports all four years. The values of community, self-discipline, and respect shaped their teenage years.

Now, Carlos and Jesus aim to unite colleagues, family, friends, and community partners to support all students. They believe that the values learned through sports are a pathway to academic success. Their goal is to create a space where students can thrive.

Given the current attacks to the Department of Education and the reduction of federal funding for social services, immediate action is crucial. Carlos and Jesus are committed to supporting youth in Cambridge and Somerville. The purpose of this FUNdraiser is to raise $25,000 to equip a new boxing fitness club. This club will provide a welcoming and inclusive space for learners of all levels.

Boxing is a popular sport in American culture and a passion for both Carlos and Jesus. Its recent rise in popularity among teens, thanks to social media influencers, makes it an ideal activity for engaging students. The after-school club will focus on boxing fundamentals, physical fitness training, and community-building. Students will learn basic punches, head movement, and footwork, along with high-intensity interval training (HIIT). To ensure an inclusive environment and protect student well-being, the club will be no-contact. Students will participate in rigorous workouts, learn boxing basics, and build friendships with peers from their school and the neighboring city.

Join us in this collective effort to build a stronger, healthier community where every student has the opportunity to shine. If you’d like to donate, please click here for our GoFundMe page.