IMPACT
A LEGACY OF TRANSFORMATION
For over 20 years, Centro Cultural y Educativo El Maestro Inc. has been a trusted grassroots organization in the South Bronx using boxing, culture, mentorship, and education to empower youth and strengthen our community.
Our impact can be measured in numbers, but we measure it in lives.
OUR IMPACT AT A GLANCE
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20+ YEARS OF SERVICE
Rooted in the South Bronx since 2003, El Maestro has remained a consistent beacon of hope and opportunity.
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GENERATIONS MENTORED
Thousands of youth have walked through our doors seeking direction and found a family, discipline, and a path forward.
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CHAMPIONS IN & OUT OF THE RING
We have developed amateur champions, athletes, and leaders who carry the lessons of El Maestro into every area of their lives.
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CULTURE. IDENTITY. PRIDE.
We preserve and celebrate Puerto Rican heritage and Bronx resilience through education, art, music, and community.
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DISCIPLINE. RESPECT. CONFIDENCE.
Every day, youth learn life skills that build stronger minds, stronger bodies, and stronger futures.
STORIES OF IMPACT
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By Joe Torres
Friday, June 10, 2022That life history is why Laspina and his gym are more focused on nurturing kids than training boxers. He's a life coach and his gym is a community center.
"Every day that you are here, you are not outside doing whatever it is other people do," amateur boxer John Henriquez said.
They work together to help the next generation avoid the bad decisions that tarnished his youth.
"It's sort of like a support system that we have here with the elders," amateur boxer Joseph Torres said. "The elders come, they tell you, they share life stories. And from those life stories, you can see how different their lives could have been."
Laspina is proud of the work he's doing to give young people a fighting chance at making a better life for themselves.
"To be able to have kids and take them away from the streets, take them away from jail, that's my championship," he said.
Fernando Laspina opened El Maestro Boxing Gym as a way to bring his community together and keep young people away form gang violence
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When Owayne arrived in New York from Jamaica, he struggled to fit in and often found himself headed down the wrong path.
He eventually found boxing at El Maestro Boxing Gym, where he trained under former El Maestro coach John S., who became both a mentor and father figure.
After graduating high school, he entered a skilled trade program, began mentoring youth in his community, and continues pursuing his dream of becoming a professional boxer.
[ Read the full 2019 article by Sara Aridi The New York Times ]
Owayne Mcleod at the El Maestro boxing gym in the Bronx. Pic by Brittainy Newman/The New York Times
OUR IMPACT LIVES IN...
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THE YOUTH WE TRAIN
From beginners to competitive athletes, our youth gain confidence, focus, and the belief that they can achieve their dreams.
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THE MENTORSHIP
Our mentors teach more than boxing. They teach life lessons, leadership, accountability, and how to make positive choices.
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THE CHAMPIONS
Our athletes have won titles in the ring and in life. They become role models and leaders in their communities.
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THE CULTURE
We honor our history, our roots, and our people. Our culture is a source of strength, unity, and inspiration.
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THE COMMUNITY
We support families, neighborhood events, and community initiatives that uplift and bring people together.