Beyond the Block was founded by a husband and wife team driven by a shared belief that talent exists everywhere but opportunity does not. With backgrounds spanning education, youth leadership, athletics, and creative development, the founders have dedicated their careers to serving young people inside and beyond traditional classrooms. Through years of working with students, families, athletes, and artists, they witnessed firsthand how financial barriers often limit access to transformative experiences.
Beyond the Block was created to change that narrative. By combining performance, creativity, mentorship, and community investment, the founders set out to build more than a program. They built a movement centered on Access, Identity, and Opportunity.
Their vision is simple. To ensure that no young person is sidelined from sports, the arts, or leadership development because of economic limitations. Through the Collective and the Foundation, they continue to create pathways that empower youth to rise beyond their circumstances and step confidently into who they are meant to become.
Dr. Celestine Sermo
Dr. Celestine Sermo is an educational leader and current administrator of a TK–8 school, with experience in administration and instruction across elementary, middle, and high school settings. She has led academic programming, supported faculty development, and implemented data-informed systems that strengthen school culture, structure, and accountability. Dr. Sermo holds a Doctorate in Special Education and two master’s degrees in education and educational administration. She is also a participant in the UCLA Leadership Institute, a program dedicated to developing school leaders across Los Angeles. A graduate of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), she continued her training at The Ailey School in New York before returning to LACHSA as an educator. Her work reflects a commitment to expanding access and creating environments where students can thrive academically and creatively.
Jose Sermo
Jose Sermo is a professional baseball player whose journey began in Puerto Rico, where he developed the passion and discipline that shaped his career. Drafted twice into Major League Baseball organizations, he competed in the minor league systems of the Milwaukee Brewers Kansas City Royals, and Boston Red Sox, earning recognition for his athleticism and competitive drive. He later expanded his career internationally, playing in BCL Baseball Challenge League in Japan and in the Mexican League. In independent professional baseball, he delivered standout offensive performances, establishing himself as a consistent power hitter and record-setting contributor at the plate. Known for his resilience, leadership, and relentless work ethic, Jose’s path from Puerto Rico to professional stadiums around the world reflects perseverance, global impact, and elite competitive excellence.