bto boston
BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION
OF CREATIVE LEADERS
Beat The Odds is a creative youth and workforce development program that empowers the next generation of creative professionals through
hands-on training, mentorship, life skills, creative exploration, and real-world industry experience. Preparing them for careers and entrepreneurship in the creative economy.
EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS
learn to solve complex problems
ARTIST
DEVELOPMENT
learn to solve complex problems
MUSIC
PRODUCTION
learn to solve complex problems
DANCE &
PERFORMANCE
learn to solve complex problems
MEDIA
PRODUCTION
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
learn to solve complex problems
GRAPHIC DESIGN
MARKETING
01
CONTENT
02
RESEARCH
03
TECHNOLOGY
04
MASTERCLASS
05
CREATE
Discover your interests. Develop your craft. Find your voice.
GROW
Discover your interests. Develop your craft. Find your voice.
LEARN
Discover your interests. Develop your craft. Find your voice.
EARN
Discover your interests. Develop your craft. Find your voice.
02
01
03
04
MEET THE ARTIST
Beat The Odds is a creative youth and workforce development program that empowers the next generation of creative professionals through hands-on training, mentorship, life skills, creative exploration, and real-world industry experience. Preparing them for careers and entrepreneurship in the creative economy.
THE BRIEF
TO CREATE A CAPTIVATING
EXPERIENCE THAT
TAKES ON AN IMMERSIVE
JOURNEY BEYOND THEIR
IMAGINATION.
testimonials
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“A great time is an understatement. The speakers were clear, concise, and well-put together. The performances were amplifying! Thank you for being a beautiful outlet and of service to the community. All of this was much needed!”
- Eric D.
“The event was amazing! I truly appreciate all the valuable insights shared by the panelists. The room was filled with strong individuals and an infectious energy. I’m looking forward to future events!”
-Lissa B.
“It was incredible man! I couldn't be more grateful for all the effort put forth to organize such a remarkable event. Thank you. I made a lot of beautiful connections and it was one of the best days I’ve ever had.”
- Brandon L.
“It was so lit! Energy of the rap acts were so elite. Industry insiders and Gems. On top of that, the food was good! The best way to spend a Saturday.”
- William D.
THE BTO MODEL
Creativity Opens the Door.
We Build the Path Forward.
Beat The Odds uses creativity as a tool to engage young people, build confidence, develop life and professional skills, and create pathways into the creative economy.
Our model supports the whole young person. Participants can explore their interests, strengthen their personal well-being, develop their craft, build industry-relevant skills, and gain access to mentors, professional networks, paid work experiences, and career opportunities.
Rather than offering one pathway for every young person, BTO meets participants at different stages of their journey through three connected program areas.
CREATE
Discover your interests. Develop your craft. Find your voice.
Creativity is often the first way young people connect with BTO. Through music, dance, content creation, design, performance, and Open Studios, participants have space to explore new interests, strengthen existing talents, collaborate with others, and create work they can be proud of.
What this can include: Music Production • Artist Development • Dance • Songwriting • Recording • Content Creation
GROW
Build the skills that support success in life and work.
BTO focuses on more than technical ability. Through Marathon Mondays, mentorship, guided check-ins, and supportive relationships, young people develop confidence, communication, emotional awareness, financial knowledge, leadership, and other life skills that help them navigate challenges and make informed decisions about their future.
What this can include: Mental Wellness • Life Skills • Financial Literacy • Communication • Leadership • Mentorship • Career Readiness
LEARN
Build real skills for the creative economy.
Participants gain hands-on experience with the tools, technology, and professional practices used across the creative industries. Through structured training, workshops, projects, and industry exposure, young people learn not only how to create but how creative work gets produced, marketed, managed, and delivered professionally.
What this can include: Live Event Production • Professional A/V • Video Wall Technology • Graphic Design • Branding • Video Production • Content Creation • Marketing
EARN
Turn skills into experience, income, and opportunity.
BTO connects learning to the real world. Participants can gain paid work experience, internships, client-facing opportunities, industry mentorship, and connections to employers through BTO Creative Co and external partners helping them build their resumes, portfolios, networks, and confidence as emerging professionals.
What this can include: Paid Work Experience • Internships • Client Projects • BTO Creative Co • Industry Mentorship • Freelance Opportunities • Employment Pathways • Entrepreneurship
Our Impact
in Numbers
500+
Youth Served since 2019
TBD
100%
of our seniors graduate high school
TBD
3m
Savings Achieved
in Family Savings
85%
Successful Investments
Success Rate on Investments
our signature events
MASS MUSIC&
ARTS SUMMIT
An annual conference bringing together artists, creatives, industry professionals, and emerging talent for meaningful conversations, networking, and access to leaders across the music and entertainment industries.
LEADERS IN
MUSIC
BTO
THE ODDSIDE
SHOWCASE
BTO’s annual youth showcase celebrating emerging artists and original music through a high-energy community event designed to give performers a platform, build confidence, and connect with new audiences.
LEADERS IN
MUSIC
BTO
BTO CREATIVE
WORKSHOP SERIES
A free community series combining networking mixers with practical workshops led by industry and local partners. Sessions explore topics such as creative financing, press, sync licensing, royalties, marketing, and other tools that help creatives build sustainable careers.
LEADERS IN
MUSIC
BTO
COMMUNITY IMPACT
CAMPAIGNS
Creativity With a Purpose
BTO partners with community organizations to engage young people to produce creative youth-led digital campaigns addressing issues affecting their lives and communities.
Red Flags and Roses is a youth-led digital campaign that brings awareness to teen dating violence by creating compelling and engaging content. This collaborative project between Casa Myrna and Beat The Odds (BTO) aims to redefine relationship culture to prevent dating violence.
MEET OUR TEAM
CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Camila Pagan
Giovanni Lopez is the Co-Founder and COO at Beat The Odds. Giovanni has over 15 years of experience working within the music industry. His concentrations include songwriting, recording, artist management, marketing, promotions, and event coordination.
co-founder & chief operating officer
Gio Lopez
Giovanni Lopez is the Co-Founder and COO at Beat The Odds. Giovanni has over 15 years of experience working within the music industry. His concentrations include songwriting, recording, artist management, marketing, promotions, and event coordination.
chief development officer
Marianna Golyak
Giovanni Lopez is the Co-Founder and COO at Beat The Odds. Giovanni has over 15 years of experience working within the music industry. His concentrations include songwriting, recording, artist management, marketing, promotions, and event coordination.
creative director
Luis Pagan
Giovanni Lopez is the Co-Founder and COO at Beat The Odds. Giovanni has over 15 years of experience working within the music industry. His concentrations include songwriting, recording, artist management, marketing, promotions, and event coordination.
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Professional event production and creative services that help power our mission.
BTO Creative Co. provides event production, professional A/V, branding, video, photography, and creative services for nonprofits, municipalities, schools, businesses, and community organizations. Revenue generated through Creative Co helps support BTO's workforce-development mission while creating professional opportunities for emerging talent.
Services Include:
Event Production
A/V + Video Wall
Branding + Design
Photography + Videography Services
DSLR Selfie Booth Rentals
Professional event production and creative services that help power our mission.
BTO Creative Co. provides event production, professional A/V, branding, video, photography, and creative services for nonprofits, municipalities, schools, businesses, and community organizations. Revenue generated through Creative Co helps support BTO's workforce-development mission while creating professional opportunities for emerging talent.
Services Include:
Event Production
A/V + Video Wall
Branding + Design
Photography + Videography Services
DSLR Selfie Booth Rentals
JOIN THE BTO COMMUNITY
Your Creative Journey Starts Here
EXPLORE &
CREATE
For young creatives looking to develop their craft & build
their portfolios.
LEARN &
EARN
For young people interested in workforce training and paid opportunities.
INDUSTRY + COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Powered By Partnership
BTO collaborates with schools, community organizations, employers, and industry leaders to expand access, create meaningful opportunities, and connect young people to mentorship, resources, and real pathways into the creative industries.
Funders & Supporters
Our work is made possible through the support of foundations, public agencies, corporate partners, and individual donors who invest in the next generation of creative professionals.
Use a clean logo wall
NEWSLATTER
SIGNUP
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FY27