Who We Are
Clemente Sports and Arts Foundation provides arts and sports enrichment opportunities to the children of Arizona.
Every child has hidden talents and passions — sparked not by television or electronic devices — but by participating in programs that teach athletic, creative, and life skills. However, due to school budget cuts, and inflation among many other things; not every family can afford extracurricular activities for their children.
Clemente Sports and Arts Foundation makes it happen by underwriting registration and class fees, equipment, uniforms, shoes, art and music supplies, giving children the ability to expand their worlds and reach their full potential.
We are an inclusive, equitable and diverse organization for all participants, volunteers, and employees; regardless of race, age, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory environment and provide equal opportunity to all in our programs, departments, and worksites. We respect and value all diverse life experiences and heritages, and ensure that all opinions are heard and valued. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment with equal treatment for all.
“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others? Martin Luther King, Jr.
Meet THE Team
Maritza Clemente-Cox
Founder/CHAIR/SecretaryI come from a sports and arts-oriented family. As native New Yorker, I fell in love with sports while watching and playing baseball/stickball in the parks and streets of the Bronx, with my brother, cousins and friends.
At the age of 12, I moved to San Diego, CA; separated from my close-knit family and friends. I went from a happy outgoing child to an angry introverted teenager. Having access to sports and arts programs literally saved my life. I started this foundation because I want to pass on the many gifts and life lessons that those school and after school sports and arts activities gave to me. Our mission is to make sports and arts programs accessible to all children. To allow children to explore and pursue the activities that bring them joy, if only for a few hours a day. |
Lavont Hudson
DIRECTORI'm a Freelance Graphic Artist and Video Editor. Growing up in San Diego, Art was always central to my life. I was drawing cartoon characters before I knew how to write my own name.
I enjoyed showing my work to anyone who would stop to take the time, especially those who knew how to draw. I loved to take character requests from family, friends and to see how happy they were with my interpretation of the characters. Through the years I learned new techniques and shortcuts, that helped me develop, express, cultivate and master my unique style. I also learned it's important to know your flaws and allow room for healthy criticism, challenge, and growth. That's why the foundation means a lot to me. There's art in everything, and Clemente Sports and Arts Foundation (CSAAF) will provide young artists of all kinds the opportunity to hone their craft and express themselves naturally. |
Boston Berg
DIRECTORI'm a former Marine and photo journalist. I love nature and capturing it in pictures and currently attending college for photography. I'm a big lover of music.
Earliest influences were Bob Marley, Pink Floyd and Jimmy Hendrix, which inspired me to want to learn to play the guitar. |
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GERARD COX JR.
CEO
Playing sports has always been my passion. It was a positive outlet for me, a way for me to express myself. I was able to make many lifelong friends through sports. It taught me hard work, dedication, and discipline.
My love for sports is something I have been able to pass down and experience with my son, and it has brought me a new found love of coaching! |
GERARD COX SR.
PRESIDENT
I have been serving my country since I was 18 years old. As a Navy Chief, a law enforcement officer, and program manager at US Veterans, Inc., a nonprofit which provides homeless veterans counseling so they can transition into the workforce.
I grew up on the West Side of Chicago, the second of nine children. I watched my mother struggle, barely able to provide us with the essentials yet alone quality gear and sports equipment. Many neighborhood kids had no options and turned to mischief in the streets that either cost them their lives or time in and out of prison. Now, I want to devote the skills I learned during my years of service on today’s struggling youth, providing them with the opportunity to experience sports and art so they can follow their dreams. |
SERENA CLEMENTE-COX
VICE PRESIDENT
My family was filled with athletes, artists, musicians. My brother Gerard was my basketball guide; I watched my oldest brother Lavont draw for hours.
My family inspired my love of music. Mom played oldies and 90s, R&B/hip-hop. Dad played house music. Lavont played funk and electronic music, while Gerard played rap and hip-hop. I like to think I’m a well-blended version of them all. Dancing was my first love. I danced before I could talk. In high school, I was on a hip-hop dance team. I later took dance classes in jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop. I also played basketball but stopped at 19 because of an injury. My parents encouraged me to take vocal lessons, and I started performing — touring with amazing bands on the West Coast. |
NOT PICTURED
Carmen Clemente Treasurer
Celia Roman Director * Gerrick Garrett Director * Justin Chambers Director
Carmen Clemente Treasurer
Celia Roman Director * Gerrick Garrett Director * Justin Chambers Director
CLEMENTE SPORTS AND ARTS FOUNDATION, INC
We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. EIN 83-2523910. All the contributions are tax deductible.
No goods or services will be provided in exchange for the contribution.
No goods or services will be provided in exchange for the contribution.
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