Tu Lucha Rising is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to expanding access to youth development programs in underserved communities. We focus on building, funding, and supporting community-based boxing gyms and related services that provide safe environments, structured mentorship, and life-skills training for at-risk youth.

As the philanthropic arm associated with Tu Lucha, LLC, an independent single family office founded by husband wife team Steven Nigro and Jin Bae, Tu Lucha Rising leverages both financial resources and hands-on involvement to create sustainable, measurable community impact.

The Need

Many young people in underserved neighborhoods lack access to safe recreational spaces, positive role models, and structured programs that build discipline and resilience. Without intervention, youths are at higher risk of gang involvement, school disengagement, and exposure to unsafe environments.

Tu Lucha Rising addresses these gaps by supporting evidence-based approaches to youth engagement rooted in athletics, mentorship, and personal development.

Our Approach

1. Boxing as a Vehicle for Youth Empowerment

Boxing teaches discipline, perseverance, focus, and emotional regulation—skills proven to support academic achievement, mental health, and long-term success. Tu Lucha Rising collaborates with community boxing gyms to ensure that every young person, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to:

• Professional coaching and training

• Structured routine and accountability

• Positive peer and mentor relationships

• Safe after-school and weekend programming

2. Investing in Community Infrastructure

We partner with local leaders to strengthen the physical and operational capacity of community gyms. Our support includes:

• Funding for equipment, renovations, and capital improvements

• Subsidizing operating costs to keep youth programs free or low-cost

• Providing grants for skilled coaching and program staffing

• Creating frameworks for sustainable long-term operations

3. Supporting Broader Uplift Initiatives

In addition to boxing programs, Tu Lucha Rising funds community services that promote:

• Mental health and wellness support

• Educational enrichment and tutoring

• Workforce readiness and life-skills training

• Violence prevention and intervention initiatives

Our Impact

Tu Lucha Rising’s programs aim to achieve measurable, data-driven outcomes, including:

• Reduction in unsupervised time for at-risk youth

• Improvements in discipline, emotional regulation, and self-confidence

• Enhanced academic engagement and school attendance

• Stronger community ties between youth, families, and local leaders

• Increased access to safe, structured recreational spaces

Our work is grounded in evidence showing that sports-based development programs significantly reduce youth involvement in risky behaviors and enhance long-term success in school and employment.

Our Story

Tu Lucha Rising was founded by Jin Bae and Steven Nigro, who share a longstanding commitment to community uplift and youth empowerment. Inspired by the Spanish phrase “Tu lucha es mi lucha”—your struggle is my struggle—the organization was created to stand beside those facing hardship and to ensure that young people in underserved communities are not left behind.

Tu Lucha Rising reflects the mission-driven values of Tu Lucha, LLC, our family office, which supports philanthropic initiatives that promote resilience, opportunity, and upward mobility.

Partner With Us

Tu Lucha Rising welcomes collaboration with:

• Foundations

• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs

• Government youth development agencies

• Community organizations

• Individual donors and philanthropists

Get Involved

You can help expand opportunities for underserved youth by:

• Donating to support program funding

• Sponsoring a community boxing gym

• Partnering on grant initiatives or CSR projects

• Volunteering your time or professional expertise

• Connecting us with schools, community leaders, or youth programs in need

Together, we can build safer communities, stronger futures, and resilient young people who rise above adversity.