Ben Reiter
Executive Director
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in History, Ben began his career establishing and leading social impact organizations in South America. Through these organizations, Ben established a community center and library on the outskirts of Arequipa, held annual health and relief campaigns for villages in the Andes mountains, hosted annual back to school campaigns, and worked with the national children’s hospital to promote and send frequent volunteers to donate blood platelets for children suffering from leukemia. When he returned to the States, Ben joined the executive staff of Beat the Streets Philadelphia where he furthered the mission of BTS for five years; first as the Director of Mentoring, and later as the Director of Strategic Partnerships. During his time at BTS Philadelphia, Ben returned to his alma mater for an Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy and earned a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership. A former member of the University of Pennsylvania wrestling team, Ben calls Philadelphia home. He currently resides in Drexel Hill with his wife and two children.
“Beat the Streets provides youth in underserved communities with an opportunity to develop their full potential by providing support and guidance through their wrestling and mentorship program; It is an honor to play a role in something that has the potential to shape the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. I hope my contributions to the program will impact the lives of those who are in need of guidance so they too can recognize their true potential in life. I firmly believe the youth who choose to participate in Beat the Streets, have the potential to break the vicious cycle of poverty and change the trajectory of their lives. We can help provide consistency, support, guidance and a simple belief in each individual student athlete, that they might not otherwise ever experience.”
Anita Foley
Finance Manager
Anita graduated from The Wharton School with an MBA in Finance after completing her BS in Industrial Engineering at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science. Anita joined the Beat the Streets Philadelphia team in November 2016 and has contributed to the success of the chapter in many ways. She joined the BTS National staff in July 2021. She is married to Will and mother of her two children.
“I love working at Beat the Streets because it has positively impacted the lives of so many young people. I work with a great group of talented people, and I enjoy helping the organization run as efficiently as possible.”
Gina Perry
Director of Communications and Development
Gina graduated from Bloomsburg University with a BS in English and a double minor in Professional Writing and Gender Studies. Previously a communications coordinator for Life Sciences Pennsylvania, she is currently a freelance writer for Intermat and the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center. Gina joined the BTS National staff in February 2022 as a communications manager. She is the wife of Senior level PRTC wrestler, Richard Perry, and a mother of 4 young children.
“Beat the Streets provides youth in underserved communities with an opportunity to develop their full potential by providing support and guidance through their wrestling and mentorship program; It is an honor to play a role in something that has the potential to shape the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. I hope my contributions to the program will impact the lives of those who are in need of guidance so they too can recognize their true potential in life. I firmly believe the youth who choose to participate in Beat the Streets, have the potential to break the vicious cycle of poverty and change the trajectory of their lives. We can help provide consistency, support, guidance and a simple belief in each individual student athlete, that they might not otherwise ever experience.”
Jon Guevara
Operations and Development Associate
Jon, a former Beat the Streets student-athlete, exemplifies the very essence and impact Beat the Streets can have on today’s youth. His firsthand experience with the organization’s sports-based youth development approach, educational programs, and core values provide an intimate knowledge and understanding of the importance in not only sustaining, but also expanding the mission and reach of Beat the Streets. A former wrestler for the University of Pennsylvania, Jon graduated with a BA in Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania, before Jon joined the research team at Research for Action (RFA) as an applied social science researcher and evaluator in the education sector. Prior to joining the Beat the Streets National staff in 2022, Jon spent two years at RFA, and had a brief stint at Philadelphia Youth Basketball in 2021. Jon is proud to have also worked as a dishwasher, painter, landscaper, and warehouse worker in Philadelphia and believes that all of these experiences have enabled him to continue pursuing his career goals.
“Having been trained as a social scientist and applied researcher, I always look forward to learning about innovative ideas and ever-evolving trends in the youth development field concerning nonprofit programming and fundraising strategies, partnership models, and effective leadership. Beyond being a youth development approach utilized to serve underserved communities, Sports-based human development efforts will continue to produce interdisciplinary knowledge that explains and can help humans, including the happiest among us, become even happier.”
Deontrae Callaham
Social Media Manager
Deontrae began wrestling as a Junior in high school, where he had the most single season wins (31)! A star on the mat Deontrae credits the sport of wrestling with a profound impact on who he is as a person and his positive outlook on life. The sport taught him discipline, instilled confidence, hard work, and also the importance of a community that cares for your wellbeing. Deontrae graduated from Radford University with a BFA in Graphic Design and a minor in marketing. Most recently Deontrae contributes as the Communications Coordinator with Glee Church in Bowie, MD and gives back to his local wrestling community as the assistant coach at his alma mater, Dr. Henry A Wise Jr. High. Deontrae joined the BTS National staff in November of 2021.
“Wrestling is a difficult sport, but it breeds champions, fighters and winners in life. BTS offers a community and a mission to provide young athletes the confidence, opportunities and resources they need to be the champions they’re meant to be on. and more importantly, off of the mat. I hope to contribute in ways that will continue to grow the sport of wrestling and put it, and these young athletes on a stage to showcase the great things that can be done through wrestling. Whether it be more professional and collegiate opportunities, or to give these athletes more opportunities to succeed outside of wrestling.”
CJ Composto
2022 Summer Fundraising and Development Fellow
CJ is a current University of Pennsylvania student athlete who will begin his sophomore year this Fall. A very accomplished wrestler on the mat, in 2022 CJ was named the EIWA Freshman of the Year, Ivy League Rookie of the Year, earned All-American Honors at the 22′ NCAA and First Team All-Ivy. His academic accolades are just as impressive as CJ was a 22′ NWCA Scholar All-American and an Academic All-Ivy.
“I want to help today’s youth rethink what is possible for their future.”
More team members coming soon!
