Since 1999, the CDF-Texas Beat the Odds® program has transformed young lives and emboldened youth on their path into adulthood. We are grateful to all who have supported this program over the years and honored to have played a part in amplifying the strength and talent of our Beat the Odds honorees.
We are retiring the Beat the Odds brand, but not our commitment to the countless young people who are beating the odds every day. In collaboration with our national team, we will spend this year exploring how we can propel upcoming generations into successful futures with a new program under a new name to be announced in early 2023.
We aim to give youth continued support throughout 2022 by increasing the presence of CDF Freedom Schools in Texas and connecting youth to our YOUthTX program. Learn more about both programs below.
About YOUthTX
YOUthTX is a year-round, free program designed to equip young people ages 14–25 with tools to make change in their communities. Join us for free workshops, skills training, and leadership development!
About CDF Freedoms Schools®
The CDF Freedom Schools program provides summer and after-school enrichment through a research-based and multicultural program model that supports K–12 scholars and their families.
To our Beat the Odds youth and alumni: You are forever a part of our CDF family. We will honor all current commitments and continue to support you in your personal and professional journeys.
To our partners and donors: Your support has brought us so far, and we want to continue this journey with you! It may look a bit different than in years past, but these innovations and developments will surge us ahead in equipping the next generation of child advocates. There are many ways to get involved, and they all start with YES!
Please take a couple of minutes to complete this brief survey to indicate how you’d like to be involved moving forward. There’s something for everyone, and everything helps!
Meet Our Honorees
Click the name or photo of each honoree to view their story.
Asiah Donahue
2021
Leslie Albarran
2021
Dat Van
2021
Godasi Ndihokubwayo
2021
Mara Nezami
2021
Carolina Escobar
2020
Fatuma Abdi
2020
Josue Herrera Rivera
2020
Sherrod Session
2020
Michelle Truong
2020
Seriah Arceneaux
2019
Alisha Hodge
2019
Aline Irafasha
2019
Kiara McClennon
2019
Derrick Ngo
2019
Amber Ayala
2018
Asanthi Deras
2018
Bianca Rodriguez
2018
Indhira Mata
2018
Norberto Pineda
2018
Angelica Carroll
2017
Benedicte Musimisa
2017
Shahad Alfartosy
2017
Khoa Tong
2017
Emaline Robinson
2017
Drew Bernard
2016
Mikenzie Yates
2016
Christine Egu
2016
Taylor Garrett
2016
Bontu Workineh
2016
Ruth Rodriguez
2015
Nelly Mendoza
2015
Laurie Nowlin
2015
Dayana Sosa
2015
Alisa Hamilton
2015
Tiara Flowers
2014
Michelle Deveau
2014
Kyle Dacdac
2014
Keith Klimitchek
2014
Elizabeth Donaciano
2014
Kehinde Shittu
2013
Kaylee Lewis
2013
Jamesia Fransaw
2013
Ernesto Chun
2013
Anna Dang
2013
Samantha Beasley
2012 Houston
Marcus Livingston, Jr.
2012 Houston
Keyaira Block
2012 Houston
Kasey Lewis
2012 Houston
Brittany Metzler
2012 Houston
Vanessa Alanis
2012 Dallas
Janeli Hernandez Alvarado
2012 Dallas
Laura Morales
2012 Dallas
Tej Dahal
2012 Dallas
Rafif Muhsin
2012 Dallas
Nernwon Kargou
2011 Houston
Marshall Schoen
2011 Houston
Luis Gonzalez
2011 Houston
Katrina Taylor
2011 Houston
Avery Gibson
2011 Houston
Priscilla Holmes
2011 Dallas
Kathleen Voirin
2011 Dallas
Julan Basnet
2011 Dallas
Ja’Mesha Morgan
2011 Dallas
Alexandria Emerson
2011 Dallas
Alexandre Pendergrass
2011 Dallas
Antonio Palacios
2010 Houston
Shamso Hussein
2010 Houston
Kateri Perez
2010 Houston
Patricia Zamora
2010 Houston
Aisha Fahradova
2010 Houston
Prentice Richmond
2010 Dallas
Jesus grew up in a small rural town in Mexico. He and his mother were on their own as his father was working in another city. At age five, he immigrated to the USA with his mother in a very dangerous, daring journey. When they arrived, they searched for Jesus’ father only to find him living with another woman awaiting the birth of their first child. Without a father figure in his life, Jesus forged a relationship with his uncle only to later be molested by this same man. His mom was his rock of comfort and strength throughout all his struggles and supported him as he became the first in his family to graduate high school. He went on to study dance in college and was a founding member of NobleMotion, a renowned dance studio that has gone on to win many awards. Jesus has performed in legendary venues and is a nationally known teacher, choreographer and judge.
Itang and her four siblings were born in Beaumont. While still young, Itang’s mother abandoned her children and not long after, her father departed for his homeland in Africa, never to return. The children went to CPS custody then were taken in by an aunt who resented having to care for them and was physically and emotionally abusive. Itang eventually moved in with her older brother, who by then had a family of his own. Itang got a job to bring in extra income and balanced a heavy school load with work and intensive extra-curricular activities. She earned a full scholarship to college to pursue an engineering degree. After graduating, Itang built an impressive career with prestigious internships and extensive travel opportunities, but something was missing. She soon left the corporate world to pursue a calling in ministry, especially to advocate for equality for marginalized populations. She completed a seminary degree and was licensed to preach at the church where she currently serves as assistant minister for youth. Most recently, Rev. Young has achieved a fellowship at the United Nations and has launched her international development career as the Executive Director for the Abyssinian Fund, Inc. In Fall 2019, Itang will begin coursework in the Doctor of Philosophy program in Administration and Supervision—Church and Non-Public Leadership at Fordham University.
Born into extreme poverty in a household of 11 kids being raised by their maternal grandmother, Crystal’s normal was frequently going without, nights without A/C, and boiling water to bathe when the electricity was disconnected. Crystal learned early the concept of how to make ends meet and helped to care for her younger cousins as she was the second oldest. Add to this witnessing her aunt overdose on crack-cocaine and pass away in her living room and her mother in and out of prison fighting this same addiction. Although Crystal knew her father and is his only child, he did not care to save her. This unstable household was the gateway to even more hardship as at the age of seven, Crystal was sexually abused by her great uncle that had moved into their home. This resulted in Crystal attempting to take her own life several times and turning to food thinking that making herself less desirable would make the abuse stop. By her teen years Crystal developed a bulimic eating disorder and major self-esteem issues as she battled with self-image and juggling house work, school work and caring for her family. She eventually overcame bulimia, forgave her mother and father (who to this day have chosen not to be in her life) and graduated high school with the Beat the Odds award that helped her earn a full ride to college. Four years later, in what was supposed to be her final year in college, her oldest sister was brutally murdered, leaving two children behind that needed Crystal. She delayed her dreams for a few years and once her niece and nephew were stable, moved to Dallas to start dental school.
Prentice grew up in a low-income area and was exposed to crime and danger from a young age. His mother was a drug dealer, apathetic to any of her child’s needs, so one day without warning, she kicked him out of the house. From age 15 to 18, Prentice was homeless — sleeping on friends’ couches, living in his car –– yet he still managed to play sports and volunteer as a little league coach in his spare time. Despite his lack of adult guidance, he still believed it was never too early to give back. He aspired to become a police officer and is now a deputy sheriff for the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Sheriff Richmond is the outreach deputy, serving his community by mentoring students who want to become police officers, presenting motivational speeches at local schools, and volunteering with a weekly program for troubled youth in high-crime areas.