"STRENGTHEN THE MIND - STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNITY - STRENGTHEN THE WORLD"
"STRENGTHEN THE MIND - STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNITY - STRENGTHEN THE WORLD"
Brendan May is the Executive Director of BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc., bringing four years of leadership experience in youth development and a deep commitment to providing alternative learning opportunities. With a background in exercise science, performance enhancement, social psychology, and youth substance abuse prevention, Brendan has spearheaded the organization’s growth by blending physical wellness, social-emotional learning, and family engagement into holistic programs. Under his leadership, BFIT has expanded its impact, offering underserved youth transformative opportunities through after-school and summer programs that emphasize education, exercise, and exposure.
Hello! I’m Amber Hoff, an elementary school literacy teacher and the proud Director of BFIT BIG Dreams Inc. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Urban Youth & Communities. My passion lies in empowering underserved youth and fostering positive change within my community. For the past four years, I’ve dedicated my work to providing diverse experiences that support the social, mental, and physical growth of disadvantaged children. I am deeply committed to equity, social justice, and engaging in meaningful conversations around systemic racism and privilege. My contributions have earned recognition such as UNCC’s Citizen Award and the Outstanding Community Support recognition for my winter coat drive. Through education and action, I strive to create lasting social change, promoting empathy and love for all.
Ms. Marian Myers has been a resident of
Charlotte, NC for 30 years and is a graduate of the
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC).
She is a NC certified teacher and has taught Career
and Technical Education (CTE) at Northridge
Middle School for 11 years. She participates in the
Tutoring Scholars (TS), Beginning Teachers
Mentoring (BTM) and the NCCAT Professional
Learning programs. Ms. Myers recently completed
a rigorous Charlotte Teachers Institute (CTI)
program. She has several years of experience with
community engagement working with National
PTA, Junior Achievement and other community
agencies. She has strong leadership,
communication, technical and teamwork skills.
Born in Boomer, West Virginia, She is a mother of two wonderful children, ages 24, and 17. She is passionate about helping others. Traletta works with individuals who have criminal backgrounds, connecting them with meaningful employment and resources, to help reach their personal and professional goals. She is the Chief Visionary Officer and Founder of Erika’s Closet, a grassroots organization that assists justice involved individuals with clothing, job coaching, and other essential items needed to transition back into the community. She is also the CEO of Another Level Staffing LLC, that provides second chance direct hire placement and they also provide training and development to employers,jobseekers with barriers to employment, and other nonprofits that service formerly incarcerated job seekers.
Traletta is also a founding member of Reentry Housing Alliance, a Fellow with Emancipate NC’s Justice League, Central Piedmont Community College Human Service Advisory Board Member and recently Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Community Engagement Task Force.
Erika’s Closet has supported and assisted thousands of people, with clothing, employment, and other resources in the last 2 years. Erika’s Closet supplied 323 children in North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia with brand new sneakers and school supplies for Back-to-School. Every month, Erika’s Closet provides clothing and food to over 100 individuals in Charleston and Beckley, West Virginia.
Terence Cunningham Jr. was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, and currently serves as a Strength Training Teacher at Harding University High School. He has been a part of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools since 2014. A former collegiate athlete and graduate of Virginia Union University (B.S. in Computer Science), Terence also served in the U.S. Army for 8 years. He holds a Master’s in Recreation & Sports Science from Ohio University. Passionate about education and impacting lives, Terence resides in Mount Holly, NC, with his family. Contact: terencel.cunningham@cms.k12.nc.us or 704-776-2331.
Laurie Sman is the Treasurer of BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc. With a background in business administration and accounting, Laurie brings a wealth of experience from her tenure at Wachovia (now Wells Fargo) and RBC Royal Bank. Transitioning into the hospitality industry, she managed a restaurant for a decade before starting her own business. Laurie excels in planning, budgeting, and management. She is dedicated to honoring the duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer's office to the best of her ability.
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