About Us
Our Mission
At BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc., we empower young minds by fostering physical, mental, and social growth. Through diverse experiences, we inspire youth to dream big, think boldly, and reach their full potential.
Welcome to Big Dreams Youth!
Our Story
Founded by Brendan May in 2020, BFIT Big Dreams Youth began as a response to the health disparities revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic. What started with a small grant from Its4Kids has grown into a thriving initiative, thanks to partnerships with Walmart, Charlotte Resiliency, United Way, and more.
Our Impact
Since 2021, we’ve expanded our reach through fitness and educational programs, strengthened community partnerships, and secured key support from organizations like the City of Charlotte and the Mecklenburg County ABC Board.
Join Us
Serving Charlotte’s youth, BFIT is transforming lives through academic support, fitness, and social-emotional development. Together, we can inspire the next generation to dream big and achieve greatness!
Accountability Statement
BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc. Accountability Statement
At BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc., we are fully committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and responsibility in all our operations. We hold ourselves accountable to our community, donors, and program participants by ensuring that every action we take aligns with our mission to support youth development through education, exercise, and exposure
We pledge to:
- Use resources responsibly, ensuring donations and funding are applied directly to the programs that serve our youth.
- Maintain transparency through regular reporting and open communication about how we use financial and operational resources.
- Continuously evaluate our programs to ensure they are delivering measurable, positive outcomes and evolving to meet the needs of our community.
By holding ourselves to these principles, we ensure that BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc. remains a trusted, impactful force in empowering youth and supporting their dreams.. Any further questions please feel free to reach out directly to Big Dreams at bfitbigdreams@gmail.com
Accountability Documents
Our Team
Brendan May
Executive Director
Brendan May, Executive Director of BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc., has led the organization for four years, focusing on youth development through alternative learning opportunities. With expertise in exercise science, social-emotional learning, and substance abuse prevention, he has driven growth by integrating wellness and education into programs for underserved youth. Under his leadership, BFIT’s after-school and summer initiatives have expanded, providing transformative experiences centered on education, exercise, and family engagement.
Melita Pope Mitchell, Ed.D. Board Chair
Dr. Melita Pope Mitchell is a seasoned educator and servant leader committed to transforming lives and uplifting her community. Originally from Gary, Indiana, and a proud product of the Gary Community School Corporation, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American World Studies from the University of Iowa and a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Michigan. She earned her Doctor of Education degree in Adult and Community College Education from North Carolina State University. With over 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Mitchell has served in key student and academic affairs roles at the University of Michigan, University of North Carolina Charlotte, and Johnson C. Smith University. Dr. Mitchell’s unwavering loyalty to the institutions and organizations that shaped her journey is evident in her continued service and philanthropy. She remains deeply committed to creating meaningful change and fostering growth within her community and beyond.
Andrea Ayers
Board Member
Andrea Ayers is a seasoned professional with more than two decades of experience in leadership, financial operations, and data governance, coupled with a growing career in marriage and family therapy. She has built her career on excellence, accountability, and the belief that strong systems create strong futures. Beyond the boardroom, Andrea is committed to using her skills to uplift the next generation.
With a background that spans Fortune 500 companies, logistics, and community development, Andrea brings both structure and compassion to her work with Big Dreams Youth Inc. She believes in meeting young people where they are—helping them recognize their strengths, embrace resilience, and discover their potential to lead. Her dedication is rooted in a family legacy of service and faith, which continues to inspire her to give back through mentorship, empowerment, and advocacy.
For Andrea, serving with BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc. is more than a role—it’s a calling to help youth dream bigger, think bolder, and build the confidence to create lasting change for themselves and their communities.
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Traletta Banks
Board Member
Terence Cunningham Jr., a native of Charlotte, NC, brings a wealth of experience in athletics and education to his role as a Strength Training Teacher at Harding University High School. With a B.S. in Computer Science from Virginia Union University and a Master’s in Recreation & Sports Science from Ohio University, Terence also served eight years in the U.S. Army. His dedication to student development is evident through his ongoing work in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools system since 2014. Terence lives in Mount Holly, NC, with his family, continuing to inspire and impact young lives through education and sports.
Colin Cole
Board Member
Terence Cunningham Jr., a native of Charlotte, NC, brings a wealth of experience in athletics and education to his role as a Strength Training Teacher at Harding University High School. With a B.S. in Computer Science from Virginia Union University and a Master’s in Recreation & Sports Science from Ohio University, Terence also served eight years in the U.S. Army. His dedication to student development is evident through his ongoing work in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools system since 2014. Terence lives in Mount Holly, NC, with his family, continuing to inspire and impact young lives through education and sports.
Join Us
We are always looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers to help us carry out our mission. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to make a long-term commitment, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. Contact us today to learn more about volunteering with Big Dreams Youth.
Brittney Martin
Board Member
Brittney Martin is a seasoned legal and compliance professional with nearly 20 years of experience across law, finance, and regulatory policy. She serves as Senior Corporate Compliance Paralegal at eToro USA, the world’s largest social investment platform.
A proud alumna of Johnson C. Smith University (’08) and The George Washington University (’12), Brittney is deeply committed to community leadership. She is President and Chair of The FACTS Initiative and holds board roles with the Groomed for Greatness Foundation, All Things Common Foundation, and BFIT Big Dreams Youth Inc.
Her leadership and advocacy have earned national recognition, including JCSU’s inaugural Forty Under 40 and UNCF’s Outstanding Young Alumnus of the Year (2025) honors. Brittney lives in the Charlotte area with her husband, Jeff, and their three children.
TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
