STAFF TEAM
CEO & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dawn Hilton Williams
Dawn serves as the Co-Founding Executive Director and CEO of Power is Giving. A 30-year culinary veteran and ECornell certified whole food, plant-based nutrition professional grantwriter and Duke University certified non profit leadership professional, Dawn focuses on bringing evidence-based optimal nutrition & wellness equity to life with cultural roots and practical tools.
Under her leadership, Power is Giving delivers programs like the EDD Summit, Fit & Fuel Tennis, and EDD Talks Lunch & Learn, each designed to arrest and reverse lifestyle-driven chronic illnesses. Hilton-Williams is also an award-winning author, columnist sought-after speaker and recipient of support from Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Melissa Metcalf LeRoy
Melissa Metcalf Le Roy, a graduate of the Duke University’s Non-Profit Certificate Management Program and Duke’s Advanced Certificate program, teaches non-profit management classes throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia for Duke University. She is a board member of the North Carolina Center for Non-Profits, which has designated her as a non-profit mentor for the western region of the state and offers her services as a consultant through her own firm, OnFire Non-Profit Consulting.
EDD FIT & FUEL PROGRAM TEAM LEAD
Nadia Hilton Adams
Co-Founder, Nadia Hilton-Adams leads Power is Giving’s EDD Fit & Fuel Tennis Program, blending Division I tennis experience with community wellness impact. A Charlotte native and graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, she began service early, winning Maria Sharapova’s “Use Your Instinct” contest and raising $12,000 for charity at age 14, later launching free youth fitness programs.
As a former Nike Tennis Sports Camp Pro, Hilton-Adams brings athletic expertise and cultural connection to her role. Her leadership centers on making tennis-based fitness, plant-based nutrition, and youth empowerment accessible tools for reversing chronic illness and fostering lifelong wellness in underserved communities.
EAT DRINK DISRUPT FIT & FUEL COACHES
Meet coaching line up for EDD Fit and Fuel Tennis program!
Head Coach & Program Team Lead
NADIA HILTON ADAMS
Co-Founder of Power is Giving, Nadia was a standout high school and Jr. USTA tennis athlete, earning a full scholarship to NCAA Division 1 North Carolina A & T State University
Nadia played singles and doubles and as team co-captain, helped the Aggies women's tennis team to multiple winning seasons and two back to back MEAC tournament births. Nadia was also a Nike camp tennis coach.
FITNESS COACH
MANNY SMITH
A standout high school and high school athlete, Manny earned a scholarship to NCAA Division 1 North Carolina Central University, where he was an all-conference Defensive Back.
Fit & Fuel Coach
KEEON JOHNSON
A standout high school athlete, Keeon earned a full scholarship at NCAA Division 1 University of Virginia where he led the team as an elite Wide Receiver.
Playing professionally for two years in the NFL (New York Giants), Keeon is a certified personal trainer and has pledged 5 years to help people grow holistically.
Tennis Coach
BRENNA BRYANT
A standout high school and Junior USTA tennis athlete, Brenna earned a scholarship to NCAA Division 1 North Carolina A&T State University.
Tennis Coach
NOLAN MARTINO
A standout high school and Junior USTA tennis athlete, Nolan earned a scholarship to NCAA Division 1 SNorth Carolina A&T State University.
Tennis Coach
KENDALL ADDISON
A standout high school and Junior USTA tennis athlete, Kendall earned a full scholarship to NCAA Division 1 Howard University and helped to lead her team to winning seasons and tournament championships.
Kendall works full-time for a Black-women led enterprise, coaches area youth and is a talented, award winning vocalist!
Tennis Coach
GABBY GABRIEL
A standout high school and Junior USTA tennis athlete, Gabby earned a scholarship to NCAA Division 1 Appalachian State University, where Gabby represented her team with back-to-back winning seasons. Following her tennis career, Gabby earned her Juris Doctorate from Charleston Law School and resides in Charlotte, NC.
Tennis Coach
CHYNA JONES
A standout high school and Junior USTA tennis athlete, Chyna earned a scholarship to NCAA Division 2 Southern Wesleyan University. Chyna has participated as a Power is Giving Tennis coach since 2017, holds a masters degree and works with children with autism full-time.
OUR EAT DRINK DISRUPT (EDD) TALKS LUNCH & LEARN 2025 LINE UP
Click and register free today for our transformative, optimal wellness lunch and learn programs taking place at Allegra Westbrook's Regional Library-Community Room B in Charlotte!
