Carlos Abad is the CEO and founding member of the Be Great Project. His parents brought him to America when he was 2 years old.  Like many immigrants, he started from very humble beginnings and moved often. His 20’s were spent raising 3 daughters, going to night school, and working multiple jobs.

Carlos’ drive and entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to open his first business, which led to his initial financial success. Over the years, he has opened multiple companies and been a trusted advisor to many successful business owners.

In 2014, Carlos was asked to advise an aspiring young entrepreneur on their startup. This young entrepreneur reminded him of how he used to be, so he decided to mentor the young person with the hope that he could share some of his life knowledge. He was very pleasantly surprised by the positive impact it was having on his personal life, and within a year, he was mentoring multiple young people.

In 2018, Carlos sold his financial planning and consulting business so that he could focus on helping young people and make mentoring a common societal practice. The Be Great Project is Carlos’ way of giving back and helping our most valuable resource… our young people and communities.

Nancy is the Chief Operating Officer of Be Great Project, as well as a founder. Nancy has spent over a decade working with individuals around the world teaching communication, management, and leadership skills.  She is noted for her calm and articulate form of training and coaching, which she bases on her own personal experiences, having arisen out of applying the principles she so passionately teaches, to her own life.  Nancy is considered a mentor by many in the realm of coaching and is sought out by a diverse array of individuals and professionals all seeking to improve specific outcomes in life.

Nancy’s experience is grounded in her commitment to teaching, training, and coaching the art of communication. After raising a family, Nancy went back to work as a certified personal trainer. Her success in this venture led her to managing the fitness department at a large gyms as well as opening her own wellness coaching company, Simply Wellness Coaching. Life has led Nancy to become the tremendous leader she is today.  She is a mother of three boys, grandmother, and happily resides in sunny Florida.

Melissa is the Chief Development Officer, founder, presenter and coach for Be Great Project. Melissa believes anything can be accomplished through communication.  A bold statement, but one by which she strongly adheres, applies, and sees manifested in the tremendous results she helps others achieve.  With over a decade of leadership training, Melissa is committed to supporting others in pursuing their passions. Her desire to seek knowledge has led her to many ventures, including music, radio, writing, non-profit development, yoga and business. Each pursuit enriched her ability to connect with her clients wherever they are and to support them in reaching where they are going. She has studied extensively with several leadership modalities, received her bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College, studied yoga at Kripalu School of Yoga and studied meditation with Loren Roche. She continues to seek discovery and be a student of life. Melissa lives in New Jersey with her partner, daughter, and her dog.

Dawn is one of the founders of the Be Great Project.  She is also the Chief Content Officer, presenter and developed the curriculum for the highly effective programs offered. Dawn has been an educator for over 30 years.  She has had many roles in  schools as a Principal, Supervisor, Director and College Professor. She has a true passion for herself and others to be a lifelong learner.  Dawn has had extensive experience as a coach for young teens and adults in the areas of personal and professional development.  Her three founding non-profits stand for the greatness of others to have a life they love and be empowered each day.

Dawn has been a grief counselor for children and adults for almost a decade.  She creates a space for others to accept the journey of grief however it looks and respects everyone’s different path taken.

She is committed that every participant in the Be Great Program leave with the tools necessary to face life opportunities and challenges powerfully.  To live a life fulfilled and purposeful is what she will always take a stand for others to have. She truly lives her life with the mission of the program. Dawn is the proud parent to four adult children and creates a life she loves in New Jersey and Florida.