Andrea “Dre” Nichols-Everett is quickly becoming one of the most prominent African American women in the world of fitness. For more than twelve years, Dre has inspired men, women and children to make up their minds to get fit and stay fit by creating a group fitness workout program that includes daily exercise and a healthy dose of motivational and spiritual affirmation.

Dre was born in 1971 in Blue Island, Illinois but was raised on the east coast in Meriden, Connecticut. She enjoyed an active childhood and was very athletic in high school, participating in several sports including, volleyball and track. It wasn’t until Dre began college in 1989 at the University of Virginia that she slowly began gaining weight. Poor eating habits coupled with an inactive lifestyle caused her to pack on an extra 30 pounds by the time she graduated.

In 1998, she married the love of her life, Dwayne Everett, and continued to live an unhealthy lifestyle. At the time, Dre was working as a professional pharmaceutical sales representative for Johnson and Johnson based in Raritan, New Jersey. Because her career was her main priority, busy days and long work nights kept the excess weight piling on.

In April 1999, after taking a long hard look at herself and the women around her, Dre decided to change the focus of her life and make healthy living a serious priority. With a made up mind, she joined the YMCA and started working out on a consistent basis. That same year, Dre dropped a whopping 25 pounds and five dress sizes. After only 5 months of consistent workouts, something clicked and Dre decided to fulfill a life-long dream of becoming a Certified Fitness Instructor. Eventually, she found part-time work as a step and kickbox instructor at Gold’s Gym, the YMCA and Xsport Fitness. Because of her strong ability to motivate others to take their health and fitness seriously, Dre’s classes were always filled to capacity.

In 2006, another life changing moment gave Dre’s life as a fitness coach and trainer a whole new meaning. Her mother was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease and because of Dre’s health conscious lifestyle; she was the only member of her family healthy enough to donate a kidney to save her mother’s life. The experience motivated Dre to do more. She wanted others to feel the same way she felt after shedding 25 pounds so she made it her mission to help as many people as she could live better,