Meet our amazing staff!

KARESE HENRY-ADEDIRAN

PROGRAM MANAGER | PRODUCER

  • Karese has nearly 20 years of experience in the TV production game. She's a seasoned storyteller who thrives on bringing captivating narratives to life. When she's not busy behind the scenes, she's a proud wife and mom of two spirited teenage boys, navigating the wild world of parenting with a smile (and maybe a little chaos). A sneaker collector at heart, Karese has a special love for Jordan 1s—because who says you can’t mix style with a busy lifestyle? Always ready for the next adventure, whether it’s on-screen or off!

LAKIESHA JONES

SENIOR PROGRAM MANAGER

  • LaKiesha Jones' diverse experiences and strong commitment to her family, community, and professional life make her a valuable addition to the Black Girls Tennis Club (BGTC) team. Her involvement in community service and her personal connection to BGTC, through her daughter Samara, reflect a deep passion for the organization's mission and values.


    As the Sr. Program Manager, LaKiesha can leverage her extensive experience in change management, demonstrated in her role as Sr. Manager, Change Enablement with Cox Automotive. Her expertise in creating and executing change readiness planning is directly applicable to the growth and transformation of BGTC. This skill set will be invaluable in developing and implementing programs and initiatives that support the organization's mission of empowerment, wellness, and liberation through tennis.


    LaKiesha's active involvement in organizations like Alpha Kappa Alpha Incorporated and Women in Cable and Telecommunications (WICT) demonstrates her strong dedication to community engagement and networking. Her passion for her work, family, and community is a testament to her commitment to making a positive impact.

    With LaKiesha Jones as a Sr. Program Manager, BGTC is well-positioned to continue its mission of empowering Black women and girls through tennis, and her dedication to both her family and the community will undoubtedly contribute to the organization's success.

HILLARY FISHER

PROGRAM MANAGER

  • Hillary Fisher is a NYC Artist with a passion for making wellness accessible. She is a television and theater Actor, Director, and Model. She also thrives in the wellness sphere teaching pilates and managing Black Girls Tennis Club in NYC. She can currently be seen on Broadway in The Notebook Musical. 

CAMERON McLAINE

OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

  • Cam has been with Black Girls Tennis Club from the very beginning, supporting every aspect of the organization both on and off the court. With a passion for fashion and design, Cam now plays a vital role in curating BGTC’s merchandise and crafting the stories we tell through our clothing.

    From inception to execution, Cam’s creativity and attention to detail ensure that every piece of BGTC merch reflects our values and mission, blending style with purpose. His efforts help bring our mission to life in ways that inspire connection and pride among all who support us.

SHELBY JACKSON

EVENTS ASSISTANT

  • Serial community builder, people-connector, and world explorer. I’ve dabbled in all sorts of careers across different cultures and avenues, so I’m all about mixing things up and keeping life interesting. Currently obsessed with writing my first TV pilot, and building a tennis community, and am always down for a good convo, new adventures, and genuine moments along the way. 

JANINE MOBLEY-BURKE

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

  • Janine Mobley-Burke's background and commitment to education and youth empowerment make her a valuable asset to Black Girls Tennis Club (BGTC) team. Her dedication to promoting equity in education and empowering young individuals aligns well with BGTC's mission to provide opportunities for Black women and girls in tennis. Her impressive educational background and experience in teaching and youth programming contribute significantly to the organization's growth and impact.

    As the Interim Executive Director Janine's role is critical in designing and implementing educational initiatives and tennis programs that not only teach sports skills but also foster personal development and empowerment. Her commitment to creating a fair and inclusive educational environment is in line with BGTC's values and mission to promote radical wellness and liberation through play. Janine's passion for uplifting the achievements of Black women and embracing the concept of "Black girl magic" undoubtedly inspires and empowers the members of BGTC.

    Janine's continuous quest for knowledge and her love for reading demonstrates her commitment to personal growth, which is an important quality for a leader in an organization like BGTC. With her leadership, BGTC can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of Black women and girls in tennis and beyond.

CHANTEL WALTON

PROGRAM MANAGER

  • Chantel Walton’s deep commitment to women’s holistic wellness and personal development drive her work at Black Girls Tennis Club and beyond. A budding health coach, lifestyle writer and commentator, she creates conversation, community, and commerce around optimizing and integrating the many moving parts of modern life.

    With a degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a diverse background in business and freelance consulting, Chantel brings a strong foundation in relationship building, project management, and strategic planning to her role. As Program Manager at Black Girls Tennis Club, she oversees communication between coaches, players, and families, ensuring seamless coordination on and off the court. Her expertise in executing events, fostering partnerships, and maximizing resources helps amplify BGTC’s influence on community wellness, while her passion for holistic health and personal development drives her every effort.

    Chantel’s penchant for storytelling and authentic connection fuels her work at Black Girls Tennis Club. She invites Black women and girls to embrace their individuality and unique strengths, supporting BGTC’s mission of fostering radical wellness through the transformative power of tennis. By intertwining holistic health with community-building, Chantel helps create a space where Black women and girls can not only excel on the court but also cultivate a deeper sense of well-being, confidence, and long-term growth.

ANNESSA NGUYEN

DIRECTOR OF TENNIS

  • Annessa Nguyen brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for tennis accessibility to her role as Black Girls Tennis Club's Director of Coach and Program Development. Committed to increasing diversity among coaches and making tennis more inclusive for Black women, Annessa has developed a coaching style that balances on-court energy with strategic program growth.

    For nearly four years, she has been the Assistant Coach for Boys and Girls Tennis at St. John's College High School, leading the Girls' team to two consecutive WCAC Championships. Her tennis journey began in high school at Love to Serve, Inc. in Chicago, where she also competed as a varsity player and team captain. After college-level play at Virginia State University and coaching achievements like guiding Appomattox Regional High School to its first-ever conference championship, Annessa expanded her reach at JTCC, serving as Head Pro and Director of Community Outreach, implementing programs in over 50 schools and awarding scholarships for youth to pursue the JTCC pathway.


    In 2020, she launched her own academy, “Love in Return,” before pausing to start her family, welcoming two daughters, Ace and Alpha. Now back at work, Annessa is thrilled to join BGTC, where she’s dedicated to building BGTC into a home for Black female tennis players worldwide, creating a supportive and inclusive space for future players like her little ones.