About our Founder - Nicole Hawker

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Nicole Hawker is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in counseling, community engagement, and the fitness and wellness industry. A native of Charlottesville, Virginia, she is the Founder of Heart & Soul Fitness, a nonprofit gym established in 2022 to expand access to fitness and wellness resources across the Charlottesville community.

Nicole holds a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Johnson University in Knoxville and brings more than 15 years of experience supporting families and children within the foster care system. Her background in counseling, combined with a deep commitment to community wellbeing, informs her holistic approach to health, empowerment, and sustainable lifestyle change.

She holds multiple fitness credentials, including ACE Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and Certified Yoga Teacher. Through her work, Nicole promotes inclusive, accessible fitness programming that empowers individuals of all ages and abilities to build strength, confidence, and long-term wellness habits.

In addition to her local impact, Nicole is a sought-after international speaker who has shared messages of wholeness, resilience, and community care with women’s groups in Liberia, Kenya, and Uganda, as well as with church and civic organizations throughout the United States.

Nicole remains deeply engaged in civic leadership and nonprofit development. She is a graduate of Leadership Charlottesville (Class of 2019) and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence Board Academy (Class of 2023). She currently serves as a Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.