National HPV Vaccination Roundtable

She is Tamika

Happy 50th Birthday to our Founder, Chief Visionary, and Global Trailblazer, Tamika Felder!

Today, we don’t just celebrate a birthday — we celebrate a legacy in motion.

Diagnosed with cervical cancer at just 25 years old, Tamika Felder could have let that diagnosis define her limits. Instead, she transformed it into a launching point. What began as one woman’s journey of survivorship has become a global movement centered on advocacy, education, and community.

In 2005, Tamika founded Cervivor, Inc. to create what she wished she had during treatment — a space to be seen, heard, and supported. Her vision gave birth to a powerful community where cervical cancer patients and survivors could raise their voices, share their stories, and make a difference in the lives of others.

Nearly two decades later, Cervivor is now a recognized global leader in the mission to eliminate cervical cancer. And Tamika — still at the helm — remains one of the most influential voices in the cancer advocacy space.

“Every birthday is a big deal when you’ve had cancer, but this one isn’t just about turning 50. It’s about asking: ‘What have I done with this time? What mark have I left?’For me, that answer is Cervivor. Twenty years ago, I founded the organization to create the kind of support I didn’t have: a community where cervical cancer patients and survivors can find their voice, share their stories, and educate others. I’m proud of what we’ve built. We’ve turned pain into power. We’ve built a movement.”

Tamika with her fellow survivors and volunteers during the early years of Cervivor, Inc. (formerly Tamika and Friends, Inc.).
Tamika and Chief DEI Officer, Kimberly Williams with the 2024 Communities of Color Retreat Attendees in Cleveland, Ohio.

But her impact reaches far beyond this organization. She has:

Tamika’s work has transformed systems, shattered stigma, and created space for countless others to rise in their purpose.

The Cervivor Community Reflects

Tamika, your mark is undeniable. You’ve opened doors for others to walk through. You’ve transformed individual stories into collective progress. You’ve given power back to people who never thought they’d be seen. 

Tamika’s impact isn’t just professional — it’s deeply personal. The Cervivor community, made up of those whose lives have been touched by her work, shares their heartfelt thanks:

Tamika strikes a pose with other cervical cancer survivors at the 2025 Cervical Cancer Summit Powered By Cervivor, Inc.

“I know I say this often, but I truly am grateful for you being bold enough to walk in your purpose. You continue to open doors for all of us to walk through. Your reach is immeasurable. Merci beaucoup, Tamika Felder!” — Cervivor Community Member

“You have given so many of us a platform of hope, all while empowering us to use our stories, our voices to create a better tomorrow. Thank you for being unstoppable!” — Cervivor Community Member

“Tamika, you have changed the face of cervical cancer and helped to spotlight the lives and stories of too many patients and survivors to count. I am glad to celebrate you today!” — Cervivor Community Member

“Thank you for everything you do every day to end cervical cancer. You are a force of change and so very needed!” — Cervivor Community Member

Join the Celebration: Honor Her Legacy.

As we reflect on Tamika’s 24 years of global impact, we’re reminded of the power of resilience and determination. From creating a community for those affected by cervical cancer to advocating for awareness, education, and research, Tamika’s work has changed lives and saved lives.

Tamika moderating the 2024 Biden Cancer Moonshot Cervical Cancer Forum

Through Cervivor, Inc., she has given a voice to the voiceless, hope to the hopeless, and support to those navigating the complexities of cervical cancer. Her legacy is a testament to transformation through adversity and turning it into purpose.

Tamika’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and compassion, inspiring a movement that continues to grow and evolve. 

As Cervivor, Inc. stands strong today, it’s a direct result of Tamika’s vision, leadership, and commitment to eliminating cervical cancer once and for all. Now, it’s our turn to celebrate her legacy. 

In honor of her 50th birthday:

  • Share — how Tamika’s work has inspired or impacted you.
  • Give to support Cervivor’s work — because access, education, and advocacy save lives.
  • Get involved — share your story, raise awareness, and be part of the change.
  • Use your voice — because your story matters, and together we can eliminate cervical cancer.

Let’s show Tamika and the world that her impact has not only mattered, but multiplied. Happy 50th Birthday, Tamika Felder. Your legacy is powerful. Your leadership is transformative. Your voice has changed the world. 

Preventing HPV-Related Cancers: Cervivor’s Urgent Call for Action This Women’s Health Month

At Cervivor, Inc., every month is Women’s Health Month. But this May, we’re taking the opportunity to spotlight a critical public health issue that disproportionately impacts women: HPV-related cancers. 

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is an extremely common virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 85% of people will be exposed to the virus at some point in their lives. While many HPV strains are essentially harmless, high-risk strains are responsible for more than 37,000 new cancer cases each year in the U.S., including about 21,800 cases in women and 16,000 in men. 

These cancers include vaginal, vulvar, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, and cervical cancer—what Cervivor is dedicated to eliminating. Cervical cancer remains the most common HPV-related cancer in women, with more than 11,000 new cases diagnosed annually.

The good news? Nearly all HPV-related cancers are preventable with tools like vaccination, regular checkups, and early treatment. Just last month, National Cancer Institute researchers reported “phenomenal” new data that a single dose of the HPV vaccine is just as effective as the two doses currently recommended for people aged 9 to 25!

This recent CDC infographic illustrates how effective the HPV vaccine can be in preventing over 90% of related cancers including cervical cancer.

“Knowledge is power—but it’s only the start,” says Tamika Felder, Cervivor’s Founder and Chief Visionary. “Preventable cancers like cervical cancer are on the rise because of complacency, stigma, and misinformation. Up-to-date cervical screenings have dropped over the past two decades, and HPV vaccine uptake was ‘flat’ from 2021 to 2023,” she says, citing an alarming recent report from the American Cancer Society. “The time to prevent suffering—and save lives from cervical and other HPV-related cancers—is now.”

The National HPV Conference: A Gathering of the Minds

Fortunately, Tamika and Cervivor aren’t the only ones prioritizing women’s health and tackling the ongoing challenges of HPV-related diseases. Over 400 attendees gathered with the same mission at the recent National HPV Conference in Indianapolis from April 15 to 17, 2025. Bringing together leading experts, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and survivors, the conference aimed to facilitate networking, collaboration, and resource sharing like “never done before” in the U.S. 

The National HPV Conference unites leaders toward their shared mission.

Representing Cervivor, Tamika took part in a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Rachel Katzenellenbogen and included other HPV cancer and disease survivors, including recurrent respiratory papillomatosis survivor, Kim McClellan, anal cancer survivor Lillian Kreppel and tonsil cancer survivor Jason Mendelsohn, that underscored the human impact of HPV-related cancers. Later, she and Community Engagement Liaison, Morgan Newman, MSW—a metastatic and recurrent cervical cancer survivor—co-presented with leading global expert and author Dr. Linda Eckert in a session titled “Beyond the Data,” highlighting the power of personal narratives in advocacy.

Cervivor’s founder, Tamika, shared her experience and expertise alongside other HPV cancer survivors, emphasizing the importance of the patient voice.

A few other program highlights from the National HPV Conference: 

  • Keynote Addresses: Dr. Susan Vadaparampil, Associate Center Director of Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity at Moffitt Cancer Center, delivered a keynote about the importance of advocacy and gave a special shoutout to the Cervivor community. Dr. Michelle Fiscus, Chief Medical Officer for the Association of Immunization Managers and Co-Chair of the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, also gave a dynamic presentation on the current state of vaccination.
  • Policy and Advocacy Discussions: Dr. Heather Brandt, Director of the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program, alongside Martha Nolan, Senior Policy Advisor at HealthyWomen, highlighted the critical role of legislative action and community engagement in HPV prevention efforts.
  • Storytelling Session: Sally Perkins, a professional storyteller and cancer survivor, demonstrated the transformative power of storytelling in advocacy.

What’s Next: Challenges and Opportunities

“HPV-related cancers are still a greater threat in the developing world, but it’s alarming that preventable cancers are increasing here in the U.S.—especially as funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other public and private sources shrinks,” shares Morgan. 

Cervivor Morgan Newman at National HPV Conference
Cervivor’s Community Engagement Liaison Morgan explained how personal narratives can change minds.

Fresh from the National HPV Conference, Morgan outlines several pressing challenges facing the HPV prevention movement:

Vaccine Hesitancy: Despite strong scientific evidence that the HPV vaccine is both safe and effective—and promising news that a single dose may be enough in the future—misinformation and mistrust persist. Disinformation campaigns and cultural stigmas around vaccines continue to suppress vaccination rates, particularly in vulnerable communities. 

Policy and Funding: Sustained progress in HPV prevention relies heavily on legislative support and adequate funding. Cuts to public health budgets and shifting policy priorities threaten access to the HPV vaccine, routine screenings, and treatment services—especially in underserved areas. 

Healthcare Access: Longstanding disparities in healthcare access, insurance coverage, and provider availability mean that too many people—especially in rural, low-income, and marginalized communities—still face barriers to prevention and early detection. Expanding equitable access to care remains a critical need. 

Cervivor’s Response: Advocacy in Action

These challenges fuel our ongoing commitment to protect every person with a cervix from HPV-related cancers. Here’s how Cervivor is responding:

Cervivor School 2024 Graduates and Team Cervivor
Cervivor’s commitment to HPV prevention advocacy includes organizing the annual Cervivor School, where patients and survivors are equipped with the knowledge and tools to advocate for better women’s health care. Shown here is the graduating class of the 2024 school.
  • Enhanced Education Campaigns: Cervivor is tackling vaccine hesitancy through culturally relevant messaging and resources via initiatives such as the Cervical Cancer Summit and Cervivor School, which aims to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for HPV prevention within their communities.
  • Empowering Survivors: Through our growing collection of Cervivor Stories, we amplify the lived experiences of patients and survivors to raise awareness, break stigma, and drive meaningful change.
  • Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Members of Cervivor’s team and community proudly contribute to national coalitions including the National HPV Roundtable, National Roundtable on Cervical Cancer, HealthyWomen HPV Coalition, HPV Cancers Alliance, and the St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program, helping shape policies that support prevention, access, and care.
  • Addressing Disparities: Through grassroots, community-led conversations like DEI MeetUps, Black Cervix Chat, Cervivor Español, and international groups like Cervivor Africa and Cervivor Caribbean, we’re ensuring underrepresented voices are heard. (Visit our Events to see if there is a meetup or group that you’d like to join.) We also serve on advisory boards and research committees, championing patient advocacy in clinical trials, screening, and vaccination efforts. 

This Women’s Health Month, we urge our Cervivor community and its allies to recommit to action. Preventable HPV-related cancers shouldn’t still be claiming lives. While cancer doesn’t discriminate, the systems surrounding it often do. It’s time to break down the barriers that stand in the way of prevention, early detection, and treatment.

If you believe in Cervivor’s mission to end cervical cancer and ensure that no one has to face it alone, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution today. Your support helps us continue our lifesaving work.