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.”

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. 

How Cervivor is Making a Difference

At Cervivor, we believe that advocacy is a crucial step towards creating change and improving the lives of those affected by cervical cancer. Our community members are empowered to make a difference through various advocacy levels, from individual to policy-level efforts. In this blog post, we’ll highlight examples of how Cervivor has participated in different types of advocacy.

Individual or Self Advocacy

  • Sharing personal stories and experiences to raise awareness about cervical cancer and its impact.

  • Encouraging friends and family to get screened for cancer and vaccinated against HPV.
  • Educating those impacted by cervical cancer to:
    • Seek a second opinion when needed.
    • To be aware of and engage in shared decision-making with their healthcare providers to ensure informed and empowered medical choices.

Organizational and Community Advocacy

  • Partnering with cancer and health-mission organizations to amplify our message and expand our reach.
  • Collaborating with healthcare providers to improve access to cervical cancer screening, vaccination, treatment, and survivorship phases throughout the continuum of care.

  • Organizing local events and fundraisers to support cervical cancer awareness.
  • Building relationships with community leaders to promote education and screening initiatives like our Black Cervix Chat and #Screen4Me. 

Policy and Legislative Advocacy

  • Supporting legislation that funds research and education initiatives related to cervical cancer.
  • Creating awareness through city and state awareness proclamations.

  • Advocating for policies that increase access to cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination like Representative Kathy Castor’s “PREVENT HPV Cancers Act” in 2021 and again with its expansion in 2023.
  • Leading the discussion at the Biden Cancer Moonshot White House Cervical Cancer Forum during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month (and beyond) to:
    • Raise awareness about the importance of education, prevention, early detection, and treatment.
    • Spur action among policymakers, healthcare providers, and the general public to prioritize cervical cancer prevention and care.

Support Advocacy

  • Creating a safe and supportive community for individuals to share their experiences and connect with others through various intersectionalities. 

Through these various levels of advocacy, Cervivor is making a tangible impact in the mission to end cervical cancer. By empowering our community members to take action, we are creating a ripple effect of change that will ultimately lead to a future where cervical cancer is a thing of the past. Won’t you join us in our mission to make a difference?