The Circle of Promise is nationally represented by several phenomenal African American women. Not only are these women accomplished individuals, but they are passionate about empowering their communities to help end breast cancer forever.

Nikia Hammonds-Blakely
Singer, Songwriter and Motivational Speaker

Having survived a life-altering bout with Breast Cancer at age 16 years old, Nikia Hammonds-Blakely is a singer, songwriter and motivational speaker who focuses her message on receiving physical and emotional healing with the help of God and family.

When she was a sophomore in high school, she found a lump in her breast. Not even fathoming it could be cancer – no one on either side of her family had ever suffered from the disease – she didn’t think much of it. However, during a physical a short time later, her physician suggested performing a biopsy just to be sure. It turned out to be cancer, and a very aggressive form of cancer at that.

She was terrified. Her doctors recommended a total mastectomy, but Nikia resisted. Instead she underwent several months of radiation and other surgeries.

As traumatic as it was, Nikia says her cancer also gave her a resolve she never had before. Until her diagnosis, she says she was only an average student. But once she decided she would beat her cancer and make the most of her life, she earned straight A’s and graduated fifth in her class. She became the first person in her family to go to college. But she wouldn’t stop there. She would go on to earn an MBA, and is now enrolled in a PhD program studying organizational management.

Today, at age 29, Nikia is free from cancer, and has worked tirelessly to educate young women that the disease can strike at a very young age. She travels the country focusing her mission and ministry on the healing of women who suffer with issues of inadequacy and insecurity.

Most recently Nikia was chosen to serve on the Young Women’s National Advisory Council for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Over the next three years, she will represent the organization promoting breast cancer awareness. She is one of only 11 women in the U.S. chosen to serve on the council.