Shivangi Sinha
Rising from abuse and similarly difficult circumstances takes immense courage and strength. For many, the journey is not just about survival but about healing and finding purpose beyond the pain. Choosing to then extend a helping hand to others walking similar paths is even more powerful as one turns personal struggles into a source of inspiration and support. Ni’Cola Mitchell is one such individual who has done exactly that, and her efforts are truly commendable. Her story, especially one of the most challenging chapters of her life, is at the heart of Lifetime’s ‘Giving Hope: The Ni’Cola Mitchell Story.’
Ni’Cola Mitchell Emerged Victorious From the Challenges Life Threw at Her
Ni’Cola Mitchell was born in Jamaica and moved to the US at the age of nine. She settled with her family in Las Vegas, Nevada. On the surface, her life seemed happy and ordinary, and she shared a close relationship with her sister, Nene. However, things outside the home were far from easy. She faced bullying at school and later revealed that she experienced sexual abuse as a teenager. At 16, she was in a difficult relationship when she became pregnant and gave birth to her first daughter, Destani, after a long and challenging labor.
She later welcomed another daughter, Diamond, whom she considered a blessing, but her struggles continued as she endured domestic abuse and eventually raised her daughters as a single mother. Drawing strength from her experiences, Ni’Cola pursued her long-held dream of becoming an author. Despite early recognition, she wanted to do more. In 2015, she launched Girls Who Brunch, a program supporting at-risk girls, which quickly grew nationwide. Soon after, she was diagnosed with cancer. Though treatment was difficult, she recovered and returned with renewed determination to continue her work and uplift others.
Ni’Cola Mitchell is Busy With the Latest Girls Who Brunch Tour These Days
Ni’Cola Mitchell began laying the foundation of her career with a strong focus on business and storytelling. From 2005 to 2008, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, Las Vegas, followed by an MBA in Healthcare Management from 2008 to 2010. In March 2007, she became the President of NCM Publishing, where she evolved into an author of urban contemporary fiction. She went on to write more than 30 books, including ‘Over and Over Again,’ ‘Pum Pum,’ ‘Defiance of Chance,’ and ‘Twisted.’ By 2011, she expanded her professional scope as CFO of Obsessive Soul Media. However, her purpose grew beyond publishing, and in January 2015, she founded the Girls Who Brunch Tour in Atlanta, Georgia.
What began as a small initiative quickly evolved into a national movement, reaching more than 50,000 girls, particularly those in underserved communities, foster care, survivors of trafficking, and teen mothers. Through tours, programs, and mentorship, she created safe spaces for empowerment and growth. Her impact continued to expand over the years. In 2019, she was honored as a L’Oréal Paris. Women of Worth. In 2024, she received the Women En Blanc Honors Community Impact Award, followed by the Heart Awards Humanitarian of the Year in 2025, along with two Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards. By 2026, her work earned Congressional Recognition from the US House of Representatives, along with multiple Certificates of Recognition from the State of Texas and the United States Congress, and a place on Forbes’ Change Maker list.
In 2026, she is focused on organizing the She Dreams Weekend, a multi-day experience designed to bring together mentors, leaders, and creatives to inspire girls aged 9–18. Alongside this, she continues fundraising and building volunteer networks. Her empowering merchandise, featuring messages like “Protect Black Girls,” “Dreams Worth Fighting For,” and “You Matter,” has also gained popularity. She has further expanded her reach as an executive producer of her Lifetime biographical film. She has been featured on major platforms, including NBC, Fox News, and iHeart podcasts and is continuing to amplify her mission.
Ni’Cola Mitchell’s Daughters Are Her Whole World
Beyond her professional life, Ni’Cola Mitchell’s world revolves around her daughters, Destani and Diamond. From birthdays to everyday moments, she cherishes every experience with them, and they, in turn, are her biggest supporters, always showing up for her in every way possible. She also had another daughter, Dionni, who tragically passed away shortly after birth in 2003. Ni’Cola continues to honor her memory and celebrate her life by carrying her presence with her in everything she does.
She actively uses social media not just to share her journey, but to uplift and amplify the voices of young girls. At events, she encourages them to speak up, step into leadership roles, and believe in their worth, often cheering them on from the sidelines. She is a mentor to many who reciprocate the love and affection she shows them. Over time, she has mentored many young girls, building strong bonds and supporting them as they grow. Outside of her work and advocacy, she is also a devoted Super Bowl fan and enjoys the games with her family and friends. She is deeply rooted in her community, and even her personal life reflects a similar ethos.
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