Meet Shanise Pearce

We recently connected with Shanise Pearce and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shanise, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose in the most unexpected and painful chapter of my life — through a breast cancer diagnosis. In October 2023, after years of proactive genetic testing and preventative care, I was told I had Stage 1, Grade 3, Triple Negative Breast Cancer. That moment was life-altering. As a wife, mother, and the anchor of my family, I wasn’t just fighting for myself. I was fighting for every person I loved, especially my children who carry the same gene mutations I do.

Chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, breast reconstruction and surgical menopause stripped me physically, but spiritually and emotionally, I was rebuilding something stronger. I began to speak out, advocate, and connect with others facing similar battles. I found strength in storytelling, healing through creative outlets like coloring, and power in raising awareness about early detection, especially for underserved communities that are disproportionately affected by this disease.

My purpose became crystal clear. I was meant to be a voice, not just for myself, but for those who felt voiceless in their own health journeys. That clarity gave birth to The Advocate’s Table, a platform where advocacy, education, community, and healing meet. I found purpose in the pain, and now I use it to light the path for others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Shanise Pearce, and I wear many hats — mother, wife, corporate VP, and now, survivor and founder of The Advocate’s Table. After being diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in 2023, following years of proactive genetic testing and a preventative hysterectomy, my entire world shifted. What started as a personal battle quickly transformed into a movement rooted in advocacy, education, and healing.

The Advocate’s Table is a space I created to uplift voices that are often overlooked, especially those in underserved and underrepresented communities. We focus on early detection, access to genetic testing, mental health support, and creative healing tools like coloring and mindfulness-based activities. What makes this brand unique is that it is deeply personal. Everything I offer has been born out of my own lived experiences, from chemotherapy to survivorship, and the emotional weight of knowing my daughters carry the same gene mutations I do.

What excites me most is how this work is already making an impact. I’ve launched virtual coloring circles that offer a safe space for creative healing and connection. We are also building a volunteer network called TableMates and expanding our reach through community partnerships. In addition, I’ve formed a nonprofit, The Research Chair, to provide funding for mobile mammogram units, genetic testing, and advocacy resources in communities that need it most.

This is not just a brand. It is a calling. And I am proud to be turning my pain into purpose to help others rewrite the story of their own lives.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been self-advocacy, emotional resilience, and knowledge of genetics and preventative care.

1. Self-advocacy

I had to learn how to speak up for myself in medical spaces, ask the hard questions, and push for clarity when things felt uncertain. This was especially important after learning I carried both the PMS2 and BRCA2 gene mutations. I encourage others to trust their gut, document their symptoms, and never be afraid to ask for a second opinion. You are your own best advocate, and your voice matters in every room.

2. Emotional resilience

Cancer tried to shake everything I thought I knew about strength. But through each chemo session, surgery, and recovery, I discovered just how powerful it is to hold space for your emotions while still choosing to move forward. Resilience isn’t about being unshakable — it’s about bending without breaking. My advice? Give yourself grace. Healing is not linear, and you are allowed to have hard days.

3. Knowledge of genetics and preventative care

This knowledge changed the trajectory of my life. Early detection gave me a fighting chance, and understanding my gene mutations gave me the ability to educate and prepare my daughters as well. For anyone beginning this journey, I highly recommend speaking with a genetic counselor if you have a family history of cancer. The more you know, the more power you have to make informed decisions about your health.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes. I’m actively seeking meaningful collaborations that align with the mission of The Advocate’s Table — expanding access to early detection tools, promoting mental wellness through creative healing, and uplifting voices from underserved and underrepresented communities.

I’m looking to connect with:

Event organizers and hosts in need of a powerful speaker, emcee, or panelist to share stories and insights on survivorship, advocacy, mental wellness, and health equity

Donors and sponsors who are passionate about supporting grassroots initiatives focused on breast cancer awareness, genetic education, and mental health resources

Pharmaceutical and research companies interested in collaborating on community-driven outreach, clinical trial diversity, or patient-centered education initiatives

Hospitals and healthcare agencies seeking a consultant to strengthen patient advocacy efforts, improve communication, and build more meaningful relationships between medical professionals and the patients they serve

Nonprofits, wellness organizations, and advocates ready to co-create healing events, share resources, or empower survivor-led education

Businesses and individuals who want to become affiliates or help amplify the mission of The Advocate’s Table through shared platforms and aligned values

If you’re committed to equity, healing, and real community impact, I’d love to connect. You can reach me at www.theadvocatestable.org or email me directly at shanispearce@theadvocatestable.org.

Let’s build something transformative together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theadvocatestable.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanisepearce/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaniseNPearce
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanisepearce

Image Credits

The Advocate’s Table LLC (logo)
Shanise Pearce