M. Nichole Hancock is currently the President/CEO & Founder of the first-ever "Shades of Pink Breast Cancer Survivors Mass Choir" (formerly known as the Metro Atlanta Breast Cancer Survivors Mass Choir) where she is committed to "changing the face of breast cancer" and what it means to be a "breast cancer survivors." The choir began as an innovative method of increasing awareness and education about the benefits of early detection. Nichole believes that music transcends all barriers and has the power to heal. She also believes that increasing education and awareness will ultimately assist communities in achieving optimal health and wellness.

Nichole became interested in women's health after graduating from the University of Georgia in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a concentration in Health Promotion and Behavior: Corporate & Community Health. After graduating, Nichole joined the Emory University Regional Training Center as a Program Development Specialist. In 2000, she joined Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University as a Health Educator, where she later became the Senior Program Associate for the Winship Cancer Institute's - Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center of Grady Health System's Community Education & Outreach Initiative.

Nichole later went back to school to receive her Master's in Education from AIU in 2004. Ms. Hancock joined MAXIMUS as a Statewide Program Manager for Outreach for Georgia Healthy Families in August 2005. Ms. Hancock has nearly 10 years experience working in the public health field. Over the years Nichole has served on numerous Boards and Committees where she has given both her time and financial support to assisting other organizations. In October 2006, Nichole was recognized as one of the 2007 Who's Who for Executive and Professional Women and honor for her work in public health, women's health and her commitment to breast cancer.

A native Atlantan and proud mother of a beautiful 5 year old daughter whom she says is the reason she dedicates so much time and energy to women's health, Shades of Pink and breast cancer education and awareness.

A native New Yorker, Mrs. Varner is currently volunteering her time as the Director of the "Shades of Pink" Breast Cancer Survivors Mass Choir. Mrs. Varner has worked with the choir since its conception in 2003. Mrs. Varner has over 30 years of experience directing and participating in gospel choirs.

In 1983, while in Stuttgart, West Germany during her husband's tour of duty with the United States Army, she was given the opportunity to sing, direct and travel across Germany with the Fifth General Hospital Gospel Choir and perform at venues like the America Haus. She also served as the Assistant Director of the "God's Children" gospel choir based in Ft. Hood, Texas. Mrs. Varner received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Broadcasting from the University of Central Texas in 1988.

In 1989, Vivian returned to Baumholder Germany with her husband where she became the director of the Baumholder Chapel Mass Choir. She would spend the next four years traveling extensively throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland with the Choir. In 1994, upon returning to the United States she joined and later directed the New Life Interdenominational Church Choir in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

In 1998, Vivian moved to Georgia with her husband, Willie Varner, of 26 years and her two children Courtney and Earon. Vivian enjoys singing professionally and song writing. She joined the "Voices of Restoration" and became one of the lead/background vocalist, writers, and later manager of this professional gospel group. She is also an active member of the Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral choir here in Atlanta.

When Vivian contacted the breast cancer choir in 2003 it was in response to a public service announcement at the choir's inception. She was told by the representative that the choir would be comprised totally of breast cancer survivors. At that time Vivian was not a survivor, but did share that she had experience directing and would be interested in volunteering in that capacity if possible. Two and a half years later in December 2005 Vivian was diagnosed with breast cancer. Up until her connection with the group Vivian had never given much thought to self examinations or yearly mammogram's. Fortunately, this affiliation with the group prompted her to receive two mammograms (having never done so before) that detected the cancer in a very early stage. Early detection afforded her an excellent prognosis for continued health. As small tumors are rarely detected without the use of mammograms it may have been several years before she would have been diagnosed. This is what she so proudly calls the "Set Up".

A 16-year breast cancer survivor and member of Shades of Pink since 2003, Maggie is currently the Associate Minister at her church and Choir Chaplain. Maggie was elected by the Choir in early 2006 to serve as the Chaplain to the choir. Maggie states that "it truly has been an honor to serve the choir in this manner." She is responsible for sending words of encouragement and inspirational words weekly. Maggie is also the Chair of the "Prayer Warrior" committee where she and other members of the choir get together to pray for members in a 24-hr prayer chain. Maggie is also available to assist interested members in their daily spiritual walk.