From PVAMU To Powerhouse: Nikki Handy’s Panther Pride Pushed Her To Success

For Nikki Handy, Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) wasn’t just a stop along the way—it was the launchpad for everything she has built today. The “Family Empire: Houston” star, real estate powerhouse, and fashion entrepreneur proudly represents her Panther roots, crediting PVAMU for shaping her into the dynamic businesswoman she is now.

Initially, Prairie View A&M wasn’t Handy’s first choice, but just because it wasn’t first doesn’t mean it wasn’t right. “Honestly, I hate to admit this, but my first choice was Southern University,” she revealed to OffTheYard. However, a simple policy at Southern changed her mind. 

“They said freshmen can’t have cars on campus. I’m like, ‘Oh no, I need to be able to drive home to my parents!’” 

That prompted Handy to visit Prairie View during its recruitment event, Panther Land Day.

After visiting, she was sold and “absolutely fell in love.” She fully embraced Panther pride, fondly recalling undergraduate memories like “Hump Day on the Hill.”

“People would miss class for Hump Day,” she told OffTheYard about the times when a DJ would play music in front of the student center while undergrads enjoyed the scene and the sororities and fraternities strolled. “That’s what we looked forward to every Wednesday.”

Beyond the vibrant campus life, Prairie View’s strong engineering program solidified her decision, as numerous top Black engineers in Houston were recruited from the institution. 

Graduating with a degree in chemical engineering, she knew she had made the right choice.

“The best decision I ever made. Wouldn’t change anything for the world,” said Handy, who credits Prairie View’s close-knit alumni network for launching her career.

“When I graduated, I got a job because of a PV alum,” she shared. “I started out working for Accenture, a global management consulting firm, and if it wasn’t for the alumni already working there, I wouldn’t have gotten that job.”

That network remains strong today in her real estate career as co-CEO of the Braden Real Estate Group.

 “I still have so many alumni friends who support my business. It’s just a big network of people who want to support each other solely because we went to Prairie View.”

And that is just a small glimpse into the unbreakable bond of Prairie View alumni. “We think we are the cream of the crop,” she told OffTheYard. “You can meet someone, not even know them, but as soon as you hear they went to Prairie View, it’s like, ‘That’s my family.’ We always look out for each other.”

That heartfelt bond of support extends across generations of proud Panthers.

“People who graduated in the ’70s and ’80s still look for ways to support,” said Handy. “When you hear the Prairie View name, it’s a no-brainer—‘How can I support this person?’”

Handy worked in corporate America for 11 years before transitioning to real estate full-time. 

“Real estate was my part-time career while I was in the oil and gas industry in Houston,” she explained. Feeling unfulfilled, she decided to take real estate seriously.

Starting off with her cousin turned co-CEO, Jermeshia Goudeau, they quickly found success. 

“Then the family saw how successful we were and wanted to be part of it,” she laughed. “A lot of people say they don’t like working with family, but I see it differently. We are a great team. Everyone has their role, just like in basketball.”

However, the transition to reality TV shook things up. Nikki and her family of realtors took part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, starring in OWN’s “Family Empire: Houston.”

 The unscripted series from Carlos King’s Kingdom Reign Productions follows the Bradens across four generations of Black excellence while exploring complex themes of generational wealth and building a family legacy. Centered around the group that makes up the largest independently Black-owned brokerage in Houston, Handy told OffTheYard that she has no regrets about venturing into TV. 

“People appreciated seeing real-life struggles and challenges that Black families face behind closed doors but rarely see on the big screen,” said Handy.

Not only did it expose family dynamics, but the OWN show also gave viewers an up-close look at this stunner’s signature style, inspiring her to launch the Nicole Handy Collection.

 “People would screenshot me on TV and ask where I got my outfit,” she said. “So I thought, why not turn my love for fashion into something real?”

That “realness” includes a collection that reflects all aspects of the Prairie View grad’s life.

“I’m a businesswoman, a mom, a wife, a friend. Some days I’m in a jogger set, some days a power suit, other days a sexy dress. You’re going to get all of that.”

Ultimately, at the center of Nikki Handy’s success is her HBCU, and her love for the school is something she proudly shares.

“At an HBCU, I never felt like just a number,” she told OffTheYard. “When you go to these big D1 schools, that’s exactly what you are. But at Prairie View, I could go to my professor’s house. That kind of community is irreplaceable.”

She continued, “The culture, the pride—it’s unmatched.”

Most importantly, Prairie View gave her the self assurance that we see shine today. 

“Before PV, I didn’t have confidence. Prairie View taught me it was okay to be a Black woman in this society. It taught me to own who I am, be proud, and never be ashamed or timid.”

As Handy continues her journey, she remains a proud Panther, living proof of the lifelong impact of an HBCU education. 

“This institution was created to give me an opportunity I otherwise may not have had,” she reflected to OffTheYard. “And for that, I am forever grateful.”