Bio Coming Soon.

Susan has been with Susan G. Komen® since 2000. She currently holds the position of Senior Director of Health Information & Publications. Her team is responsible for ensuring the breast cancer information associated with the Komen name is safe, accurate, current, consistent and based on scientific evidence. This information is provided in the About Breast Cancer (ABC) and Patient & Caregiver sections of komen.org using a variety of presentation styles, including text, animation, videos, tables, graphics, interactive tools and downloadable educational resources to address the learning preferences of our web visitors. Reader-friendly information is provided along the breast cancer continuum of care for patients, caregivers and the public. Out online content serves as the primary source of breast cancer information, messages and resources across the organization. During her tenure at Komen, Susan has represented Komen as a spokesperson for media and content expert for national and internal audiences and has participated on numerous committees, advisory boards and workgroups for advocacy organizations, government agencies and industry focusing on many topic related to breast cancer.

She has an oncology nursing background. Before coming to Komen, she worked in a women’s imaging center where they performed breast imaging, biopsies, pre-surgical procedures and facilitated support groups for women with breast cancer, and before that, in in-patient oncology.

I came to The Cancer Institute of New Jersey in 2005 from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School where I was an instructor in medicine and staff physician. I started my medical training at Yale University, where I graduated from with both an MD and a PhD in cell biology. I then completed a medical residency at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and served as a Chief Medical Resident. This was followed by a fellowship in medical oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

With a research interest in breast cancer biology and DNA repair, I am currently exploring how DNA repair defects in cancers can be exploited to develop novel effective treatments. I am also active in applying next-generation sequencing technology to identify specific genomic changes in cancers that can be therapeutically targeted. As a physician/scientist I both run a basic research laboratory focused on breast cancer biology and see patients in the Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center. In the clinic, I work collaboratively with experts across multi-disciplines and have the opportunity to put theory into practice as we aim to develop the next generation of targeted treatments for breast cancer. Working with a team of radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, nurses, social workers, genetic specialists and others, I help patients understand their specific disease and their treatment options so that they can make informed decisions. He also is a critical driver of the Precision Medicine Initiative at the Cancer Institute, and has developed a research protocol in which patients with rare or difficult to treat cancers under targeted genomic sequencing to search for new potential treatment options. He has been instrumental in developing the Molecular Tumor Board at RCINJ and the new Molecular Therapeutics Clinic at Rutgers CINJ. This work has led to several novel findings that are driving both clinical trials and basic cancer research at the Cancer Institute. Also, I am a Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, hold the Omar Boraie Chair in Genomic Science and serve as Associate Director for Translational Science at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

I am the author or co-author of more than 107 publications and serve on the editorial board of the journal Frontiers in Molecular and Cellular Oncology.

Clinical Expertise

Breast cancer, BRCA1/2, triple-negative breast cancer, breast cancer biology, rare cancers.

Honors

• Hero Award, Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, 2016
• AHEPA, Axios Award, AHEPA 5Th District Cancer Research Foundation, 2015
• Award of Hope for Leadership in Research and Patient Care, Rutgers Cancer Institute New Jersey, 2014
• Sidney Kimmel Foundation, Kimmel Scholar Award, 2006
• National Cancer Institute, Howard Temin Award, 2004
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, 1999

Dr. Obeid is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Genetics and Director of Breast, Ovary, and Prostate Cancer Risk Assessment Programs, as well as the Interim Chief of Breast Medical Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center. He attended medical school at the American University of Beirut School of Medicine, in Beirut, Lebanon and received a Master’s of Public Health degree from the University of Massachusetts. He completed his fellowship training in Medical Oncology and Hematology at the University of Chicago. Dr. Obeid focuses on the treatment of breast cancer, with particular interest in the treatment of triple-negative and hereditary breast cancers, as well as Breast, Ovary, and Prostate cancer risk assessment.

Passion, motivation and personal experience of living with metastatic breast cancer for the past 9 years, drive Lesley’s desire to partner with communities, researchers and organizations, in aiding the funding of research for a cure, bringing awareness to this overlooked stage of breast cancer and support to those who live daily with Metastatic Breast Cancer. With a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership, she has been actively involved in advocacy since 2015, training with the inaugural Hear My Voice Volunteer class presented by Living Beyond Breast Cancer. She was invited back as a mentor in 2018 and was awarded the Living Beyond Breast Cancer Leadership Volunteer Award in the Fall of the same year. She is the Co-Founder of the Annual Make Good Moves, Climb for a Cure (www.climbforacure.net) that is held annually in Southern California, and Southern Oregon which funds research for a cure. She enjoys working with researchers and other stakeholders in the metastatic breast cancer field. She is a member of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance, Susan G. Komen’s Advocates in Science, on the scientific advisory committee for the Love Research Army, and a consumer reviewer with the DOD-CDMRP, PICORI and Komen. She recently launched, her biggest endeavor, Project Life (www.projectlifembc.com), which is a virtual wellness house for those living with metastatic breast cancer and their loved ones. Lesley currently lives in the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon with her two rescue pups and one rescue cat who thinks he is one of the dogs.

Ashley Fernandez was diagnosed with Denovo Metastatic breast Cancer at the age of 31 in April 2018. Ashley is a fierce thriver who has been living with MBC while being a full time mom to her daughter Davyn and wife to her husband Carlos. Carlos is Active Duty Air Force, they are currently stationed in Ohio. Ashely is also a powerful prayer partner and is active in her local church in Dayton. Ashley has done MBC advocacy through our 2018 Ohio Metsquerade, Komen Public Policy, Public Speaking, and most recently with Metavivor where she was one of the faces of their newest campaigns! She's always looking for opportunities to educate and empower others to advocate for the best possible health care, You are worth all good things in this world! She believes in living life colorfully, full of adventure and with intention. All MBC patients should be able to create memories and meet important milestones in their lives that's only possible with research, she will continue to educate and remind others we are not statistics or shells but people. 116 People die a day with MBC , Stage 4 truly needs more funding for research.

Komen NJ Leadership Council Member & Metastatic Thriver Johnson & Johnson for life, passion for family, passion for friends and passion for everyone she meets. She lives every day like it is the best day ever and will be for everyone. In 2016, Melissa became certified as a Life Coach by the International Federation of Coaching. This great achievement is super exciting for her because in addition to her professional experiences, Melissa is currently living with Stage 4 Breast Cancer and is proud to mentor many women with cancer from all ages on how to live life to its fullest. Lastly, Melissa has a fantastically supportive husband – Lance and two deliciously wonderful children – Quinn, 21 and Brielle, 17 who continue to hold her up when she needs a little extra support and love her unconditionally. Melissa is a human resources leader who brings drive, collaboration, pragmatism and authenticity to all she does. Melissa has a passion for life, passion for family, passion for friends and passion for everyone she meets. She lives every day like it is the best day ever and will be for everyone. at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Her clinical practice is devoted exclusively to the care of patients with breast cancer, providing access not only to standard therapies but also to clinical trials evaluating promising new treatments for various stages and subtypes of breast cancer. Dr. Wong also has a particular interest in symptom management and quality of life concerns that patients with breast cancer often face. She is collaborating with colleagues from various disciplines to conduct studies that will help us better understand and address these issues. Melissa Surdez has been employed by Johnson & Johnson for 19 years. Currently, Melissa is the Global Head of Employee Experience for the company. Melissa is a human resources leader who brings drive, collaboration, pragmatism and authenticity to all she does. Melissa has a passion

Dr. Abou Hussein is a Breast medical oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper. He completed his medical school training at Ain Shans University in Cairo, Egypt. He completed his internship and residency training in internal medicine at Hussein Abington Memorial Hospital followed by fellowship training in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Mayo clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Dr. Abou Hussein has received multiple awards including The prestigious Abstract achievement award from the American Society of hematology and travel award from the American Society of clinical oncology. His research mainly focuses on breast cancer related clinical trials.

Celeste Vaughan-Briggs, LSCW has more than 28 years of social-work experience and now serves as Manager of the Free Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program at Thomas Jefferson University’s (Jefferson’s) Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in Philadelphia. The program serves several hundred women with diverse backgrounds who need cancer screening services each year from across the greater Philadelphia area. Additionally, as a skilled and compassionate oncology social worker, Vaughan-Briggs provides vital navigation and psychosocial support to these women and men throughout their course of treatment. She is an adjunct faculty member for the Temple University School of Social Work and the previously with the Jefferson Community Health Worker Program. Prior to her Jefferson tenure, Vaughan-Briggs provided trauma-informed care and advocacy for individuals and families affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, and murder, and she has years of experience providing training to Philadelphia’s behavioral health providers on the impact childhood violence has on adults. A lifelong resident of Philadelphia, Vaughan-Briggs earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Temple University and her Masters of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania.

Melissa Surdez has been employed by Johnson & Johnson for 19 years. Currently, Melissa is the Global Head of Employee Experience for the company. She is also a member of the Komen NJ Leadership Counci

Melissa is a human resources leader who brings drive, collaboration, pragmatism and authenticity to all she does. Melissa has a passion for life, passion for family, passion for friends and passion for everyone she meets. She lives every day like it is the best day ever and will be for everyone.

In 2016, Melissa became certified as a Life Coach by the International Federation of Coaching. This great achievement is super exciting for her because in addition to her professional experiences, Melissa is currently living with Stage 4 Breast Cancer and is proud to mentor many women with cancer from all ages on how to live life to its fullest.

Lastly, Melissa has a fantastically supportive husband – Lance and two deliciously wonderful children – Quinn, 21 and Brielle, 17, who continue to hold her up when she needs a little extra support and love her unconditionally.

Donna McNamara, MD, specializes in treating women with gynecological malignancies, particularly ovarian cancer, as well as women with breast cancer. Her special areas of interest include gynecological oncology, cancer risk assessment in families, and palliative care. Dr. McNamara has an established background in research and has been published in national cancer journals, including the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Prior to joining Hackensack University Medical Center, Dr. McNamara completed a Hematology-Oncology fellowship at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia and Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame and completed her medical education at Loyola University of Chicago.

She maintains professional affiliations with the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Gynecologic Oncology Group, the American Society of Hematology, and the American Medical Association (AMA), and is an associate with the American College of Physicians – American Society of Internal Medicine (ACP-ASIM).

Ashley Fernandez was diagnosed with de novo metastatic breast cancer at the age of 31 in April 2018. Ashley is a fierce thriver who has been living with MBC while being a full-time mom to her daughter Davyn and wife to her husband Carlos. Carlos is Active-Duty Air Force, they are currently stationed in Ohio. Ashley is also a powerful prayer partner and is active in her local church in Dayton. Ashley has done MBC advocacy through the 2018 Ohio Metsquerade, Komen Public Policy, Public Speaking, and has been and will be featured in campaigns for Metavivor and Komen.

Ashley is always looking for opportunities to educate and empower others to advocate for their best possible health care, because you are worth all good things in this world! She believes in living life colorfully, full of adventure and with intention. Ashley thinks all MBC patients should be able to create memories and meet important milestones in their lives. That is why she advocates for the continued need for more funding for MBC research.

Roxana lives in Alexandria, VA and is a single mom of a beautiful, miracle 12-year-old son. Born prematurely at 27 weeks, weighing 2 lb. 9 oz., she almost lost him, but he is here with Roxana now—a healthy 12-year-old. In December 2015 at the age of 41, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. In February 2016 during her mastectomy, 20 lymph nodes were removed, 13 of which were positive. The following month, she began 4 months of bi-weekly chemotherapy and radiation. In November of that year, she was restaged to 4 when she had her ovaries removed and the doctors found a malignant tumor in her left ovary. She sought second and third opinions at leading cancer centers. This led to a series of medication and treatment plan changes and in July 2018, she had her implant removed and lymph nodes transferred from her abdomen to her right breast/armpit. She is now on her 49th cycle of a targeted therapy and has had no evidence of disease (NEAD) since she had her ovaries removed in November of 2016. Roxana is a peer support advocate with Living Beyond Breast Cancer: Hear My Voice Metastatic Advocacy Program, helping both English and Spanish speaking patients. She has also worked on several projects with Komen, Pfizer and AstraZeneca. She became involved with advocacy because she felt there was not enough representation of the Latinx community. Being bilingual, she wants to serve her community by being a voice for those who don't speak English. As a patient, she attends a support group through Nueva Vida that provides help and guidance for Spanish speakers who have been diagnosed with cancer. She always asks her survivor family to communicate anything they may want her to share in her advocacy groups so their voices are heard. She enjoys going for walks in the morning; it's her way of meditating. She also loves spending time with her family and friends, having good conversations and just making memories that will last a lifetime. So far, she has been able to stay positive and hopeful. Being NEAD has helped her mental health, but she knows that one day her mental health may not be as strong and she may need guidance and further support.

Gabriela Miller, PT, MSPT is the co-founder of AJ Cancer Rehab Foundation and co-owner of ACE Cancer Rehab. She is a Costa Rican physio living in Kansas City, and has been a physical therapist for 11 years - 8 years focused in oncology. Our Model: individualized and goal-centered approach to manage any cancer symptom or side effect caused by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies.

My passion: educate and help patients and survivors to live the life they want to live despite the treatment-induced side effects

Katrina had her world turned upside down at just 36 years old. A divorced mom with 2 amazing boys and facing a devastating cancer diagnosis. While fighting for her life her sense of loneliness, even when surrounded by loved ones, was almost as devastating as the diagnosis itself. A graduate of Guilford College with a BA in Psychology, Katrina has dedicated her life to two of the things that are most important to her, her boys and helping others with this dreaded disease. She is one of the original Board Members of a K-12 Charter school that both of her children attend. Katrina is also the CoChair of the Oncology Patient Advisory Council for Duke Cancer Center and serves on the Duke University Health System Patient and Family Advisory Council. She is a dedicated Breast Cancer peer mentor, group facilitator, and advocate in memory of the friends she’s lost, in honor of the friends she fights with and for herself. She is determined to make sure other young adults faced with a cancer diagnosis never have to feel alone and that her boys will always remember that she fights with an unwavering passion. Her story is told passionately, frequently, and with the hope that she can make a difference in as many lives as possible. You can follow her journey on FB at Trina’s Ta Tas or reach her at KatrinaspeaksMBC@gmail.com.

Laura Cohen Romano, M.S.W. and Certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teacher, is the Director of Spiritual Care and Mindfulness for the Einstein Healthcare Network (EHN), a private not for profit organization which last year provided for 162,000 emergency room visits, 620,000 outpatient visits and 42,000 hospital admissions.

Ms. Romano joined the Einstein Healthcare Network in 2009 as Director of Chaplaincy, Language and Culture, and Volunteer Services. She began her own journey with meditation 25 years ago, and with evidence-based mindfulness meditation and practices 15 years ago. Following her growing passion to share the many benefits of mindfulness, she pursued training as a mindfulness teacher, first through teacher training at the Mindfulness Institute of the Jefferson Myrna-Brind Center for Integrative Medicine, and subsequently receiving her certification through the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness at the UC San Diego School of Medicine.

In earlier years, Ms. Romano was Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of Central Connecticut, and before that, Director of the Connecticut Anti-Hunger Coalition, receiving mayoral awards for her outcome-based achievements in both of those capacities.

What Laura says is most important in her bio, is that she loves to help others find new ways to relate to the difficulties that life can present, allowing for increased moments of peace, contentment, and enjoyment of life’s pleasures both big and small.

A North Carolina native, Ms. Kohl has over 40 years of experience working in government and non-profit management. She served as Executive Director of the Susan G. Komen, North Carolina Triangle to the Coast Affiliate for eight years. In that role, Pam was a passionate spokesperson and advocate for equitable breast cancer support services in Eastern NC and the vital need for breast cancer research. She helped raise millions of dollars in support of those efforts. Pam recently transitioned to a new role within Komen as Development Director of the newly created Metastatic Breast Cancer Collaborative Research Initiative.

Previously Pam served as the District Director for Congressman Brad Miller of North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District. She led two health-related non-profits in Raleigh N.C. where she increased the number of clients served as well as the revenue for both agencies. Her management roles in government and in the non-profit sector provided an opportunity for her to gain extensive experience in community organizing, advocacy, fundraising and organizational leadership. A veteran leader, Ms. Kohl is respected in the non-profit sector as an effective collaborator and catalyst.

Pam was diagnosed with Stage 1 ER+ breast cancer in 2009. She had a lumpectomy, radiation and stayed on her endocrine therapy for 5 years. She had no family history and the Oncotype tumor analysis showed a very low risk for recurrence. In 2014 she was declared cancer free. However, in October 2016, she was diagnosed with breast cancer again and on January 31st, 2017 she was diagnosed with State IV metastatic breast cancer. She is currently on an oral chemo drug and endocrine therapy and has bone scans and PET/CT scans every 12 weeks. Pam lives everyday knowing that it is breast cancer research that has prolonged her life and hopes that research will find the cures that will save her life.

Pam was born and raised in Greensboro NC, graduated from Guilford College where she received the 2017 Guilford College Alumni Excellence Award. She is also a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state of North Carolina. In May 2019, she was awarded the Coastal Federal Credit Union’s Power of Sharing Lifetime Achievement award for her many years of passionate work and leadership in the non-profit sector.

Pam lives in Raleigh N.C with her husband Tom Gongaware and she has two Children Max 31 and Sofie 27.

Joy Jenrette, an MBC Patient Advocate, was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2008 at age 25 with an early-stage recurrence in 2012 and a metastatic breast cancer (MBC) diagnosis in 2018. Since her metastatic diagnosis, she has completed the Living Beyond Breast Cancer's (LBBC) Hear My Voice Advocacy program, and represents LBBC as a member of Tigerlily Foundation's Young Women’s MBC Disparities Alliance, to address the disparities in care for Black women. She now serves on the LBBC Board of Directors. Joy has also worked closely with Susan G. Komen as a patient advisor for their MBC Impact Series, and as a participant for Komen’s "In My Own Voice" program, the Real Pink Podcast, and national MBC awareness campaigns. Joy received her civil engineering degree from the University of Michigan, her legal degree from Georgia State University, and has worked in various operational, business development, and optimization roles in Corporate America for nearly 20 years. Joy stays focused on loving and living life with as much joy (pun intended) as she can. She is blessed to have the loving support of her husband, friends, and family.

Joanna is a cancer rights attorney, author, speaker, and CEO of Triage Cancer, a national, nonprofit organization providing free education on practical and legal issues that may impact individuals coping with cancer and their caregivers, through events, materials, and resources.

Ms. Morales has spent more than twenty-five years working on behalf of individuals with cancer, including five as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Loyola Law School, teaching a seminar in Cancer Rights Law, and eight at the John Wayne Cancer Institute’s Psychosocial Care Program and Positive Appearance Center. She has also taught a Community Advocacy Clinic, as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Wayne State Law School.

Ms. Morales has presented nearly one thousand educational seminars on employment, insurance, health care, and advocacy issues throughout the country for individuals diagnosed with cancer, caregivers, health care professionals, advocates, lawyers, employers, and the general public.

In addition, Ms. Morales has served on numerous cancer community committees and boards, including as Chair of the Board of Directors for the California Division of the American Cancer Society, ZERO Prostate Cancer’s Medical Advisory Board, the National Advisory Board of CancerForward, the Stupid Cancer Survivorship Advisory Council, and the Executive Committee of the American Bar Association’s Breast Cancer Task Force.

Ms. Morales co-authored the book, Cancer Rights Law, for the American Bar Association. In 2020, she wrote a book chapter “Cancer-Related Legal Issues,” for the Oncology Nursing Society’s book, “Oncology Nurse Navigation: Delivering Patient-Centered Care Across the Continuum.” In 2017, she wrote a book chapter, “Preventing or Minimizing Financial Toxicity Across the Continuum of Cancer Care,” for the Oncology Nursing Society’s book, “Cancer Survivorship: Transdisciplinary, Patient-Centered Approaches to the Season of Survival.” In 2009, she also contributed to a book entitled, “Work and Cancer Survivors.” And, she has been published in a variety of other publications, such as Psycho-Oncology, Heal, Cure, Coping with Cancer, Women, and Ability Magazine.

Mrs. Morales has received numerous awards and recognition for her service to the cancer community and her work in the area of legislative advocacy, such as the 2009 Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Public Policy Advocate of the Year and the 2015 Legacy Advocate Award from Stupid Cancer. In 2010, she was also recognized by the Los Angeles Daily Journal as one of the Top 20 Attorneys in California Under the Age of 40.

Mrs. Morales received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science with an emphasis in International Relations from the University of California Los Angeles and a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School Los Angeles.

Angeles and a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School Los Angeles.

Jamil Rivers was diagnosed with de novo metastatic breast cancer at age 39. Determined to do everything to be here for her children, husband, and family, she researched vigorously how to best prepare for breast cancer and treatment. Jamil started treatment with chemotherapy and supported her health by improving her nutrition with food and supplements and integrative therapies. She is now doing well and on hormonal therapy. Jamil continues to work full-time and live an active life. She believes the research she did to prepare herself for her cancer has been critical in her recovery and overall wellness. She became an advocate to use her voice and experiences to help advance legislative policy, medical research, and to promote care that better meets the needs of individuals impacted by breast cancer, particularly Black and metastatic patients. Jamil is the board president of METAvivor, and on the Board of Directors of Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Healwell. She is a policy and science advocate and metastatic and African-American health equity advisory committee member with Susan G. Komen. She is a member and patient advisor of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance. She is a proposal reviewer for the Breast Cancer Research Program with the Department of Defense and a Project LEAD graduate. She is a Steering Committee member of the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative.

Jamil also launched The Chrysalis Initiative which provides one-on-coaching and patient navigation support to women with breast cancer, engages in outreach and education for Black women to assess their breast cancer risk and provides training and solutions for providers to ensure equitable care. Through Jamil’s work, she has participated in countless community health events, facilitated the design and funding of two metastatic clinical trials, met with leadership within the Pennsylvania governor’s office and congressional leaders in Washington, D.C., testified to the Food and Drug Administration, and connected numerous women to resources for screenings, treatment, and support. Jamil has been featured in People Magazine, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Philadelphia Tribune, and Wildfire Magazine; national campaigns for Anthropologie, Novartis, Pfizer, and Cancer and Careers; and on CBS News and Good Morning America. Jamil and her husband, Rick, have three children and reside in Drexel Hill, PA.

Danny R. Welch, Ph.D. is a cancer biologist whose laboratory has is best recognized for contributions to understanding the genetic basis of metastasis, having discovered eight metastasis suppressor genes. His laboratory is studying how the metastasis suppressors function and is designing therapies to take advantage of their mechanisms of action. His is author of more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and more than 20 book chapters.

After receiving a BS in Biology from the University of California-Irvine and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Texas-Houston, Welch worked in the pharmaceutical industry studying cancer biology and virology before joining Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. In 2002, his laboratory moved to the University of Alabama - Birmingham and in 2011, he founded the Department of Cancer Biology at the University of Kansas Cancer Center. He is a Komen Scholar and Past-President of the Metastasis Research Society and the Cancer Biology Training Consortium. He is Deputy Editor of the journal Cancer Research and is most proud of the successes of his trainees, past and present. He is also a strong advocate for the metastatic patient community.

Molly Guthrie is responsible for leading Susan G. Komen’s public policy and advocacy efforts through Komen’s Center for Public Policy. As such, Molly oversees Komen’s work to advance key legislative and regulatory objectives at the federal, state and local levels. In this role, she focuses on policy campaigns to increase funding for medical research and screening programs, and ensuring access to affordable, high-quality breast health and cancer care services. In addition to working on policy campaigns, her team works on increasing capacity for public policy and advocacy work with grassroots volunteers.

Molly joined the Washington, D.C. office of Susan G. Komen in 2009, relocating to the Dallas headquarters in late 2012. However, her Komen journey started as a child when the Race for the Cure was brought to Wichita, Kansas in 1990. The Wichita Race was the first Komen co-ed Race and the 4th in Komen’s history. She has been a loyal volunteer ever since.

Prior to joining Komen, Molly attended the University of Kansas where she received her Bachelor of General Studies with an emphasis on political science and communication studies. She worked in the Offices of Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Congressman Dennis Moore during college. Molly resides in Dallas with her husband and two dogs.

Molly Guthrie

Molly Guthrie is responsible for leading Susan G. Komen’s public policy and advocacy efforts through Komen’s Center for Public Policy. As such, Molly oversees Komen’s work to advance key legislative and regulatory objectives at the federal, state and local levels. In this role, she focuses on policy campaigns to increase funding for medical research and screening programs, and ensuring access to affordable, high-quality breast health and cancer care services. In addition to working on policy campaigns, her team works on increasing capacity for public policy and advocacy work with grassroots volunteers.

Molly joined the Washington, D.C. office of Susan G. Komen in 2009, relocating to the Dallas headquarters in late 2012. However, her Komen journey started as a child when the Race for the Cure was brought to Wichita, Kansas in 1990. The Wichita Race was the first Komen co-ed Race and the 4th in Komen’s history. She has been a loyal volunteer ever since.

Prior to joining Komen, Molly attended the University of Kansas where she received her Bachelor of General Studies with an emphasis on political science and communication studies. She worked in the Offices of Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Congressman Dennis Moore during college. Molly resides in Dallas with her husband and two dogs.

Rebecca Birch

As Director for State Policy & Advocacy, Rebecca oversees Komen’s state legislative and advocacy work. In her role, she works with her team to advance key legislative priorities, execute campaigns, develop strategic advocacy plans, and provide training and support to build advocacy capacity. Rebecca joined Komen in February of 2007 as a Public Policy Specialist.

Prior to joining HQ staff, Rebecca served as a Board Member with the Austin Affiliate. Rebecca studied at Texas Women’s University. In her spare time, she is an elected member of the Del Valle ISD Board of Trustees. Rebecca is an avid supporter and volunteer for the increased participation of women in politics and elected office.

Jamil Rivers

Jamil Rivers was diagnosed with de novo metastatic breast cancer at age 39. Determined to do everything to be here for her children, husband, and family, she researched vigorously how to best prepare for breast cancer and treatment. Jamil started treatment with chemotherapy and supported her health by improving her nutrition with food and supplements and integrative therapies. She is now doing well and on hormonal therapy. Jamil continues to work full-time and live an active life. She believes the research she did to prepare herself for her cancer has been critical in her recovery and overall wellness. She became an advocate to use her voice and experiences to help advance legislative policy, medical research, and to promote care that better meets the needs of individuals impacted by breast cancer, particularly Black and metastatic patients. Jamil is the board president of METAvivor, and on the Board of Directors of Living Beyond Breast Cancer and Healwell. She is a policy and science advocate and metastatic and African-American health equity advisory committee member with Susan G. Komen. She is a member and patient advisor of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance. She is a proposal reviewer for the Breast Cancer Research Program with the Department of Defense and a Project LEAD graduate. She is a Steering Committee member of the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative.

Jamil also launched The Chrysalis Initiative which provides one-on-coaching and patient navigation support to women with breast cancer, engages in outreach and education for Black women to assess their breast cancer risk and provides training and solutions for providers to ensure equitable care. Through Jamil’s work, she has participated in countless community health events, facilitated the design and funding of two metastatic clinical trials, met with leadership within the Pennsylvania governor’s office and congressional leaders in Washington, D.C., testified to the Food and Drug Administration, and connected numerous women to resources for screenings, treatment, and support. Jamil has been featured in People Magazine, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Philadelphia Tribune, and Wildfire Magazine; national campaigns for Anthropologie, Novartis, Pfizer, and Cancer and Careers; and on CBS News and Good Morning America. Jamil and her husband, Rick, have three children and reside in Drexel Hill, PA.

Tori Geib

Tori was diagnosed in 2016 with Metastatic Breast Cancer (DeNovo), soon after her 30th birthday.

Since diagnosis, she has spent time as a patient advocate for Metastatic Breast Cancer research, funding, and awareness both independently and with organizations such as Susan G Komen, The Ohio Partners for Cancer Control, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Eli Lilly, Dr. Joe Explains, Cancer Support Community of Columbus, and many other non-profits and health systems. She is an active public speaker, writer, vlogger and blogger; and has been featured/ seen on Time Magazine, Al Jazeera News, AllRecipes.com, Everyday Health, People.com, GoodHousekeeping.com, Health.com, Our American Stories, Good Morning America, GMA Day,and various other national, state and local news programs.

Tori is active in political outreach for metastatic breast cancer and has presented before the Ohio House and Senate Cancer Caucus. She has received proclamations from Ohio Governor John Kasich and Franklin County Commissioners for organizing the first ever Ohio Metastatic Breast Cancer Action Weeks in September of 2018; and the first ever Tori Geib Courage in Action Award named for her advocacy by Komen Columbus in 2019.

She has previously served as the Honorary Chair of Komen Columbus’ Race for the Cure and a mentor for Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s Hear My Voice Program, from she is a proud alumni. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of Patient Centered Services for the Ohio Partners for Cancer Control.

Tori is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University (BA Criminal Justice & Sociology) and Columbus State Community College (Culinary Arts/ Baking and Pastry & Travel and Tourism). She currently lives in Central Ohio with her family and dog Georgie. She enjoys traveling every chance she can.

Tai Harden-Moore

JD, Florida A&M University College of Law
MBA, Concordia University - Portland

Tai Harden-Moore is a metastatic breast cancer patient and advocate who understands the importance of self-advocacy and addressing health disparities in the African American community.

With an unwavering commitment for addressing race and racism in the healthcare system, Tai is dedicated to ensuring that Black women, and other women or color, are properly cared for and supported throughout their breast cancer journeys.

Initially diagnosed at 31 with stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer, and then at 37 with Metastatic Breast Cancer, Tai has used her advocacy skills and experience to bring attention to the breast cancer disparities that Black women face and finding the interventions needed to save the lives of Black women.

Rebecca Birch

As Director for State Policy & Advocacy, Rebecca oversees Komen’s state legislative and advocacy work. In her role, she works with her team to advance key legislative priorities, execute campaigns, develop strategic advocacy plans, and provide training and support to build advocacy capacity. Rebecca joined Komen in February of 2007 as a Public Policy Specialist.

Prior to joining HQ staff, Rebecca served as a Board Member with the Austin Affiliate. Rebecca studied at Texas Women’s University. In her spare time, she is an elected member of the Del Valle ISD Board of Trustees. Rebecca is an avid supporter and volunteer for the increased participation of women in politics and elected office.