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Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on all types of remarkable women who have made groundbreaking advancements in history. This year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together: Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” reminds us of the collective strength and resilience of women who have helped transform breast cancer awareness efforts, research, and treatment. From scientists to advocates, these women have not only advanced the fight against breast cancer but have also inspired generations after them to continue their work.

Trailblazing Women in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

One of the most influential figures in the fight against breast cancer is Dr. Mary-Claire King, a geneticist whose work revolutionized our understanding of breast cancer’s genetic roots. In the 1990s, Dr. King discovered the BRCA1 gene, a breakthrough that has since empowered women with the knowledge to take proactive steps in managing their breast cancer risk. Her discovery has not only saved countless lives through early detection but has also opened doors for new treatments and genetic testing, helping women make more informed decisions about their health.

Another significant figure is Dr. Nancy Davidson, a prominent oncologist and researcher who has been at the forefront of breast cancer research for decades. As the former director of the University of Washington’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Dr. Davidson made significant contributions to the development of new breast cancer treatments, particularly in understanding the role of hormone therapies. Her work has directly impacted the development of targeted therapies, such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, which have been critical in treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Dr. Davidson’s advocacy for breast cancer research also extends beyond the lab. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that clinical trials are inclusive and representative of diverse populations, which has been key in improving breast cancer outcomes across different demographic groups.

The contributions of Dr. Mina Bissell, a cancer researcher, have also been pivotal in advancing the scientific community’s understanding of breast cancer. Her research on the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its role in breast cancer has altered the way we approach cancer treatment, highlighting the importance of the tumor’s microenvironment in the development and progression of breast cancer. Dr. Bissell’s work has contributed to the development of new therapies that are more effective and less invasive for patients.

Moving Forward Together

By moving forward together, we continue their mission—empowering future generations to educate, advocate, and inspire. This month, let’s honor the incredible women who have paved the way by raising awareness, supporting one another, and ensuring every woman has access to the care she deserves.

Join us in celebrating women’s impact. Share their stories, lift each other up, and take action in the fight against breast cancer. And don’t miss our next blog, where we’ll highlight the incredible women of ABCF and the vital role they play in making a difference for breast cancer patients and their families. Visit ABCF’s website to learn more and make a difference today.

https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/womens-history-theme-9-2024/
https://prevention.cancer.gov/about-dcp/history-and-timeline/commemoration-50th/mary-claire-king
https://www.fredhutch.org/en/about/about-the-hutch/leadership/davidson-spotlight.html
https://www2.lbl.gov/LBL-Programs/lifesciences/BissellLab/research.html 

Honoring the Women Behind the Organization

In honor of Women’s History Month, we celebrate the incredible women who make up the heart of the American Breast Cancer Foundation. These women bring unique skills, experiences, and unwavering dedication to advancing the fight against breast cancer. From leadership to advocacy, they are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by this disease. 

Christina Johns
Joining ABCF in October 2016 as Director of Programs, Christina leverages her background in education and healthcare along with her fluency in English, Spanish, and French to ensure that patients receive the vital breast cancer resources they need. Working directly with patients, her impact is deeply personal—one patient shared, “I feel blessed to have Christina Johns helping me.” Her dedication to education and compassionate care continues to inspire and make a meaningful difference in the fight against breast cancer.

Brenda Loube
Brenda Loube’s journey is one of innovation and relentless advocacy. As the CEO and Chief Innovation Officer for BCL Teams and the creator of the Stay in Touch Bra®, Brenda has dedicated her life to promoting health and disease prevention. With over 48 years of experience, she has been a transformative force in the breast cancer community, particularly through her work at the American Breast Cancer Foundation (ABCF), where she serves as Board Chair Emerita. Her leadership continues to inspire change and drive progress in the fight against breast cancer, showing the incredible difference one woman can make in improving the health and well-being of many.

Shekima White
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re thrilled to welcome our newest Board member, Shekima White! With 19 years of expertise in contract management across healthcare, business, and insurance, she’s bringing powerhouse skills that will make a real difference for ABCF’s mission. Her 14 years at NYC Health + Hospital Corp showcased her dedication to the community—volunteering at hospital events, connecting with patients, and offering comfort when it mattered most. Shekima’s passion for patient advocacy and community engagement is truly inspiring, reminding us all of the power of standing up for those in need. Welcome, Shekima!

Karen Fultz
In honor of Women’s History Month, we celebrate Karen D. Fultz-Robinson, whose innovative journey and leadership breaks barriers across multiple industries. A practicing attorney and certified mediator, Karen is the visionary founder of ObservaMé®, LLC—a Black-owned business that revolutionizes athletic apparel with its patented dry-fit line designed for performance devices. Born and raised on the west side of Detroit and now leading a nationally recognized company out of Tampa, Florida, Karen’s path exemplifies resilience, creativity, and determination. With a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Michigan State University and a juris doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, she brings diverse expertise to her role as an ABCF board member. Karen’s story is a powerful reminder that passion and innovation can transform industries and inspire lasting change in the fight against breast cancer.

Michelle Adams
Michele Adams, Vice-Chair at the American Breast Cancer Foundation has over 30 years of expertise in brand and people recognition. Michele’s strategic vision has been pivotal in advancing ABCF’s mission. As President of Proforma Global Sourcing, she has driven her franchise to elite status—joining the exclusive Million Dollar Club and leading in distributor print and promotional products sales. At ABCF, Michele’s extensive experience and commitment to strategic development ensure the organization remains financially robust and capable of providing critical support, education, and early detection resources to those affected by breast cancer.

Lisa Mauch
For over 25 years, Lisa has served as consultant and partner turning innovative ideas into sustainable models of care for health and wellness institutions. Now, as Director for Lifestyle Medicine at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California, she designs interventions that support improved health in patients with conditions like metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiac disease, and cancer. Lisa’s leadership in developing clinical trials for children and families, type 2 diabetics, cardiac patients, and breast cancer survivors underscores her commitment to advancing patient care. At ABCF, her deep expertise supports multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring that innovative, evidence-based approaches empower patients and strengthen community wellness.

Terri Hall
Terri Hall brings over 25 years of marketing and public relations experience to her role as Board Secretary at ABCF. As the founder of Doubletake Marketing & PR, she has supported various industries, including those focused on women’s health. Terri is deeply passionate about women’s empowerment, which aligns with her commitment to ABCF’s mission of supporting those affected by breast cancer. In addition to her work at ABCF, she is involved in local charities like the Purple Playas Foundation and Wheels of Success. Terri is dedicated to using her expertise to help organizations and individuals reach their full potential, both professionally and personally.

Dr. Roberta Kline
Dr. Roberta Kline is a board-certified ObGyn physician, Functional Genomics, Integrative Personalized Medicine specialist and Air Force veteran with a passion for revolutionizing women’s healthcare. Blending functional genomics and epigenetics, she tackles the root causes of health issues and brings cutting-edge science into real-world care. Dr. Kline’s expertise in genomics and women’s health makes her an invaluable member of ABCF’s Medical Advisory Board, ensuring we are informed and educated about the latest developments and most innovative approaches to breast cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.

A natural innovator, Dr. Kline is a clinical advisor, researcher, author, speaker and educator, and —making complex science practical for both doctors and patients. She’s co-founded genomic medicine companies, led holistic and conventional ObGyn practices, and navigated the tricky intersection of healthcare, business, and biotech.

Dr. Kline also serves as Assoc Publisher for the Women’s Health Digest, the online newsletter for the Women’s Health Collaborative where she is the Education Director. She is Editor of several online newsletters including Balance & Longevity. As part of a collaboration with other expert clinicians in NYC, she is also the Clinical Advisor for the Integrative Health Research Center and the Genomics Program Director for the Better Aging, Predisposition, Fight Recurrence, and Functional Diagnostic programs. 

Marshalee George, Ph.D
Dr. Marshalee George brings over 22 years of expertise in oncology, primary care, and mental health to her role as an ABCF Medical Advisory Board member, helping shape our mission to provide life-saving resources to those who need them most. Her dedication to reducing health disparities and improving access to breast cancer screenings and survivorship care makes a profound impact on the communities ABCF serves.

Dr. George is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner in oncology, Primary care, and Psychiatry. 

Dr. George received her master’s degree in Nursing, specializing in oncology, at the University of Pennsylvania. After receiving her Doctorate in Public Health, Dr. George completed a 3- year program at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, focused on reducing health and cancer disparities in underserved and vulnerable populations. 

Dr. George is the founder of Your Wellness Sources in Maryland, where she is committed to enhancing her patients physical and mental well-being. 

Dr. George’s work, including co-authoring Detecting and Living with Breast Cancer for Dummies, ensures that more individuals—especially those in underserved populations—have the knowledge and support to navigate breast cancer prevention, treatment, and recovery. We are honored to have her leadership guiding our initiatives!

Maria Kowzun MD
Dr. Maria Kowzun, a board-certified Breast Surgical Oncologist and Medical Advisory Board Member at ABCF, is at the forefront of providing exceptional care to those impacted by breast cancer. With fellowship training in Breast Surgical Oncology and experience at leading institutions like Rutgers Cancer Institute and Clara Maass Medical Center, Dr. Kowzun’s focus on early detection and personalized care makes her a crucial part of the fight against breast cancer.

Her advocacy for mammograms as a life-saving tool underscores her commitment to empowering women with the knowledge they need to prioritize their health. We are proud to have Dr. Kowzun on our board, working tirelessly to ensure the highest quality of care for every woman.

Dr. Kimlin Tam Ashing
Dr. Kimlin Tam Ashing, a Professor and Founding Director of the Center of Community Alliance for Research and Education (CCARE) at City of Hope Medical Center, is a pivotal force in advancing population health science and addressing health disparities in cancer care. With a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Ashing has dedicated her career to developing culturally responsive health interventions that improve the lives of underserved communities.

Her leadership in numerous national cancer organizations, including the African-Caribbean Cancer Consortium and the Young Survival Coalition, highlights her commitment to making a lasting impact on cancer survivorship and quality of life for diverse populations. 

Continuing the Mission, Together

The women of ABCF are a testament to the power of leadership, innovation, and advocacy in the fight against breast cancer. Their work ensures that women today—and future generations—have access to the resources, support, and education they need.

Join us in honoring their efforts. This Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate the women making a difference by sharing their stories, supporting one another, and taking action. Visit online to learn more about impactful women in breast cancer history. Together, we are moving forward toward a future without breast cancer.