I have been living with metastatic breast cancer since October 2023, and in treatment for breast cancer since 2017. I retired in January 2024 as Vice President of Impact at Vector Solutions to focus full-time on staying alive and increasing research of metastatic breast cancer. Prior to my retirement, I pursued a three-decade career in gender-based violence prevention and response and health promotion in communities, on college campuses and through digital education. My work included: providing direct support to persons who have experienced trauma; engaging in advocacy, teaching and research; writing and implementing policies for major higher education institutions; authoring federal regulations and guidance documents at both the federal and state level and advising policymakers from local school boards to the White House.
I am a public health research fan girl and policy work with a distinct taste for good trouble and meaningful system solutions to seemingly intractable problems. My experiences have included engaging with national media in print and digital formats, frequently delivering talks, training and keynote presentations related to college campus health, safety and well-being. In my field, I was proud to have earned the unofficial title of “Explainer in Chief” for my work in translating complex research, policies or laws–conveying the “so what, now what” to both general audiences and subject matter experts.
As I look to the final chapter of my work and my life, I am committed to using these skills–supporting affected persons in advocating on their own behalf, promoting policy and research initiatives, writing and speaking about issues that deeply impact people’s lives–on behalf of the metastatic breast cancer community. When I am not traveling around the country connecting with friends, family and fellow advocates, I garden like a lunatic in Lansing, Michigan at my tiny little bungalow with a hot pink door.