Executive Director, North Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen
Mission
Our promise: to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all, and energizing science to find cures.
Serving Jacksonville
The North Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was created in Duval County in 1995 to help raise awareness and funds for local breast health programs and education.
Those served
Today, the North Florida Affiliate encompasses a broad geographic area that includes Duval County (the entire city of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach), and the four surrounding suburban and rural affiliate counties — Baker, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns. The large service community area includes a very ethnically, culturally and economically diverse population.
Biggest challenge
The biggest challenge is making people aware of what we do. Susan G. Komen is now the largest non-government funder of breast cancer research. There currently are 11 active Komen-funded research programs underway in Florida alone, with more than $10 million invested in that research. Locally, in 2013, North Florida Komen is funding seven grants at a total of $174,000.
Biggest satisfaction
My biggest satisfaction comes from hearing survivor stories. I lost my mom to breast cancer when I was 19; she was only 49. She left behind seven children and three grandchildren and never met her other 15 grandchildren or her four great-grandchildren. I live the depth of that loss every day, so there is tremendous satisfaction in working to spare others.
Hometown
Shawnee, Kan.
First experience with community service
When I was 17, I participated in the 18-mile Walk for Mankind in Kansas City, Mo. The energy, enthusiasm and excitement of securing pledges for this momentous event were what carried me through to the finish line. It was a grueling experience and many times, I wanted to stop. However, I knew the promise I had made.
Your job before Susan G. Komen
Level III financial caseworker at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Recently named executive director of the Susan G. Komen North Florida Affiliate to succeed Bruce Grob, who retired. I've worked with Komen since March 2012, most recently as director of development and mission initiatives. I was the lead logistics coordinator of the 2012 North Florida Komen Race for the Cure, managed sponsor relationships and represented the organization in the North Florida community.
Upcoming events
Oct. 19: North Florida Komen Race for the Cure, Metropolitan Park.
Contact information
KomenNorthFlorida.org