My name is Colleen Molina and I am a four-year breast cancer survivor. I discovered the Breast Cancer Coalition shortly after my diagnosis in February 2020. At the time, I was 33 years old and 33 weeks pregnant with my second child. I met with Coalition staff for a Breast Cancer 101 session and attended an in-person Evening Educational Seminar just before all programs became virtual due to the pandemic. The seminar, focused on the impact of genetics on surgical decisions, was incredibly timely, as I faced those difficult choices. I immediately recognized the Coalition’s value – their knowledge, compassion, community, and resources – and knew I wanted to get involved.

I participated in many of the Coalition’s free virtual programs throughout my treatment and recovery. Once in-person programs resumed, I joined the Advocacy Committee and was soon invited to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program. This new initiative, designed specifically for young survivors, aims to educate, build community, and empower young survivors to make a difference in the breast cancer world.

I was thrilled to be part of the inaugural class of Emerging Leaders in 2022. Through three workshops, we delved into the history of the Coalition as well as the history of pink ribbon culture, uncovering the issue of “pinkwashing”* and learning to identify ethical fundraising efforts. The final workshop focused on the Coalition’s Advocacy and Research Initiatives. Five additional modules covered various topics, culminating in a trip to Washington, D.C. for the National Breast Cancer Coalition’s (NBCC**) Advocate Leadership Summit, which includes an advocacy day on Capitol Hill. Each Emerging Leader was paired with a mentor to guide us through the information and prepare us for the summit.

After months of rewarding work, we celebrated our newfound knowledge, friendships, and purpose at a graduation ceremony. At the NBCC Summit, we were blown away by the incredible research presented and gained firsthand experience advocating on Capitol Hill for crucial breast cancer legislation. This program truly changed the course of my life. I went from an unsure survivor with limited knowledge to an empowered advocate with the background, drive, and support system to fight for myself and the entire survivor community.

Since then, I have attended the Summit and the Advocacy Day in Albany three times. This year, after attending 12 monthly zoom meetings for NBCC’s Public Policy Academy, I became a NY Team Leader for the organization. Being a Team Leader, I was able to lead some of our meetings with congressional staff and members feeling well-prepared, thanks to my experience. I can’t wait to do it again, knowing these meetings make a real difference for survivors nationwide.

My involvement with the Coalition has opened other doors, and I joined the Board of Directors in the Summer of 2023. Although it was outside my comfort zone, I believe deeply in the Coalition’s four pillars – Support, Education, Research, and Advocacy – and want to contribute. There are brilliant and supportive mentors on the Board who continue to teach and empower me. Due to my experience with the Emerging Leaders program, I know I deserve a seat at the table, and I’m proud to take it.

*Pinkwashing occurs when companies use the pink ribbon logo or the support of breast cancer charities as a marketing tool to engage in questionable fundraising practices or attach the symbol to products associated with increased cancer risk.

**The Breast Cancer Coalition is an independent, local organization unaffiliated with any national group, including the National Breast Cancer Coalition. Many of our goals are the same; thus, we support NBCC’s public policy agenda.