Christina Thompson recently assumed the role of Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Coalition. Christina brings a wealth of lived experience, a staunch advocate’s spirit, and strong leadership capacity to her position. Here, she shares her vision for guiding the organization forward.

What first brought you to the Coalition?

Christina: Like so many others, I was introduced to the Coalition due to my own breast cancer diagnosis. That was in 2018. I had noticed a lump in my armpit, which was biopsied and confirmed malignant. Struggling through the shock of a diagnosis at age 39, I was also facing cancer treatment without medical insurance. Although I worked full-time as a dental hygienist, my employer did not offer insurance. My initial contact with the Coalition was a desperate plea for resources. I am happy to report I was connected with a state program for medical coverage for my treatment. The Coalition is that safe place for our survivor community.

How does your leadership style fit with the Coalition’s mission?

Christina: One word – collaboration! I am so proud of the grassroots nature of the Coalition; it means we can join with ALL the provider systems and community organizations to achieve our mission to eradicate breast and gynecologic cancer. This was also my approach as a dental hygienist: treating patients holistically through collaboration with their entire provider team. Because the Coalition now serves those in 27 counties in New York, the possibilities for establishing new relationships are endless.

What do you see as the Coalition’s greatest opportunity in the next couple of years? What do you see as the organization’s greatest challenge?

Christina: The greatest opportunity is the continuation of the Emerging Leaders Program, which was set in place by Holly Anderson in 2022. Young survivors are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of the Coalition, including its history and vision, and learn about the organization’s advocacy and research initiatives. Each emerging leader is paired with a seasoned mentor from these committees and given opportunities to represent the Coalition in the community. The Holly Anderson Legacy Fund provides support to keep this program in motion. We’ve seen graduates from 2022 return as mentors in 2023, and leadership from these individuals throughout the organization. Emerging leaders are the solution for the challenge facing many non-profits that are seeing the volunteer population decrease as they age out.

What is your short-and-long-term vision for the Coalition?

Christina: My short-term vision is to establish new relationships in the community and strengthen existing ones. Opportunities include oncology providers, community organizations, legislators, funders and donors, and our survivor community. These relationships will build on the solid reputation the Coalition has maintained for 25 years.

My long-term plans include building a unique survivor-advocate program in our region. This encompasses training a diverse group of breast and gynecologic cancer survivors to be involved in research opportunities from start to finish as they lend their lived experiences of enduring treatment. Stay tuned!

If you needed to summarize your experiences so far at the Coalition in a few words, what would you say?

Christina: I have never met a more dedicated group of people who want to see an end to breast and gynecologic cancers, and I am humbled to lead this group with our extremely capable staff and Board members! I am grateful for the mentorship and strong relationships that have brought me to this point and I am thrilled for the future.