Breast Cancer Coalition’s Emerging Leaders Program Empowers Local Survivors
Rochester, NY – The Breast Cancer Coalition is excited to announce that the third cohort of the Emerging Leaders Program has officially launched, bringing together a dynamic group of breast cancer survivors poised to support the Coalition’s Research Initiative and advocacy efforts. From recent meetings with local Assemblymembers to discuss what makes an effective advocate to in-depth webinars delving into critical research analysis, this year’s Emerging Leaders are taking action in big ways.
As Executive Director, Christina Thompson, shares, “At the Breast Cancer Coalition, we believe that survivors don’t just heal — they lead.”
Colleen Molina was a member of the first Emerging Leaders cohort in 2022 and found the experience highly impactful. Says Molina, “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.”
Following Molina’s involvement in the program, she became an active member in the Coalition’s Advocacy Committee and has been on the organization’s Board of Directors since 2023. In her words, “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.”
Emerging Leaders engage on local, state, and federal levels to enact lasting change for breast cancer survivors. At the state level, Emerging Leaders take a deep dive into research and advocacy surrounding environmental exposures and their links to breast and other hormone-based cancers. Emerging Leaders, along with the Coalition’s Advocacy Committee, utilize their voices to educate the community and elected officials about the negative health impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. They highlight important legislation such as the Beauty Justice Act (A2054/S2057), aiming to remove these toxic chemicals from personal care products and cosmetics in New York State.
On the national stage, the Coalition partners with like-minded organizations that prioritize advocacy and research. Through these collaborations, Emerging Leaders engage with policymakers and contribute survivor perspectives to conversations about critical legislation — including the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R.2048) and funding for programs such as the Medicaid Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program and the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program.
Upon completion of the Emerging Leaders Program, many members step into meaningful opportunities at the Coalition such as PALS (Peer Advocates Lending Support) mentors, committee members, special event contributors, and in some cases such as Molina, future Board members.
In alignment with the Coalition’s 3-year Strategic Plan, a variation of the Emerging Leaders Program will soon welcome gynecologic cancer survivors in order to fully represent the organization’s survivor community.
Empowering future leaders is paramount to the Coalition’s mission. The Emerging Leaders Program is a transformative experience for survivors; it creates opportunities for personal growth and potential for lasting change in advocacy and research. It is also an essential element of the Coalition’s succession plan to provide a seat at the table for future generations of survivors.
To connect with the Coalition and learn more, email info@bccr.org or call (585) 473-8177.