Cancer survivors. State lawmakers. Non-profit, philanthropic and faith leaders. Healthcare executives. The new University of Illinois Cancer Center Community Advisory Board (CAB) is a diverse group of stakeholders, charged with helping shape the strategic direction of the organization.
The CAB will help integrate the Cancer Center’s outreach and engagement efforts by providing input on strategy, fundraising, advocacy and research. Candace Henley and Joanne Glenn were named co-chairs of the CAB during the inaugural meeting.
Henley survived colorectal cancer after being diagnosed with the disease in 2003. Following a full recovery, she started The Blue Hat Foundation for Colorectal Cancer Awareness. The non-for-profit organization supports individuals in underserved areas of Chicago who do not have cancer-related resources available to them.
Glenn, RN, MBA, is founder, president and CEO of the W.O.T. (Women on Top of Their Game) Foundation, which emphasizes positive outcomes through education, promoting healthy lifestyles and facilitating programs through networking opportunities.
Joining Henley and Glenn are:
- Charles Walton, MBA, Executive Director, 100 Black Men of Chicago
- Gina Curry, MPH, MBA, Director of Community Outreach and Engagement, University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Jacqueline Soto-Herrera, Director of External Affairs and Communication, Humboldt Park Health
- Josef Y Ben Levi, Ed.D., Instructor, Northeastern Illinois University
- Russell Hopkins, Founder, Blue Star Family Platoon
- Ken J.A. Griffin, MA
- Judes Fleurimont, Research Program Manager, UI Health, Mile Square Health Centers
- Judith Guitelman, Executive Director/Founder, ALAS-Wings
- Kathleen Goss, PhD, VP of Cancer Control, American Cancer Society
- Dr. Nikhila Juvvadi, Chief Clinical Officer, The Loretto Hospital
- Paul Luu, CEO, Chinese American Service League
- Rep. Marcus Evans Jr., (D-Chicago) 33rd District
“Each and every board member has deep ties in the community and is passionate about building equity in health care,” said Cancer Center Director Jan Kitajewski, PhD. “We are grateful for their thoughtful input, which will inform our strategic plan and influence the direction of our research, all with the goal of reducing cancer disparities and finding cures for patients.”