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What does it mean to lead as a woman in the non-profit sector?

Leading as a woman in the nonprofit sector often means approaching leadership with both empathy and practicality. Many women bring lived experience to issues like healthcare access, caregiving, and community advocacy, which shapes how we think about solutions and the communities we serve. Leadership in this space is not just about managing organizations. It’s about listening, building trust, and ensuring that resources reach the people who need them most.

It has also reinforced for me that strong leadership does not mean trying to do everything alone. The most effective leaders build capable teams, ask for support when needed, and create environments where everyone can contribute to advancing the mission.

 How does ABCF work to advance health equity for women?

At ABCF, health equity means ensuring that access to breast cancer screening and diagnostic services is not determined by income, race, geography, or insurance status. Through our grant voucher programs and community partnerships, we help remove financial and systemic barriers that prevent many women from receiving timely breast imaging. By expanding access to early detection, we aim to close gaps that disproportionately affect underserved communities.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

Women bring essential perspectives to leadership, particularly in areas like healthcare, family wellbeing, and community engagement.  Women also excel in the demanding environments that leadership often requires, balancing multiple priorities while still keeping sight of the bigger picture. When women are represented in decision-making roles, policies and programs are more likely to reflect real-world experiences and needs. This ultimately leads to more thoughtful solutions and stronger outcomes for the communities nonprofits serve.

What is your International Women’s Day message?

International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress happens when women support one another and advocate for equitable access to opportunity and care. In healthcare, that means ensuring every woman, regardless of background. has the ability to prioritize her health and access lifesaving screenings. When women thrive, families and communities thrive alongside them.

What do you think is one of the most significant barriers for women stepping into leadership positions?

One of the most persistent barriers is unequal access to opportunity, particularly in the early stages of their careers.  Whether that’s mentorship, professional networks, or clear pathways to leadership roles. Many women are highly capable but may not always have the visibility or sponsorship that helps move careers forward. Organizations can help address this by intentionally creating leadership development opportunities, fostering mentorship, and ensuring that advancement pathways are transparent and accessible.

How can we foster a sense of belonging for women from diverse backgrounds?

Belonging starts with listening and representation. Organizations can foster belonging by creating environments where diverse voices are welcomed, valued, and reflected in leadership. This includes equitable hiring practices, mentorship opportunities, and ensuring that policies and workplace culture support people from a wide range of lived experiences.

What is one small step we can all take to help break down barriers in health equity for women?

A meaningful step is to regularly support organizations like ABCF that are actively working to break down barriers to care through advocacy, education, awareness, and access to screening services. We are incredibly grateful for all support, including the engagement we see during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but the need for screenings and diagnostic care exists year-round. Consistent support throughout the year makes a tremendous difference for organizations on the ground like ABCF that are working every day to expand access to care. Even a $25 monthly gift can help ensure someone receives the screening they might otherwise go without.

How are you and ABCF impacting positive change in the field of breast cancer prevention?

ABCF focuses on ensuring early detection is accessible to everyone. By providing financial assistance for mammograms and diagnostic imaging, we help individuals receive screenings they might otherwise delay or forgo due to cost. Early detection saves lives, and by removing barriers to care we are helping more women access that critical opportunity.

Tell us about a woman in the non-profit space that inspires you.

One woman who inspires me is ABCF Board Member Brenda Loube. Brenda is a savvy business leader who is deeply passionate about supporting women and truly lives by the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” I am continually amazed by her energy, optimism, and can-do attitude.

Brenda has served ABCF in various capacities for nearly 20 years, and her dedication to our mission has been unwavering. Alongside her work with ABCF, she created the Stay In Touch Bra®, an innovative product designed to make self-breast checks and breast health awareness a normal and empowering part of self-care for women and girls.

Her commitment to education, early detection, and lifting other women up is truly inspiring. Thank you, Brenda, for the incredible impact you continue to make.

What strategies work well to promote inclusion in the workplace?

Inclusion requires intention. Effective strategies include transparent hiring and promotion practices, leadership development opportunities, mentorship programs, and creating spaces where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and experiences. When organizations invest in inclusive culture, they create stronger teams and better outcomes for the communities they serve.