Our Pink Team
We invite you to join our Pink Team which is dedicated to helping those impacted in Yolo County, California by breast cancer to thrive by providing a compassionate network of support and resources in partnership with the community. Our volunteers come from all different backgrounds – those diagnosed with breast cancer, community leaders, business owners, and health professionals. We are the only local nonprofit in Yolo County which focuses on serving and supporting the local breast cancer community. Until there is a cure, we will continue to work together to make a difference in the lives of those that are battling this disease.
EXECUTIVE TEAM & BOARD MEMBERS
Denise Rose
Secretary, Board of Directors & Renewal Retreat Co-Chair
Denise is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified life coach and grief specialist who supports people through personal growth and change. She has a master’s degree in counseling and mental health. Denise had a 20-year career in Bereavement Services with Yolo Hospice as a counselor and in management and leadership. Prior to that, she had a 10-year career in human resource administration in higher education. Volunteer service has always been an important part of her life. In 2016, she was treated for breast cancer. Her journey of healing was transformative. She is grateful to now be involved with Thriving Pink as a Pink Peer Mentor and Annual Renewal Retreat co-chair.
Andrea Mayer
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Andrea is a planning consultant, farmer, and 26-year resident of Yolo County. She is an ardent supporter of women’s empowerment in all areas of life. As a breast cancer survivor/thriver, she is proud to be able to provide support for others. In addition to being a Thriving Pink Board Member, she is a member of the Yolo CASA Advisory Board (Court Appointed Advocates for Foster Youth) and is a volunteer at the UC Davis Arboretum Nursery. She and her husband Jim are proud parents of adult children Sam and Carly. Andrea enjoys hiking, gardening, culinary adventures and time with family. Andrea chairs the Thriving Pink Budget and Finance Committee and is an active Pink Peer Mentor.
Joni Rubin, MPH, MSW
Immediate Past Board Chair & Outreach Committee Chair
Joni serves on the Thriving Pink Board with over 30 years of experience as a healthcare and wellness leader, innovator, and educator. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, Joni relied on the support of family, friends, colleagues, and community throughout her journey. Paying it forward, Joni is a strong advocate for the breast cancer community. She leads our outreach efforts, supports our mentorship programs, and is also a Pink Peer and mentor to many in our community.
Alicia Silva, MD
Spanish Outreach Chair, ProspeROSA Chair, & Board Member
Alicia is a General Surgeon in Davis, California and affiliated with Sutter Health. She has been practicing in the community since 1999 and graduated from UC Davis School of Medicine. While she enjoys the breadth of General Surgery, her heart is in helping women with breast cancer. She understands how vital the Thriving Pink organization is for the survivors of breast cancer, her family and the entire community. She grew up in Yolo County and ardently wants to give back to her community. She is a wonderful guest speaker for our monthly workshops. She has a special interest in increasing breast cancer awareness and support to our Spanish speaking community.
Katie Minke
Fundraising Chair & Board Member
Katie has worked in public relations for more than 30 years, currently for Kaiser Permanente in Solano County. She was introduced to the work of Thriving Pink through her sister, who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in late 2018, just a year after their mom – a breast cancer survivor – passed away from ovarian cancer. After a three year battle, her sister passed away in early 2022, leaving behind numerous family and friends who support Thriving Pink’s mission. Katie is passionate about screenings, genetic risk factors, and supporting women and their families on their breast cancer journey.
Holly Davis Rodriguez
Workshop Committee Chair &
Board Member
Holly is a local physical therapist clinical specialist specializing in oncology and lymphedema rehabilitation at Kaiser Permanente. She has been a leader within her field developing programs and pathways in aiding the recovery of cancer survivors. She has presented educational lectures to surgeons, oncologists, and many other health care providers. Holly is a presenter and guest speaker at Thriving Pink Workshops/Pink Speaker Series. She supports PINKtober community outreach, chairs the Nominating Committee and Zumbathon. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends, teaching Zumba, and international travel.
Mary Yin Liu
Founder & Board Member
Mary is the Founder of Thriving Pink, and served as Past Executive Director. She and her husband Harris continue to give their time and resources as the organization has grown. They generously donated the Thriving Pink Office & Community Room as a beautiful space for our community. Mary is a local McDonald’s franchisee in Woodland, Sacramento, and Solano County, and worked as a Deputy DA before becoming a business owner. With a heart for the community, she actively supports many community organizations, including APAPA, a nonprofit which focuses on leadership programs with student interns. Mary was inspired by her friendship with Ann Murray Paige in the summer of 2016 to continue the legacy of her nonprofit Project Pink. She truly appreciates and is inspired by the many women in this community who are fighting this disease, and those impacted by breast cancer.
Gena Bravo, MSN
Board Member
Gena Bravo is an innovative healthcare leader with over 25 years of clinical and leadership expertise. Woodland Memorial Hospital CEO, Gena brings a proven record of success in hospital operations. Throughout her career, she has excelled in advocating excellence, embracing strategic challenges – and working to cultivate her passion for patient care among her staff.
A Southern California native, Gena earned both her Bachelor and Master of Nursing degrees from the University of San Francisco.
In her spare time, Gena enjoys watching baseball, spending time with her husband and kids, and staying active in local community service. Gena is a breast cancer Thriver who openly shares the story of her journey to provide hope and inspiration to others. She serves as a volunteer firefighter for the West Plainfield Fire Department in Davis; a trustee on the Woodland Healthcare Foundation Board; a board member for the Woodland Chamber of Commerce; and as a Board Commissioner for Partnership Healthplan of California. She is also an active Rotarian with the Woodland Noontime Rotary Club. Gena was recognized by the Honorable John Garamendi of California as a 2021 Woman of the Year for her service to the Yolo County community during the pandemic.
Michelle Silva
Board Member
Michelle Silva is the founder of The Savvy CMO, specializing in ethical marketing strategies for women-led organizations. With over 20 years of experience, she has collaborated with both nonprofit organizations and prominent companies, including VSP and the California Chamber of Commerce. Although these companies are not nonprofits, Michelle has supported their efforts in various capacities, bringing her expertise in marketing to diverse sectors. A breast cancer survivor since 2015, Michelle's compassionate leadership fuels her dedication to supporting those affected by breast cancer. She is eager to contribute to Thriving Pink's mission, including initiatives like PINKtober, and to empower women in their journeys.
Bubbly Bajwa, MD
Medical Advisor & Past Board Chair 2020-2022
Bubbly's commitment to Thriving Pink continues on as she serves as our inaugural Medical Advisor, providing advice to the Board on a range of topics including COVID-related policies and procedures.
Bubbly is an Internal Medicine Physician and Chief Medical Informatics Officer (CMIO) at NorthBay Medical Center. Educated in Canada, she moved to Davis in 2002 with her husband, Guneet Bajwa, and their two children. She has actively participated in the Davis Music school board and many local non-profit organizations including CASA and Yolo Food Bank. Losing her mother to cancer in 2011, a mere 12 weeks after diagnosis, was a life-changing moment for her. Cancer is a diagnosis that is transformative affecting both the person and the families in many ways. She hopes to support those afflicted with this disease through their journey to ensure that with resilience, faith, love, and support no one is ever left alone.
Rose Cholewinski
Granting Pink, Chair
Rose is the owner of SwimAmerica in Davis and has over 25 years of teaching and coaching experience with swimmers of all ages. She has a passion for supporting the local community through various organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, and Citizens Who Care. She is working with other committee members to review applications through the Granting Pink Program. She believes in sharing “positivity” with others and has personally supported local breast cancer survivors/thrivers. She believes this local grant program will directly benefit many women in our community.
Linda Dunn
Renewal Retreat, Co-Chair
Linda is the owner and licensed esthetician of Bloom Again Skin Studio located inside FIT House in Davis. She has advanced training in Oncology Esthetics and gives back to the community with all her heart. She serves regularly in the music ministry at First Baptist Church and volunteers for the Look Good Feel Better program that helps women going through cancer learn to care for their changing skin and use makeup to lift their spirit. Linda supports many outreach events for Thriving Pink and is a lead coordinator for the annual Thriving Pink Renewal Retreat during the spa afternoon for all of the attendees. It is an honor for her to directly support these women and to make these special connections with our community.
Sandy Walsh
Honorary Chair, Pink Speaker Series
Sandy has a strong background in the sciences, with a degree in medical technology, and many years teaching biochemistry and working in research laboratories. As a local breast cancer survivor, she wanted to bring current research and cancer treatments to the forefront of her community. She has served as president of California breast cancer organizations and was on the board of the National Breast Cancer Coalition. Over the years, she has established contacts with many guest speakers, including a network of physicians, nurses, physical therapists, counselors, and other health professionals.
Emma Hunter, MPH
Pink Gala Chair
Emma is proud to serve as the Pink Gala Committee Chair. As a longtime Thriving Pink volunteer, Emma has supported a variety of the organization’s programs. She especially loves the Pink Gala, as it serves as an opportunity to honor the Granting Pink Awardees, recognize our community partners, and raise much needed funds for financial grants. The Thriving Pink community inspires Emma to create a beautiful and meaningful event. With a Master of Public Health and a background in development, Emma is excited to use her experience to continue the legacy of the Pink Gala.
Virginia Pier
Walk Coordinator
Virginia leads the Thriving Pink walks on the 3rd Saturday of every month. The walks are a time to share with others within the Thriving Pink community and learn from one another.
Virginia is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with an emphasis in Oncology. She worked for Kaiser Permanente in South Sacramento for 19 years. She started the Breast Cancer Group with Dr. Claudia DeYoung. And, 20 years later it is still going strong. Although retired she remains an active participant in the South Sacramento Breast Cancer Group. Virginia, along with others, helps with the April Thriving Pink Gala. Virginia is grateful to be a part of this wonderful organization.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS & COORDINATORS
Sue Peri
Photographer
Sue had a long career as a photographer, from her college years at UC Davis, through 28 years at the Davis Enterprise. After leaving the Enterprise, she worked as a freelance photographer for a variety of clients including Communicare and Healthy Davis Together. Sue volunteers at Thriving Pink by taking photos at their many events. Sue had breast cancer twice: once in 1999 when her children were young, and again in 2020 at the peak of the pre vaccine Covid pandemic. She appreciates all the support she received from her family, friends and Thriving Pink.
Connie Belk
Craft Coordinator
Connie has been volunteering for Thriving Pink since she and her daughter (then members of National Charity League) helped at Thriving Pink’s annual volunteer day in 2020. After seeing heart pillows displayed on the counter of Mary Liu’s kitchen, Connie began sewing heart pillows at home for women going through breast cancer treatment and surgery. That initial level of service developed into her current role as Craft Coordinator, hosting monthly crafting sessions at the Thriving Pink office to provide ongoing items used in comfort bags and other small gifts given to women throughout the year. Connie has been a dietitian working locally for the past sixteen years and prior as a consultant. Connie thoroughly enjoys being part of Thriving Pink and looks forward to establishing a more coordinated, robust crafting program in the coming year.
Brelle Albert
Founding President 2016-2020
Through her own personal experience diagnosed with breast cancer, she has reached out to help and support many others in our community. Brelle has served as Co-Chair of the Renewal Retreat and the Pink Gala through multiple years to ensure a strong foundation for the success of our Pink Team. She has stepped up to light the path ahead of us in so many ways. We greatly appreciate her contributions to our Thriving Pink community and continue to be inspired by her leadership.
Emily Spencer
Program Coordinator; Part Time
Emily is currently attending the University of Washington in Seattle where she is working toward her MS in Epidemiology with an emphasis on One Health and Infectious Disease. Emily continues to support Thriving Pink remotely while in graduate school. Emily attended UC Davis for her undergraduate degree where she studied Global Disease Biology and International Relations with an emphasis on inequality. Emily decided to join Thriving Pink to support those experiencing breast cancer in honor of her mother who went through treatment while she was states away at college. As a member of Thriving Pink, Emily provides technical and program support in order to help operations run smoothly. In her free time, Emily loves working out & going on walks, cooking, and embroidery.
Diane Marie Cataldi, CPA
Accountant
Diane is a certified public accountant with over 30 years of experience. In 2018 she began her own business, DMC Accounting, to serve local businesses and nonprofits. Diane is also the president of the Center for Spiritual Living, Davis. Previously, Diane served as a board member and treasurer of the Davis Chamber of Commerce and Suicide Prevention of Yolo County. Breast cancer first impacted Diane’s life at the age of 14 when her mother died of the disease. In 2011 she became a breast cancer survivor/thrivor herself. Diane is excited to join this dynamic and vital organization that helps local breast cancer survivors thrive within a network of support.
Cassidy Spencer
Communications Coordinator; Part Time
Cassidy is currently attending the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon where she is pursuing a degree in Business and Marketing with a minor in Nonprofit Management. Cassidy was inspired by her older sister Emily to help support Thriving Pink after she worked for them in honor of their mother who battled and beat breast cancer. She enjoys working for Thriving Pink as it gives her real-world experience in the nonprofit sector and often allows her to apply what she has learned in her nonprofit classes. As a member of Thriving Pink, Cassidy runs our social media platforms as well as providing program support for donor recognition and outreach. In her free time Cassidy enjoys hanging out with friends, going on walks, and attending sporting events at her school.
Lani Fulcher
Special Projects Coordinator; Part Time
Lani comes to Thriving Pink with years of nonprofit experience supporting science education, mental health programs, environmental engagement, and community outreach. Her administrative skills have supported boards, executive directors, managers, volunteers, and donors; some of Lani’s most rewarding work has been with preschoolers with special needs and with families struggling with mental health issues. Lani comes with the desire to see the immediate and personal impact of her work—Thriving Pink provides that direct effect with individuals and families. With her enthusiasm and experience, she looks forward to growing within the organization and strengthening Thriving Pink as it serves the community.
Leslie Hunter
Executive Director
Leslie is honored to step into the Executive Director role and to continue Thriving Pink’s mission. She brings her event planning, volunteer management, and fundraising experience to Thriving Pink to partner with the local community to enhance our services. Since its founding in 2016, Leslie has been instrumental in establishing Thriving Pink as the only local nonprofit in Davis and Yolo County which focuses on serving and supporting the local breast cancer community. As Executive Director, she leads a dedicated group of volunteers who support Thriving Pink’s core programs. Leslie brings genuine love and care to each individual Thriving Pink touches and the tangible good the organization brings motivates her to continue to expand Thriving Pink’s reach in the Yolo County community.
Gayle Barry
Board Chair, Board of Directors
Gayle is a senior leader for a local Federal agency focusing on the care and health of California’s abundant agricultural and natural resources. Diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer in 2017, she moved to Davis with her family to make a lifestyle change for her health. She shares her journey through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and recovery to help others with awareness and support. As Chair of the Mentoring Program, and leading the Pink Peers, she believes in giving back by helping others through a difficult journey with encouragement and support. She truly believes you do not have to go through this diagnosis alone. When she is not volunteering, Gayle enjoys time with her family and friends, and helping with her family’s ranch.
Martha Ozonoff
Vice Chair, Board of Directors & Strategic Plan Chair
Martha is a breast cancer survivor who has benefitted from many of Thriving Pink’s programs: as a grateful grant recipient, a workshop participant, a gala attendee, and a volunteer for the 2021 and 2022 Granting Pink awardee day. She currently serves on Thriving Pink’s Granting Pink and strategic planning committees. Martha is a program manager for the Delta Conservancy. Before that, she spent over 25 years as the executive director of three environmental nonprofits. She has also served on a number of local nonprofit boards. Martha lives in Davis with her husband and son.