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Directors

The World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of breast cancer survivors, health researchers, breast care advocates, and community representatives from Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and Nova Scotia who are knowledgeable in breast cancer issues. The Foundation Board directs conference planning activities through international networking, sponsor relationships, and event planning contractors.

Leila Springer, President

Leila led a very busy and secured life prior to her diagnoses of breast cancer in February 1999.  Family, church and her work as a controller in a manufacturing firm occupied her time with very little left for anything else so when she first discovered a lump, she didn’t think much of it.  Unfortunately she was one of those women who thought it would never happen to them.

 Leila’s myriad skills consists of co-founding “The Olive Branch of Hope” a breast cancer support and resource organization in Toronto, partnering with health agencies, designing programs, securing and dispensing of client health materials, community public relations, and facilitation in actual programs and activities. 

Leila is most effective as a liaison and bridge for “women of color” with the organizations and the general community to address barriers. She uses her passion for service to generate interest about the “ ethno-cultural” underserved at Canadian events and conferences. Leila has been an active role model as director of The Olive Branch of Hope programs by targeting high-risk women and linking them to services for cancer screening and treatment.  She brings vision and hope to her community while providing opportunities for them to advocate on a personal, social and institutional level toward ending health disparities.

 

Leila completed Project LEAD NBCCF’s science training, a course designed to help breast cancer activists influence research and public policy in the wide range of forums where breast cancer research decisions are made.  She now spends her time helping other women on their journey with breast cancer and advocating for change.

 

She has been featured on the TV program Real Life with Sharon Caddy of CTS Television and also on 100 Huntley Street Daily Television program.   She was featured in the Winter 2008 issue of National Women’s Magazine “Women Alive” under the section “A Woman You Should Meet”, Her story also appeared in Planet Africa Magazine,  she was in the spotlight of Maranatha News October 2008 as “Canada’s Amazing Woman”, Leila is a Harry Jerome Award Nominee, who writes occasionally for Maranatha News newspaper.