Mary is a local McDonald’s franchise owner in Woodland, Sacramento, and Solano County. After graduating from law school, she worked as a Deputy District Attorney in Solano and Yolo County before her career in McDonald’s. She also currently teaches as a professor at California Northstate University. With a heart for the community, she actively supports many local community nonprofit organizations. Mary was inspired by her friendship with Ann Murray Paige to establish Thriving Pink as a local nonprofit in the summer of 2016. She is honoring those near and within our hearts by her dedication to the vision of Thriving Pink to ensure no one goes through breast cancer alone.
OUR TEAM & MISSION
We invite you to join our Pink Team which is dedicated to helping those impacted in Yolo County 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 Davis and Yolo County which focuses on serving and supporting local breast cancer survivors in our 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.
Mary Yin Liu
Executive Director
Leslie Hunter
Program & Development Director
Leslie has many years of experience planning and organizing events and programs for our community. She is an educator in our public school system and is dedicated to working with local elementary school students, providing instructional reading and reading comprehension. Leslie recently completed her term as Board Member for Davis Community Meals & Housing and Vice Chair for the Yolo County Health Council. On behalf of our Pink Team, she coordinates our volunteers and supports our efforts to partner with the local community to fundraise and establish our core programs.
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.
Bubbly Bajwa, MD
Board President
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 her family supports 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. As a Co-Chair of PINKtober and as a board member, 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. “One moment can change a day, one day can change a life and one life can change the world.” Buddha
Joni Rubin
Vice-President & Mentoring Pink Chair
Joni joins the Thriving Pink Board with over 30 years of experience as a healthcare and wellness leader, innovator and educator. Joni has immeasurable gratitude for the family, friends and providers who have helped her throughout her breast cancer journey. She believes all breast cancer survivors should have access to a supportive community and vital resources. Joni coordinates support for newly diagnosed women by chairing the Pink Peers Program under Mentoring Pink. Pink Peers provide invaluable support and understanding to those who are newly diagnosed. Joni also reviews feedback forms from Thriving Pink’s workshops to ensure the mission of building a network of support for local survivors is being fulfilled.
Holly Davis Rodriguez
Secretary & 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 and also serves at the Zumbathon chair. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends, teaching Zumba, and international travel.
Chasity Baltazar
Granting Pink Committee Member & Board Member
Chasity works as a nurse treating breast cancer patients at Sutter Hospital in Davis. She is also a breast cancer survivor who has received a Granting Pink Award and attended the Thriving Pink Renewal Retreat. She openly shares how she has been able to empower herself and others after her own diagnosis with breast cancer. Chasity inspires many of us, and serves on the committee to review Granting Pink applications to help distribute much needed funds to local women and their families.
Guillermina Perez
Workshop Chair & Board Member
Guillermina is a second grade teacher at Beamer Elementary School in Woodland, where she has taught for over 23 years. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, she received a Granting Pink Award and attended the Renewal Retreat hosted by Thriving Pink. Her experience was full of gratitude for this sisterhood of support and compassion. Feeling blessed beyond measure for this generous community, she has decided to pay it forward to reach out to diverse voices, promote empathy, and inclusion for all. She also hopes to inspire others, including her two teenage girls, to understand that seeking help and giving back is a sign and source of strength. “No one should go through cancer alone.”
Lori Walters
Board Member
Lori is a certified Life and Business Coach. She has lived locally for over 20 years, and has been involved in the community, both as a CASA and with the Davis schools as a volunteer and a substitute teacher. She also supports law enforcement agencies and firefighters by working for a private investigation company in Davis. Having lost her mother to cancer, she continues to be inspired by the courage of those fighting cancer and wanted to be a part of the Thriving Pink community to contribute and support the organization. She serves on the committee to review Granting Pink applications, a program that directly benefits many women in our community with much needed resources and support. She enjoys physical fitness, an active lifestyle, and spending time with family and friends.
Raychel Kubby Adler
Board Member
Raychel, MPH, is a certified Wellness Coach, Writer/Author and a Fitness Instructor. As the founder of YOLO WELL, she supports many individuals in finding their way to create optimal health and wellness as a tool for survival. As a Life Coach, she has provided counseling and positive direction to many individuals. As a public speaker, she also shares her experiences as a “previvor” (with the genetic predisposition for breast cancer) in her book, Life in Asymmetry. She has lost many loved ones and close family members to this disease and is dedicated to helping others through this difficult journey. Raychel is very passionate about this cause, and supports Thriving Pink by Co-Chairing PINKtober and coordinating monthly workshops.
Linda Dunn
Renewal Retreat Chair & Board Member
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 also 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.
Kelly Currywood
Board Member
Kelly works as a project coordinator for UC Davis, and operates a beautiful flower farm, Circle Z Farms in Capay Valley. She has 15+ years’ experience with coordinating and managing events, including fundraisers. She holds Thriving Pink very near and dear to her heart as she was by her friend Kristen’s side when she went through her breast cancer journey. Kelly looks forward to continuing to contribute to this cause, and supporting and caring for local women with a breast cancer diagnosis. She has served on the Pink Gala committee She hopes to make a positive and everlasting effect on the Thriving Pink community.
Andrea Mayer
Board Member
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.
Jocelyn Hernandez-Roper
Finance Chair
Jocelyn graduated from Sacramento State with an accounting degree and has since worked in the field for a variety of local businesses, including non-profits in the area. She works closely with Matthew Wehner, CPA, to help prepare taxes, and provide bookkeeping and financial statements for Thriving Pink. She wants to contribute to make a positive impact to support Thriving Pink and its mission. Jocelyn is a busy mother of two young children and enjoys spending time with them as well as her extended family around Woodland, Davis, and Sacramento. She also very much enjoys physical fitness and participating in a weekly bowling league.
LaRease Profaci
Volunteer Night Co-Chair & Board Member
LaRease is an art teacher at Pioneer Elementary School, as well as the creative session instructor for Thriving Pink’s Renewal Retreat. LaRease was diagnosed with cancer shortly after moving form New Jersey to Davis in 2015. It was during this difficult time that she learned about Thriving Pink and was fortunate to attend the very first Renewal Retreat. This experience connected her with other women in the community dealing with cancer. Since then LaRease has been volunteering at the Renewal Retreat and is a generous supporter of Granting Pink. She shares her experience with others to provide support and compassion to those newly diagnosed. When she is not volunteering or teaching art, LaRease and her husband Anthony spend quality time raising their three teen children.
Jennifer Miramontes
Program Support
Jennifer has worked as a coach, personal trainer, Cancer Exercise Specialist and Medical Exercise Specialist since 2008. She supports Thriving Pink by leading fitness walks, providing healthy recipes for workshops, and serving as a guest speaker at workshops. She has cared for and supported many loved ones who have fought this disease, including her parents, and her close friend Ann Murray Paige. In 2019, she launched Cancer Champion as an online program for cancer fighters and those striving to live a healthy lifestyle. The program provides online exercise routines, nutrition plans, and weekly live calls with Jennifer and nutritionist Damian Bramer. Jennifer is honored to share her depth of knowledge, support, and Cancer Champion Program with the Thriving Pink community. www.cancerchampionfitness.com
Melissa Lyans
Writers Circle Facilitator
Melissa is a local breast cancer survivor who hosts the Pink Writers Circle for Thriving Pink. She provides writing prompts and facilitates the monthly group in a supportive setting. She also works as a private music teacher, playing the violin and viola in community orchestras and chamber music groups. She has volunteered for many community groups, including NAMI-Yolo, a local mental health advocacy group, where she co-chaired their annual Sunflower Art Exhibition at the Davis Art Center. Melissa was drawn to creative writing and journaling after the death of her son in 2008 and her cancer diagnosis in 2012. She has found writing to be a reflective, healing, and positive experience. She appreciates the opportunity to share her love of writing with members of the breast cancer community.
Pam Cordano, MFT
Renewal Retreat Facilitator
Pam is a psychotherapist who specializes in cancer and resilience. For 20 years she has worked with individuals, families and groups with an office in Davis. A cancer survivor/thriver herself, she is particularly passionate about creating healing opportunities and a deeper sense of community. She facilitates weekly groups in her private practice and teaches workshops locally and abroad. Pam also serves on the advisory board for Camp Kesem, UC Davis. For Thriving Pink, Pam serves as a lead facilitator at the Annual Renewal Retreat to welcome and engage the attendees in a supportive environment. The retreat for breast cancer survivors is a wonderful weekend of connection and respite from the stress of daily life. She also hosts small groups sessions and facilitates workshop groups for the Thriving Pink community.
Patti Hadrava
Stitches of Love Coordinator
Patti leads the monthly Stitches of Love volunteer group to create beautiful and thoughtful gifts for local survivors. She is a breast cancer survivor who shares her creative skills of sewing and knitting to inspire dozens of volunteers at these open workshops. The volunteer group helps to fill comfort bags with homemade quilts, knitted hats, and heart-shaped recovery pillows. She believes the greatest gift is compassion and heartfelt generosity.
Sandy Walsh
Pink Speaker Series Coordinator
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. Sandy coordinates the monthly Pink Speaker Series to provide ongoing educational workshops to our community. Over the years, she has established contacts with many guest speakers, including a network of physicians, nurses, physical therapists, counselors, and other health professionals. She is honored to provide this great resource of knowledge to help other cancer survivors and those who support them.
Karina Knight
Therapeutic Counseling Support
Karina is available to provide one-on-one counseling and therapeutic support for local breast cancer survivors. She is a breast cancer survivor and a licensed family and marriage therapist. She is passionate about helping others navigate through adversity to find peace, connection, and clarity. Karina also owns and manages Polestar Farms in Northern California with her husband Jim. They share the beautiful orchard with fruit trees with local restaurants and the local community. She is also certified by the University of California as a Master Gardener and as a yoga instructor.
Joy Elson
Website and Tech Support
For over 20 years, Joy has supported several local non-profits in Yolo County, providing IT support, and managing databases, websites and social media. She currently works for STEAC (Short Term Emergency Aid Committee). She provides essential tech support for Thriving Pink, updating the website and sending out informational newsletters to the Thriving Pink community of local survivors and supporters. Joy enjoys working as part of the team in the generous community of Davis and Yolo County. She enjoys hiking, camping, and playing with clay.
Brelle Albert
Founding President
Brelle is a Realtor with Higgins Team at exp Realty. As a breast cancer survivor/thriver, she is committed to reaching out to support others in our community. She enjoys yoga, skiing, and many outdoor activities with her two young sons. Brelle has Co-Chaired the Renewal Retreat and the Pink Gala, and supports outreach efforts for new board members and volunteers. She leads board meetings to ensure our programs focus on our mission and purpose. She is very excited to be a part of Thriving Pink and believes this local nonprofit can make a meaningful difference to help women in our community.
