Robin Lee is the founder and chair of NOVA12SF. Robin is a newly retired genetic counselor who worked in the field of cancer genetics at UCSF for the last 20+ years. Robin was a long time walk leader for the ZSFG/UCSF team in the Avon39 walks. When those walks ended abruptly, Nova12SF was born. Robin is focused on providing resources and access to underserved communiities.
Monica Bien, Physician Assistant. Hematology- Oncology
Miriam Perales, Clinical Research Coordinator , UCSF-ZSFG Hematology Oncology
Miriam Perales is a first-generation college graduate from UC Berkeley, shaped by her upbringing in McFarland, California—a rural, predominantly immigrant farm-working community. From a young age, she served as interpreter, advocate, and caretaker for her family, experiences that deepened her commitment to addressing health inequities. Overcoming systemic barriers and financial hardship, Miriam pursued higher education with determination, working seasonal farm and cold-storage jobs while excelling academically. She now serves as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Oncology at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, where she connects patients with vital resources beyond medical care, addressing housing, food security, and mental health needs. Her lived experience informs her public health mission: to advance equitable, community-centered healthcare and research that dismantles systemic disparities. Driven by both professional expertise and personal history, Miriam aims to lead efforts in clinical and public health research to ensure underserved communities receive the compassionate, comprehensive care they deserve.
Outside of her professional career, she enjoys running and training for Half Marathon and Marathon races. She hopes one day to be able to run one of the World Marathon Majors.
Vanessa Soto Holloway, ZSFGH Cancer Patient Navigator, is a bilingual (Spanish/English) Public Health Professional with over 10 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate the healthcare system. In her current role, she specializes in cancer navigation—connecting patients to timely screenings, guiding them through diagnoses, and linking them to critical treatment and support services. Throughout her career, Vanessa has worked in health education, community outreach, and care coordination, driven by a deep commitment to health equity, removing barriers to care, and empowering people to take charge of their well-being. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys exploring new restaurants, travelling, and spending time outdoors.
Shannon Whiley is a breast cancer survivor who is currently navigating a new cancer diagnosis. She is a passionate advocate for helping others find strength and perspective. Shannon’s first experience with the NOVA12SF walk was as a participant, and she found the event to be an incredibly liberating, fun, and empowering way to connect with others. Now, Shannon is honored to continue that journey as part of the NOVA12SF board, offering a unique perspective for those who need it.
Lisa Platz was diagnosed with cancer in April 2023. Her life moved quickly after those infamous words “you have cancer”. Two months later Lisa was told she had less than a year to live. Here she is. “Cancer is not who I am, it’s what I live with”. That’s what Lisa tells people. She is currently a patient with SFGH and UCSF. Lisa researches and then utilizes the resources available to cancer patients in San Francisco, which she believes is invaluable. Lisa believes everyone should have the best care possible to go through the cancer journey. Lisa feels living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer is difficult but not impossible. Lisa is now a presenter for Red Cross’ “Be Red Cross Ready” program and a Service to the Armed Forces lead at San Francisco’s VA Hoptel. She also participates in disaster awareness meetings and training on Treasure Island, including tabletop training events with local city organizations and San Francisco Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (SFVOAD).
Lisa has over 10 years of self-help and life skills know-how. Her experience was working with women to focus on rehabilitating their lives to move forward in a positive and supportive manner.
She spends time walking and now riding Muni through San Francisco learning about the rich history and talking to the people. Lisa enjoys the culture of San Francisco and its diverse communities. She wholeheartedly believes in letting people be who they are. No judgement. “Life happens to individuals and we don’t know how someone gets to be where they are unless we ask”.
Amparo Martinez, Patient Advocate, ZSFG
My name is Amparo Martinez, and I am bicultural immigrant from Mexico who grew up in San Francisco's Mission District. I have over 14 years of healthcare experience to include experience as a Health Educator and Family Services Specialist. In these previous positions I've provided support, service, education, resources and advocacy to the SF multi-cultural, multilingual, and underserved communities. As a Cancer Navigation Specialist at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG), I possess a wealth of knowledge that has been helpful in providing the most appropriate care and emotional support for our cancer patients at ZSFG. I am driven to achieve results by building relationships and implementing solutions and I am committed to going above and beyond to create the best patient experience. I am passionate about the evolution in patient navigation, and I am extremely grateful to be a part of it. I also serve on the Board of Directors of NOVA 12 Walk which raises funds to supports breast cancer patients and community organizations who support breast cancer patients. Lastly, I am grateful to the partnership with BACC and honored to coordinate and organize the Breast Cancer Support Group at ZSFG.