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
Connie Calderón-Jensen is an education professional with over 28 years' experience on educational issues affecting students of color, English-language learners, and immigrant families. Her work experience includes supporting college access for first-generation students, including over five years with the UCSF School of Medicine Post Baccalaureate Program.
Connie has worked with the UCSF Latinx Center of Excellence (LCOE) since 2019 and is charged with leading the center’s programs and outreach efforts. She speaks fluent Spanish and Italian, and holds a Master’s degree in International Policy Studies and Spanish from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, and a BA in Political Science with a Latin American focus from UCSD.
Niharika Dixit, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCSF
Veronica Shepard, Director, Office of Anti-Racism & Equity. San Francisco Department of Public Health. Population Health Division
Myisha N. Smith-Whitaker Born & raised in San Francisco and also a native. She has thrived in San Francisco all of her life. She is a proud mother of four she loves God and her family. At the age of 23 she was hired at the San Francisco giants baseball organization and bloomed into an awesome person because of that team and the organization. She has been with that organization since 1996 and loved every minute. Myisha is also a breast cancer survivor and decided to take her power back by volunteering for Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital in this journey call Cancer fight. As of late she went back to school and became a CNA she is working for a private organization as we speak. God has blessed me to do some of these wonderful things. Currently I reside in Vacaville California starting another new chapter. New things are on the horizon for me God bless. Myisha
Lily Zhang, Patient Navigator at ZSFG
Lily is a cancer navigation specialist at ZSFG, prior joining San Francisco Department of Public Health, Lily worked at San Francisco non-profit organizations for 13 years combined providing support, service and advocacy to the SF multi-cultural and multilingual communities. Lily also served as a planning committee member for Chinatown Community Health Fair and Richmond District Community Health Festival.
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.