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March 2024
International
Women's Day
NBCF CEO SHARES HOW TO
'INSPIRE INCLUSION'
- Associate Professor Cleola Anderiesz, NBCF CEO
International Women’s Day (IWD) is an important day in the calendar. It is a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women’s equality.
Each year a theme is chosen for IWD – this year’s theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’. We asked our CEO, Associate Professor Cleola Anderiesz a few questions about her career in the hope of inspiring readers to
‘Inspire Inclusion’.
1. What does 'Inspire Inclusion' mean to you?
‘Inspire Inclusion’ means a couple of things to me:
Leadership
Modelling good leadership and active inclusion is essential. Women and girls need to see and experience females in leadership positions supporting the inclusion of other women.
Representation
When women aren’t present, we must ask: “If not, why not and how do we facilitate inclusion?” It is the responsibility of all of us, to singularly and collectively, advocate, drive, and facilitate inclusion.
2. What has led you to your role as CEO of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF)?
I have over 20 years of experience across the academic, not-for-profit, and public sectors. Early on in my career, I was a medical researcher in the field of reproductive biology. Here I was able to witness firsthand why funding research is critical to achieving developments and breakthroughs that shape longer term solutions and improve health outcomes.
It’s only through research, that we can drive significant and sustainable changes in the health of individuals and communities. To lead such a highly regarded organisation such as NBCF and play a role in helping to improve the lives of people affected by breast cancer is a great privilege.
3. What does inclusivity look like at NBCF?
With extensive and uniquely qualified experience, our team consists of a range of talented industry professionals, with 85% female representation including the majority of our senior leadership team and department leaders. Our Board of Directors is 66% female represented, led by a female Board Chair.
It is worth noting that the charity sector attracts a high percentage of females, and we are fortunate to have an extraordinary female led team at NBCF, who are committed to achieving our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
4. What’s one motto you live by?
Be the change you want to see in the world.
5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
I am truly inspired by individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others. Their compassion and selflessness remind us of the immense impact that we can all have on the world.
6. What advice do you have for young women who are starting their careers – especially careers in STEMM?
My advice to young women starting their careers is, be brave, be resilient, be kind, and be extraordinary! Your journey may not always be easy, but you don’t need to travel through your career alone. Find and surround yourself with great women, and men, to support, inspire and include you and in turn, support, include and inspire others.
The funding we provide has meant many female scientists have been able to forge a career in science and make remarkable progress in breast cancer research. These amazing women scientists continue to inspire the next generation of female talent and NBCF looks forward to supporting many more female researchers into the future to help end deaths from breast cancer
Together, we can make a difference and empower women in science.
Plank in Pink
We’re thrilled to announce that the 1 Minute Plank in Pink Challenge is back, and registrations are now open!
This April, we invite you to take part in a powerful initiative that combines physical fitness with a shared commitment to raising awareness and funds for world-class breast cancer research.
By signing up, you become a vital part of our mission. Your commitment directly supports individuals like our amazing Plank Challenge Champion, Renee.
As someone who has witnessed the tireless efforts of medical researchers firsthand after being diagnosis with breast cancer at age of 35, Renee was inspired by the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s (NBCF) vision of achieving Zero Deaths from breast cancer, she believes that ‘’If it wasn’t for breast cancer research and its impacts, I wouldn’t be here today’’.
This April, Renee is taking on the 1 Minute Plank in Pink challenge to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. She said ‘’I was not going to be defeated by my diagnosis, instead I want to use my own experience to help other women.
The 1 Minute Plank in Pink Challenge is another of NBCF’s wonderful fundraising initiatives and I am thrilled to be a part of it and to be making a difference towards the goal of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
’’By participating in the 1 Minute Plank in Pink Challenge, you’re not only investing in your own health but also contributing to funding vital breast cancer research.
Join Renee and help us reach our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer, by scanning or clicking on the QR code.
Your Legacy of Hope:
Making a difference for future generations
Breast cancer can shake the foundation of anyone’s life, affecting not just the individual but their loved ones as well.
Normans experience motivated him to support National Breast Cancer Foundation’s Bequest Program by adding a gift in his will and becoming a Research Guardian.
Hope for a future with Zero Deaths from breast cancer is our inspiration. Research funded by the National Breast Cancer Foundation has had an extraordinary impact through improving our understanding of breast cancer and contributing to changes in prevention, treatment, and care. In the last 30 years the death rate from breast cancer in Australia has reduced by around 40%.
Normans’ future legacy gift will fund research that will help protect future generations of Australians and their families from the devastating effects of breast cancer.
Your continued support enables significant progress towards our goal of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. If you wish to be sent an information booklet on becoming a Research Guardian like Norman and leave a lasting legacy, please contact Diana Morison on (02) 8098 4848 or diana.morison@nbcf.org.au
“Cancer has affected many members of my family. My sister and my niece have both battled breast cancer. I don’t want to see any more members of my family go through the worry and pain that they did. Leaving a gift in my Will and becoming a Research Guardian, is one way I can help support research into the future to help beat this disease.”
– Norman, Research Guardian
Frames with Purpose
At the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), we believe in weaving compassion into every thread of our mission. Bailey Nelson, the visionary eyewear brand, shares our commitment. Their founders, Nick Perry and Peter Winkle, have created something extraordinary—a brand that transcends mere frames. Bailey Nelson is hope, style, and purpose combined.
Our partnership with Bailey Nelson is a beacon of hope for breast cancer awareness. When you choose frames from their Strong and Powerful collection, you’re not just accessorizing; you’re contributing. $25 from each frame purchase directly supports NBCF, with an annual minimum donation committed of $12,000. But it doesn’t stop there. Bailey Nelson’s stores will feature donation boxes, inviting customers to join the cause. Scan the QR code, make a direct contribution, and be part of something bigger.
This partnership isn’t just about funds; it’s about resilience. Meet Meg—a Bailey Nelson employee battling Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Bailey Nelson collaborated with her to create a collection that champions self-expression. Meg’s journey inspires us all. Through her, we learn that strength lies not only in frames but within ourselves.
Join both NBCF and Bailey Nelson in celebrating vision, compassion, and empowerment. Let’s see the world through compassionate lenses! ❤️ Learn more about our inspiring journey here.
Celebrating 30 years of NBCF-FUNDED RESEARCH
What we have achieved in our 30 years
Since inception in 1994, NBCF has invested $232 million into more than 642 world-class research projects.
Over one million supporters have contributed to this investment, and in 30 years this funding has also helped support more than 1,800 researchers in 120 institutions across Australia to ignite lasting change. In this time, the death rate from breast cancer in Australia has reduced by over 40%.
“For 30 years, NBCF’s commitment to funding world-class breast cancer research has led to extraordinary discoveries. We want to ensure that a diagnosis of breast cancer doesn’t lead to a death and research is key to achieving this.”
– Associate Professor Cleola Anderiesz, NBCF CEO
For 30 years, NBCF’s commitment to funding world-class breast cancer research has led to extraordinary donors helping us fund extraordinary researchers to make extraordinary discoveries.
Discoveries which have fundamentally transformed our understanding of breast cancer and changed how we treat and care for people with this disease.
Discoveries which have helped reduce the death rate from breast cancer in Australia by 40% and will continue to benefit people who are living with breast cancer now and those who will be diagnosed in the future.
We would like to thank our supporter community and dedicated researchers.
It’s only thanks to your support that we can move towards our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.
Thank you
For the research
you've invested in.
For the lives
you've saved.
For the futures
you've changed.
For the impact you've
helped to shape with us.
With your ongoing support, NBCF is poised to deliver on its vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer. We know research is the solution, and we will not stop until we reach our vision and end deaths from breast cancer.