Meet the 2026 Cancer Nation Leadership Academy Ambassadors

We are proud to welcome the 2026 Cancer Nation Leadership Academy cohort. Following a competitive application process, 12 survivors, caregivers, and health care professionals from across the country have been selected to serve as Cancer Nation Ambassadors.

The Cancer Nation Leadership Academy equips Ambassadors with the skills, knowledge, and community to lead change. Each Cancer Nation Ambassador develops and leads a project that addresses real gaps in cancer care — from clinical settings to community spaces — helping ensure more people living with, through, and beyond cancer receive the care they deserve. Their work demonstrates what’s possible when people with lived experience step forward to lead change.

“Survivorship starts in the community, and every community’s needs look different. Cancer Nation Ambassadors know their communities best, so they’re the ones who identify those gaps and step up to close them. Their projects range from wellness to sexual health, supporting caregivers, and reaching underserved communities, and every one of them moves us closer to whole person cancer care.” said Cancer Nation CEO Shelley Fuld Nasso.

“The Cancer Nation Leadership Academy brings together a diverse group of advocates and survivorship professionals to learn from each other and drive survivorship projects across the nation,” said Veronika Panagiotou, PhD, Cancer Nation Director of Advocacy and Programs. “Every ambassador brings passion and determination to their work for the cancer community. These are the leaders who will transform cancer care.”

# # #

Grant funding for the 2026 Cancer Nation Leadership Academy program provided by Genmab.