Hiba is a doctoral occupational therapy student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and professional makeup artist. While at Forge, she is researching the therapeutic use of makeup for women who have gone through past or active chemotherapy and measure the relation to their self-image. She is currently recruiting women to participate in this study and will teach them how to apply makeup over the course of three weeks pertaining to specific areas such as eyes, brows, lashes and face.

Michelle Horn Brown is the Community Outreach Coordinator for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alabama and Juris Doctorate from Birmingham School of Law. Michelle is passionate about providing access to health services for women, with over 20 years in the nonprofit sector. Michelle is a member of the board of the Alabama CASA Network.

Janet Dees is the Client Services Coordinator for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Samford University and her Master of Business Administration from UAB. Janet has over 20 years of experience working with women and their health-related issues. She is passionate about providing support and resources to women and those who love them as they navigate the cancer experience. As the Client Services Coordinator, Janet works with our clients to create the best possible plan to help meet their needs and situation.

Jinida Holt is the Volunteer and Support Coordinator at Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from Miles College, and her Master of Social Work from Alabama A&M University. She has exceptional experience working with vulnerable populations and program management with several non-profit organizations throughout the Birmingham area. Most recently, Jinida served as a Programs Coordinator at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama where she worked with community stakeholders to help feed at-risk communities in need. She has also worked with AIDS Alabama JASPER House Rehabilitative Day Program overseeing the implementation of psychoeducational groups and therapeutic activities for individuals living with a dual diagnosis of HIV/AIDS and a serious mental illness. As Volunteer and Support Coordinator, she manages and implements Forge’s peer mentor program, support groups, and community outreach activities. Jinida is driven and dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families navigating through their breast cancer experience and finding ways for the community and volunteers to forge together and support those in need.

Meg Pace Lovett is the Vice President of Communications and Development for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science from the University of Mississippi and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Before joining Forge in 2022, Meg spent 15 years as a journalist in print, television and digital media. As VP of Communications and Development, Meg assists in furthering Forge’s sustainability, strengthening and establishing community partnerships, and marketing and communications.

Alaina Pineda is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Elon University, her Master of Industrial Design from University of the Arts, and her Master of Science in Health Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Alaina has over 13 years of experience supporting healthcare organizations in their efforts to develop plans and programs that meet the needs of their patients, staff and the community at large. She is passionate about finding creative ways the healthcare industry can be innovated to improve experience, care and outcomes. As the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Alaina is Forge’s “big picture thinker,” as we expand across the state of Alabama.  She is also responsible for assessing Forge’s data and outcomes to inform positive physical and mental health transformations.

Yadira Robayna serves as Forge’s Interim Hispanic Client Services Coordinator. She earned a degree in Theology from the Baptist Theological Seminary of Venezuela and a degree in Counseling from Fruitland Baptist Bible College in North Carolina. Prior to joining Forge, she worked for HIPPY USA in Fort Payne for 13 years and as the Counseling Program Director for the Alabama Baptist Convention. She is currently the Director of the Alabama State Baptist Women’s Organization, is a member of the National Hispanic Women Network, and serves as the Director of Women for the First Baptist Hispanic Church of Center Point. In her role at Forge, she provides support and resources to breast cancer patients and survivors who speak Spanish, and creates awareness of Forge across the state of Alabama.

Lauren Roberts is the Executive Director for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate at Louisiana State University. Lauren brings over 15 years of experience in a variety of non-profit settings and is passionate about supporting  and empowering women. Lauren serves as Co-Chair of the O’Neal Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement Community Advisory Board. As Executive Director, Lauren oversees the operations, strategic planning, and resource management of the organization.

Subrata Satyal is Forge’s intern. A native of Madison, Ala., Subrata is a senior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, majoring in neuroscience and minoring in Spanish and chemistry. She is also concurrently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health. While at Forge, Subrata is expanding and creating new educational and support strategy resources, in English and Spanish, to aid those impacted by breast cancer. She is also focused on increasing awareness of the needs of breast cancer patients and survivorship support.

Summer Spain is our new Hispanic Programs Director for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She is bilingual and has over 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, having owned and operated multiple Mexican restaurants. Summer has dedicated much of her life to serving others and working with the Hispanic and Latinx community, providing outreach, court translation, interpretation, and a variety of community services. Her passion for people and community service drives her commitment to improving access to resources for Hispanic and Latinx breast cancer survivors. Summer is excited to bring her expertise to Forge and continue her work in supporting and empowering our community.

Angie Wood is the Programs Director for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelors of Science in Global and International Studies with a focus in Healthcare and the Environment. After graduation in December of 2019, Angie relocated to Birmingham with Teach for America. Over the last two years, she taught 8th grade English in Birmingham City Schools, and developed a passion for the Birmingham community. Some of her favorite hobbies include traveling, hiking and reading.