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.

Ana Emaldi is the Hispanic Community Outreach & Client Services Coordinator for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor in Political Science and a Minor in Spanish from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Ana has been working with the Hispanic/Latino community for the past 10 years providing Spanish medical/legal and commercial interpretation both in the public and private sector.  Ana’s desire to help her community has also brought her to work with several nonprofit and for-profit organizations in the Birmingham area and surrounding counties, including serving as a member on the Cahaba Medical West Stakeholder Committee. As the Hispanic Community Outreach and Client Services Coordinator, Ana provides support and resources to Spanish-speaking individuals impacted by breast cancer.

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 Community Outreach Coordinator for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in journalism and political science from the University of Mississippi. Before joining Forge in 2022, Meg spent 15 years as a journalist in print, television and digital media. As Community Outreach Coordinator, Meg assists in furthering Forge’s sustainability, strengthening and establishing community partnerships, and marketing and communications.

Monica Contreras Zapata is Forge’s Hispanic Client Services intern.  A first generation Mexican-American, she is an Applied Professional Spanish major and International Studies minor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. As an intern, Monica helps her Hispanic/Latino community by breaching the language barrier between Forge’s clients and community partners. Contact Monica at [email protected].

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.

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.

Angie Wood is the Programs & Hospitality Coordinator 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.

Dr. Chuck Shumate volunteers with Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center as our Clinical Liaison. He is a retired Breast Cancer Surgeon in Birmingham, with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Alabama School of Medicine medical school. As Clinical Liaison, Dr. Shumate meets with surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and other physicians and clinicians to promote the services and resources Forge provides to breast cancer patients, survivors, and co-survivors.