Who We Are

Breast Cancer Action (BCA) is pleased to announce an open call for applications to join our esteemed Board of Directors. As a vital part of our commitment to excellence and innovation, we are seeking qualified and passionate individuals who are dedicated to contributing their skills and expertise to help guide our organization to new heights.

Call For Applications

Board Job Descriptions

Who We Are

Our Vision

Better Together

Creating a supportive, safe, and empowering community for anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

Our Mission

Part of your story:

We support individuals in the greater Ottawa region who have been recently diagnosed with any stage of breast cancer, regardless of age, gendre or ethnicity. Through quality programming, peer support, physical resources, and collaboration with local allied organizations, we are there to listen, support, connect and the power the newly diagnosed through their breast cancer experience.

Our Mandate

  1. To develop and maintain programs, to raise public awareness and to educate and support those affected by breast cancer.
  2. To offer a post-diagnosis support and resource Centre to serve those newly diagnosed, regardless of gendre and their families living with breast cancer in the national capital region.
  3. To contribute to the ongoing exchange of information with other like-minded local, regional, provincial, national and international organizations.

Our Values

    • Empowerment
      • Inclusion
      • Community
      • Diversity
      • Transparency

    Diane Hayes, Chair of the Board

    Diane is the owner of Kelly’s Boutique Inc. (opened in 2003) and is a certified mastectomy and compression garment fitter. Diane has raised money for various breast cancer initiatives and is a supporter of many breast cancer related charities.  Her family members are strong supporters of BCA and regularly hold third-party events. Her brother Denis was Kelly’s husband and he and his twin sister Denise raise funds for The Kelly Project yearly with their Twins’ Causes Golf Tournament.

    She founded The Kelly Project in 2007, which offered women a gifted post-mastectomy camisole, and in July 2024 with additional fundraising helped to extend The Kelly Project to those having a lumpectomy with a gifted garment for post-surgery. Diane and is an active member on all event planning committees for Breast Cancer Action. She is also an active member and volunteer with the Kin Club of Russell who are also strong supporters for BCA.

    Colleen Barber, Recording Secretary

    Colleen is a breast cancer survivor who is intimately acquainted with the unique challenges that come with parenting young children while undergoing treatment. Having struggled after treatment with both lymphedema and recurrent cellulitis, she is very familiar with the ongoing care and maintenance for these chronic conditions.

    Colleen’s personal journey has fueled her dedication to raise awareness, provide support, and improve care for those undergoing treatment and beyond. She believes strongly that no one should have to face a breast cancer diagnosis alone.

    Alexa Rochford, Director of Community Building

    Alexa is a Breast Cancer survivor, Strength Coach, athlete, parent, and dancer with a passion for community building and connection. She is a leader of many initiatives aimed at increasing access to support and resources.

    Varsha Dinodia, Director for Governance and Succession Planning

    Ms. Varsha is a finance enthusiast with professional experience for over a decade in the field of Corporate Finance, Governance and Business Advisory. Varsha portrays herself as an inquisitive “doer” who not only enjoys preparing and reviewing Financial Statements but also auditing them. With her curios and analytical mind, Varsha has helped several corporations internationally by reviewing their operational processes across all business functions and advising a third-eye review on their financial wellbeing and going concern as well as existence, effectiveness and economy of their internal controls. Miss Dinodia is being awarded and recognized for her business acumen across India, the UK and Canada.

    Varsha is a proud MBA from Durham University – England, UK with Business, Economics and Governance as her key forte including a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Auditing and Taxation. Outside work- she enjoys running, kickboxing and engaging with people thereby bringing a holistic flavour of professional expertise, team spirit and positive energy to our Board.

    Redha Mekraldi, Director, Communications

    Redha is a committed professional with experience in government and education. Redha is actively involved in various volunteer activities and enjoys engaging with diverse communities to promote health and wellness. He believes in the power of education and awareness as tools for empowerment and strives to bring these values into their work with the organization.

    Phone: 613.736.5921
    © 1992 - 2024
    Breast Cancer Action Ottawa

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