About UFH Board of Directors

Gissoo DeCotiis, MBA

Member

Gissoo DeCotiis is a global healthcare executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience driving strategy at the intersection of oncology, patient advocacy, public policy, and healthcare innovation. She has built and led global advocacy organizations within leading biopharmaceutical companies, partnering with executive leadership, researchers, policymakers, clinicians, and patient organizations to improve cancer care and accelerate access to innovative treatments worldwide.

In her most recent role, she served as Global Head of Advocacy & Professional Relations focused on Global Oncology Policy, Patient Advocacy and Health Equity at Daiichi Sankyo, Gissoo lead worldwide initiatives focused on patient-centered policy, health equity, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships. Her work has influenced discussions with organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Economic Forum (WEF), helping advance policies that improve cancer screening, biomarker testing, clinical trial participation, and equitable access to care.

Previously, she spent more than a decade at Bayer Pharmaceuticals, where she established and led the company’s global oncology advocacy function. During her tenure, she championed patient-centered clinical development, strengthened relationships with advocacy organizations across multiple disease areas, managed multimillion-dollar global budgets, and helped embed the patient voice throughout research, development, and commercialization.

Gissoo is widely recognized for her ability to unite diverse stakeholders around complex healthcare challenges, translating scientific innovation into meaningful patient outcomes. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications on patient engagement, clinical trials, health equity, and oncology education, and has collaborated with leading international advocacy organizations to improve education, research, and access to care.

She serves on numerous nonprofit and industry advisory boards supporting cancer research, education, and patient advocacy. Gissoo holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Rutgers University and is a Certified Supply Chain Professional and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

As a board member, Gissoo brings expertise in corporate strategy, governance, healthcare policy, risk oversight, stakeholder engagement, ESG and health equity initiatives, innovation, and partnership development. She is passionate about helping organizations navigate complex healthcare environments while creating sustainable value for patients, partners, and shareholders.

Upasna Patel

Member

Upasna Jhaveri Patel is a marketing and brand strategy leader with 20+ years of experience building brands at Procter & Gamble and Takeda Pharmaceuticals. She has led strategy, insights, and innovation for iconic consumer brands at P&G and new drug launches at Takeda. Her passion is creating brands and patient experiences that put the consumer at the core – helping them feel heard, seen and supported. 

Coupled with her personal connection to the cancer community, Upasna believes healing extends beyond treatment to care for the mind, body, and soul. She is deeply committed to advancing patient-centered care and empowering individuals through every stage of diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survivorship.

Upasna currently serves as Vice Chair of Youth Counseling Connection, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free and accessible mental health services for Lexington (MA) students and families. She also advises Worth the Wait, an oncofertility nonprofit where she helped launch its first Patient Advocacy Program in 2025. Upasna earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. She lives in the greater Boston area with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys meditation, nature walks, dancing, and traveling with her family.

Rachael Vaughn Ray

Member

Dr. Stefania Nolano

Member

Dr. Stefania Nolano was appointed as director of Jefferson – Abington Health Breast Program in November 2016. She completed her fellowship training in Breast Surgical Oncology at The Bryn Mawr Hospital. Dr. Nolano received her medical degree and general surgery training from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is board certified in General Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is an active member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncology and Association of Women Surgeons.

Dr. Nolano, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor, has a specific interest in studying and treating the disease. She is a thought leader in the surgical treatment of breast cancer dedicated to providing highly specialized care for all types of stages in breast cancer. She is dedicated to improving treatment approaches and breaking barriers to disparities in health care. She has presented at multiple meetings and was name top physician under 40.  She serves as a co- principal investigator for the SKCC oncology group clinical trials and serves on the NRG Oncology Breast Cancer Local Regional Working Group.

Dr. Nolano provides cutting-edge treatment to patients and access to resources which they need and deserve. She currently specializes in breast surgical oncology at the Asplundh Cancer Center SKCC in Willow Grove, PA.

Maia Tolsdorf

Member Emeritus

Inspired by Sue and her unique vision for how to empower and support women with breast cancer, Maia came to Unite for HER as a volunteer grant writer in 2012. She worked with Sue to strengthen and grow the Board, and was the first to take the reins from Sue as President. After her tenure on the Board, Maia joined the staff of Unite for HER as the Director of Strategy and Development, and continued in that role through the fall of 2019. 

 Maia holds a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Law. She is passionate about nonprofits that serve women, children, and families, and has served on many nonprofit boards and committees. She is currently the Head of School at Fairville Friends School, a small Quaker preschool in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Maia and her husband Chris have two daughters and a son, and live happily with their dogs and chickens in West Chester, PA. 

Karin Risi

Chair Emerita

Karin Risi is a breast cancer survivor and active advocate for the compassionate care, treatment, and support of those affected by the disease. Karin is Chair Emerita of Unite for HER, having first joined the Board in 2013 and serving as Vice Chair (2014) and Chair from 2015 to 2020.

Karin currently serves as an Independent Director on the boards of HarbourVest Partners and SEI. In addition to her involvement with Unite for HER, she serves as Trustee and Investment Committee Chair for Episcopal Academy. Karin previously served on the Corporate Council for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Dean’s Council for the Villanova School of Business, and as a Trustee for Vanguard Charitable.

Karin retired from Vanguard at the end of 2024 after a distinguished 28-year career in senior leadership roles across the firm’s corporate, institutional, and individual investor divisions. She was the Managing Director of Vanguard’s Strategy, Product, Marketing, and Communications division, where she guided the firm’s business development and enterprise strategic direction, oversaw a global investment product lineup serving more than 50 million investors, and helped strengthen Vanguard’s brand and reputation. Karin was also Managing Director of Vanguard’s Personal Investor division, responsible for business strategy, client experience, and brokerage and wealth management services for Vanguard’s individual investor clients.

Karin holds both a B.B.A. in Finance and an M.B.A. from Villanova University.

Dr. Linna Li

Chair Emerita/Executive Committee

Dr. Linna Li graduated with a Bachelor in Arts from University of California, Berkley in 2002 with high honors having a double major in Immunology and Cell Biology and Social Welfare. She went on to graduate from Drexel University College of Medicine in 2006. She did an internship with Drexel University School of Medicine in Internal Medicine and went on to do a radiation oncology residency at Fox Chase Cancer Center, becoming Chief Resident in 2010. She came to Bryn Mawr Hospital as an Attending Radiation Oncologist in 2011. Linna has authored several articles for peer-reviewed journals and presented research at professional oncology meetings, many relating to breast cancer. She has been the recipient of several awards such as; the Women in Excellence award in 2006 and the National Cancer Center Network Fellowship Award in 2008 and the RSNA Roentgen Award in 2010.

Amy Gallo

Member/Development Committee

Amy is Vice President of Sales, Local Markets at Independence Blue Cro at Independence Blue Cross where she leads Mid-Market Account Management teams responsible for customer and broker relations, customer retention and growth. Since joining Independence Blue Cross in 1993, she has held various leadership roles including New Sales and Account Management in both the Small and Mid-Market segments. In addition to her Sales experience, she is responsible for strategic planning and business development and has served in a leadership capacity for corporate strategic initiatives throughout her career.

Amy holds a B.S. Degree from Villanova University and an M.B.A. from St. Joseph’s University with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. Amy is a breast cancer survivor and an advocate for those affected by this disease. Amy and her husband Frank live in Glen Mills with their twins, Abby & Matthew.

Cathy Dougherty

Treasurer/Finance Committee

After earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Scranton, Cathy has enjoyed a 25+ year career in the finance and consulting industries, holding leadership positions at Deloitte, IBM, AT&T, The Siegfried Group and Crane Co. Cathy’s expertise is in creating high performing teams, leading strategic and business planning processes, project management, and process improvement. Cathy is active with a number of community-based non-profits, including Students Unite for HER and Chester County Food Bank. Cathy and her husband, Sean, live in West Chester with their two children.

Dr. Mark Shahin

Member/Ovarian Cancer Advisor

Mark Shahram Shahin, MD, graduated Summa Cum Laude at Syracuse University where he was a member of the National Engineering Honor Society. While at Syracuse University, Dr. Shahin received distinct awards, including the George M. Berry Award for Best All-Around Senior and Bioengineering Award for Outstanding Achievement by a senior. After earning his medical degree, Dr. Shahin completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology where he continued to receive awards and honors such as Outstanding Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident and Outstanding Northwestern Resident Teacher Award. He completed two fellowships in advanced gynecologic surgery and gynecologic oncology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and clinics. During this time his research focused on p53 genetic mutations in ovarian malignancies as well as phase II and III p53 gene replacement therapy in ovarian cancer. He was recently appointed chief of the Hanjani Institute for Gynecologic Oncology.

The Hanjani Institute for Gynecologic Oncology offers the expertise of a teaching and clinical research institution and the personal involvement and accessibility of a community hospital. The gynecologic oncology program at Abington Hospital is highly ranked among 49 full members of the Gynecologic Oncology Group in terms of number of patients treated and quality of research data.

Dr. Shahin has published several manuscripts on treatments of gynecologic cancers. He has made multiple appearances and presentations on a local and national level. He serves as the co- principal investigator for gynecologic oncology group clinical trials. He is a fellow of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and American College of surgeons. He is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology. He is appointed as the associate director of Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program at Abington since 2006. He is an active member of Society of Gynecologic Oncology and American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Parker Carroll

Member/Development Committee

Parker has spent the last 30 years in the software industry working in sales management and executive positions . He is a graduate of Lehigh University where he received a B.S. in Marketing. He and his family have been volunteers and supporters of Unite for HER from its beginning. Parker and his wife, Mary, live in West Chester, PA and have 3 children.

Meghan McVety

Member/Strategic Plan Advisor

Meghan McVety, is a Principal and Co-Founder of Capacity for Change, LLC, a consulting group dedicated to inspiring greater community impacts through smart strategy consulting. Meghan has expertise in strategic and business planning, organizational development, facilitation, and philanthropy, and she works with nonprofits and foundations throughout the Philadelphia region and at the national level. Meghan previously served on the Boards of Directors of the Chester County Community Foundation and Coatesville Youth Initiative, and currently serves on committees with Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia and Volunteer English Program. She earned her Master of Public Administration from the University of San Francisco. Meghan lives with her husband and two sons in West Chester, PA.

Alexis Rose-Hamburg

Member

Alexis and her husband Steve, live in Royersford, PA with son Lincoln and two rescue pups Gidget and Rue. Alexis Rose is the current US Head of Trade Strategy & Operations at Organon, a global pharmaceutical company focused on transforming women’s healthcare.  Alexis received her undergraduate degree from Bloomsburg University and then went on to obtain her MBA from Eastern University in Radnor, PA. In her free time, Alexis enjoys working out, cooking, traveling, spending time with her family and friends, and reading a great book from the comfort of her mountain house. Most notably, Alexis is a breast cancer survivor who seeks out any opportunity to support other newly diagnosed women and their families.

Cheldin Barlatt Rumer

Member

As CEO of i-g creative and the Executive Producer & Host of THIS IS IT TV, Cheldin Barlatt Rumer has spent close to two decades creating, managing and executing strategic grassroots marketing campaigns for clients within an array of various lifestyle industries. Rumer continues her commitment to communication and marketing education by telling and sharing entrepreneurial stories through her daily digital program THIS IS IT WITH CHELDIN. Through this online program small business owners have the opportunity to find their marketing voice while promoting their products and services.

In addition to producing her own digital morning talk show, Rumer has recently launched the THIS IS IT NETWORK, where she produces additional online programs highlighting captivating hosts and their businesses. This global, interactive, digital TV network connects remarkable women to inspiring stories. Each episode aims to engage, entertain and educate her growing THIS IS IT TV community.

As a marketing expert, Rumer has developed a result-driven yet cost-effective online marketing course and instructional program called SCREAM YOUR DREAM. This digital, hands-on, educational tool supports the needs of small business owners, entrepreneurs and independent sales professionals who are looking to take their personal brand and marketing efforts to the next level while achieving their realistic and measurable on-going business goals.

Connie Fogarty

Chair/Finance Committee

Connie has spent the last 20+ years working for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals in Finance, Commercial, Sales, and Business Strategy leadership positions. Her passion for improving healthcare through life sciences has taken her all over the globe, including a 4 year assignment in London, England to lead merger and acquisitions for the company’s 2 nd largest therapeutic area. She started her career as a Certified Public Accountant working for KPMG, auditing non-profit organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Minnesota and a Masters of Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She is active in the community, serving on several boards and committees. She is a breast cancer survivor. She resides in Malvern, Pennsylvania, with her husband and 3 children.

Jeff Shapiro

Member/Finance Committee

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from West Chester University. After graduating from college, Jeff went to work in the textile industry and had a 30-year career in the business. In 2013, he sold the textile manufacturing company that he owned for 24 years. He fulfilled his obligation to work for the new company for a year and a half and then retired. He is a past board member of Foundation for Learning In Tredyffrin/Easttown. His hobbies and interests include golf, cars, motorcycles and travel. Jeff and his wife, Maureen, live in Berwyn, PA and have three boys.

Esperanza Martinez Neu

Vice Chair & Community Advocate

Esperanza Martinez Neu is the former Board Chair of Congreso de Latinos Unidos, a non-profit agency in Philadelphia whose mission is to enable individuals and families in predominantly Latino neighborhoods to achieve economic self-sufficiency and wellbeing. Mrs. Neu is currently a board member of the Cencora Impact Foundation, and previously served on Jefferson Health’s Office of Institutional Advancement board, and on the Executive Committee for 100 Women in Lexington.

Prior to retiring in 2016, Mrs. Neu held several leadership positions in human resources, community relations, diversity & inclusion and workplace services for AmerisourceBergen Corporation. She was instrumental in developing programs and strategies that enhanced the employee experience and workplace, and also promoted the company’s initiative to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment. Additionally, as the Executive Director of the AmerisourceBergen Foundation from 2014 to 2016, Mrs. Neu was responsible for helping the organization create a sustainable presence within the community by partnering with other high-impact organizations.

Esperanza and her husband David founded the Neu Family Foundation as well as the Neu Center for Supportive Medicine and Cancer Survivorship at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson. In 2016, the Neus were recognized as Philanthropists of the Year by the American Fundraising Professionals and the Humanitarian Award by the American Association of Cancer Research in 2019. Mrs. Neu has been recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal as a Woman of Distinction and was the recipient of the Most Powerful & Influential Women Award by the National Diversity Council. In 2017, she was recognized as one of Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos for her extraordinary impact in the community. She previously served on the Advisory Board of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA), Greater Philadelphia Chapter, and received the 2012 Alumni of the Year Award from Strayer University, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree.

Sybille Damas

Secretary

Charmienne Ganao

Member