Stakeholder Core

Ms. Roberta Carlin, served as the Executive Director of the American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) for 21 years, prior to retiring in June 2023.  Ms. Carlin holds a JD and MS degree.  She is a breast cancer and appendix cancer survivor and joined the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocate Group (GBCA) in 2018 to continue in her role as an advocate for breast cancer research.

Ms. Stahl is a retired attorney and breast cancer survivor.  She joined the Georgetown Breast Cancer Advocates (GBCA) as a founding member in 2011.  She serves as a research advocate helping to direct research so that it is relevant and impactful.

Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 9, in an era where pediatric cancer care faced significant challenges, Woody’s early years were marked by a strong determination to return to a normal childhood after a life-saving surgery left him with a residual limb. 

Throughout his more than six decades as a cancer survivor, Woody channels his gratitude into advocacy, striving to improve access to quality care and support for cancer patients. He has served as a member in organizations such as the American Cancer Society, I-REACH – Georgetown University, Cancer Nation and Stand Up To Cancer reflecting his commitment to enhancing health outcomes, particularly for communities of color.

Ms. Graziano Galloway-Gooden is a retired production designer and commercial interior designer. She is a member of the Western Wayne County Cancer Action Council (CAC) for over 7 years, which is an affiliate of Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute. She is an experienced advocate and community stakeholder, who has been a primary caregiver for family and friends through their cancer journey. Her goal is to become more knowledgeable about cancer, its treatments, clinical trials, and success stories, while continuing to advocate for survivors and caregivers. Knowledge is power in the fight against cancer. So she works to continue that fight by assisting and sharing information with her community.

Ms. Le’Vonia Gourgue is a two-time breast cancer survivor with over 21 years of dedicated service in community education and breast health awareness. As a passionate advocate, she co-founded The Journey Continues (TJC), a Breast Cancer Survivor Organization committed to closing the health disparity gap affecting minority women. Diagnosed at 33, she rarely saw women who looked like her or were close to her age. That lack of representation fueled her determination to learn everything she could about the disease so she could become a voice and advocate for young minority women facing the same journey.

Ruth Goyes has dedicated more than 20 years to community case management across diverse fields including social services, education, and mental health. Throughout her career, she has been deeply committed to educating, connecting, and advocating for individuals and families, ensuring they receive the resources and support they need to thrive. 

At the age of 37, she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and is now courageously navigating life with metastatic disease. 

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgetown University. She finds joy in sharing time with her husband, daughter, and extended family, and enjoys cooking and reading.

Ms. Swain’s background is in banking. However, she became the caregiver of both her mother and husband who were cancer patients. She became an advocate for her husband. She brings lived experiences to the Stakeholder Core and is learning so much in her first year.