IT ALL BEGAN WITH A SIMPLE GATHERING
At just 23 years old, Marisa Renee Lee hosted a party in search of meaning amid her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. What she found was something far greater—a community of friends eager to lend their time, talent, and resources to the cause. Inspired by that night, Marisa, along with Liana M. Douillet Guzmán and Jaquelyn M. Scharnick—whose own mother is a two-time breast cancer survivor—founded The Pink Agenda, turning a single evening of purpose into a powerful movement.
What began as a single gathering has grown into a leading voice in breast cancer research among young philanthropists, now with a presence in 18 states across the country. With each milestone, The Pink Agenda moves closer to tomorrow’s cure, paving the way for breakthroughs and shaping the future of breast cancer research.
Palm Beach becomes an official TPA Chapter City.
TPA funds its largest class of grant recipients yet, with 5 breast cancer investigators leading the way in innovative patient care through groundbreaking research.
Chicago becomes an official TPA Chapter City.
Pink on the River in Chicago raises over $250,000 in its inaugural year.
The Pink Agenda achieves a major milestone, raising over $1,000,000 to support breast cancer research and grant wishes to women undergoing treatment.
TPA launches #Move2RaiseHell – a nationwide campaign promoting physical activity to honor the breast cancer survivors and thrivers in the US.
The Pink Agenda hosts its first TPA Talks, an annual health and wellness symposium featuring diverse speakers exploring the complexities of breast cancer and the impact young professionals can make in advancing research and care.
Through BCRF, The Pink Agenda begins supporting the work of Dr. Ann Partridge, founder and director of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Young & Strong Program.
Dr. Partridge’s research focuses on young women diagnosed with breast cancer under age 40, and the program works to improve patient’s medical and psychosocial care and outcomes.
TPA first partners with Speed Rack and since 2015 has been a beneficiary of its national competition.
FAB-U-WISH, a program founded by breast cancer survivor and television personality Giuliana Rancic, joins forces with The Pink Agenda to grant unforgettable wishes to women undergoing treatment. This collaboration brings moments of joy, empowerment, and strength to women facing breast cancer.
Boston becomes an official TPA Chapter City.
Atlanta becomes an official TPA Chapter City.
The Pink Agenda enters a strategic partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), making BCRF TPA’s sole research beneficiary. This partnership allows TPA to leverage BCRF’s expertise and scale, ensuring continued growth in our mission to end breast cancer.
TPA’s Partnership Program begins with a Shop & Support initiative with Diptyque. The program has since grown exponentially, becoming a vital pillar of TPA’s fundraising efforts.
The Pink Agenda establishes its relationship with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), and Dr. William G. Kaelin, Jr. is selected as the first TPA-Funded breast cancer researcher. Dr. Kaelin went on to receive the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology for discovering how cells sense and adapt to oxygen levels which could lead to new treatments for cancer, and other diseases.
The Pink Agenda hosts its First Annual Gala in New York City, setting forth a tradition that has become one of the organization’s signature events.
The Pink Agenda is formed, by Liana M. Douillet Guzmán, Marisa Renee Lee, and Jaquelyn M. Scharnick, setting the stage for the next generation of philanthropists dedicated to advancing breast cancer research and care.