At The Pink Agenda, we know that stories aren’t just powerful—they’re personal. They can shape how we understand a diagnosis, advocate for ourselves and others, and transform loss and fear into action and connection. That’s why The Pink Agenda’s Speaker Series is a cornerstone of our work.
Launched in 2014, TPA’s Speaker Series brings personal stories, educational resources, and real-world perspectives to audiences across the country—from college campuses to corporate conference rooms. Whether the event is held in person or virtually, each session provides an opportunity to speak openly about breast cancer: its risks, its realities, and its reach.
Over the years, our speakers have educated thousands and helped move countless individuals to action—and at the heart of it all are passionate people like Natasha Whitling and Melissa “Melle” Micari, two TPA Board Members who have helped shape the program and carry its message forward.
You’re Not Too Young
When Natasha Whitling found a swollen lymph node at age 32, she never expected it to lead to a diagnosis of Stage 3C breast cancer.
“When I discovered the lymph node that led to my diagnosis, I knew relatively little about breast cancer,” Natasha recalls. “Especially when it came to my risk factors as a young woman.”That lack of information drove her to get involved—and speak out. She joined The Pink Agenda’s Speaker Series not only to share her experience but to help educate others and prevent similar blind spots.
“I wanted to lend my voice to efforts to raise awareness, especially among younger women. It’s important to me to share what I’ve been through if it helps someone else advocate for their health—or support someone else going through treatment.”
Natasha has led multiple Speaker Series presentations, including two well-attended events at her workplace. In fact, she says her company’s sessions were among their most successful wellness webinars, thanks in part to the personal nature of the program.
Her goal in every talk? To make the information relatable—and human.
“I prepare by finding ways to connect the facts to my own experience. I try to infuse light humor when I can, because that’s how I cope. And it helps people engage and remember what we’re sharing.”
When asked what she hopes the audience walks away with, her answer is simple but powerful:
“You’re not too young to potentially have breast cancer. Take your body seriously. There is life after breast cancer, and even in the face of it, you can find something meaningful—whether it’s through advocacy, volunteerism, or supporting life-saving research.”
Turning Loss into Advocacy
For Melle Micari, the journey began with a phone call during her sophomore year of college.
“My mom and dad called to tell me my mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer. They told me not to worry—that she’d be okay after surgery and chemo. But we lost her almost exactly two years later.”
That experience reshaped the course of Melle’s life. She began fundraising for breast cancer research and awareness, organizing teams for walks and events. But she soon realized she wanted to do more—to educate, to speak, and to create impact at a deeper level. That desire led her to The Pink Agenda and the Speaker Series.
“I wanted to help others understand the risk factors, the research, and how to truly support someone facing a diagnosis. And I wanted people to know my mom’s story.”
Since joining the Speaker Series, Melle has spoken to countless groups and organizations, each time leaving her audience with a mix of inspiration, hard-earned wisdom, and practical tools for navigating a breast cancer journey—whether their own or someone else’s.
“Every Speaker Series event is special. There have been so many moments where attendees shared their own stories, or I learned something new about my fellow speakers. It’s amazing what happens when you give someone a platform to share their history, fears, strengths, and hopes.”
Before each session, Melle takes a moment to reset—to center herself in the importance of the message.
“I play my favorite music and just zone out. I never want to bring stress from the day into it. It’s a serious topic, but it’s also full of connection and meaning. I hope people learn something, yes—but also feel seen and supported.”
The Power of Personal Connection
While Natasha and Melle have different paths into this work, what unites them is the desire to turn experience into impact—and to ensure that their stories spark action.
“The voices of young survivors, caretakers, and advocates help reinforce that you’re never too young to be touched by breast cancer,” Natasha says. “The Speaker Series helps people relate to the issue and become more engaged—whether that means paying closer attention to their health or becoming involved in the mission.”
Melle agrees.
“It’s the core of what we do: educate. Whether we’re talking about diagnosis, treatment, genetics, or prevention, TPA’s Speaker Series empowers people with knowledge and encourages them to use their voice—just like we’ve learned to use ours.”
Bring the Speaker Series to Your Group
The Pink Agenda’s Speaker Series is available at no cost to companies, campuses, and community groups looking to make a difference. Our speakers tailor the conversation to meet your audience where they are—whether it’s a lunch-and-learn, a virtual seminar, or an on-campus awareness event.
Click here to learn more or request a presentation.
Together, we can raise awareness, share knowledge, and help more people understand that breast cancer doesn’t just touch one kind of person—it touches us all.