2024 40 Under 40 Winners

Breanne is an exemplary marketing and communications leader at the Alberta Cancer Foundation, where her strategic vision and leadership have driven unprecedented growth in annual giving campaign funds. Since joining the foundation, she has spearheaded two major capital campaigns, including the "We Cross Cancer" campaign, which surpassed its $30 million goal in nine months, and the ongoing "OWN.CANCER" campaign, set to raise $250 million. Breanne's team successfully secured a historic $50 million naming gift for the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, marking the largest donation in the foundation's history. Her leadership has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the 2022 IABC Gold Quill Award, showcasing her ability to elevate brand awareness, donor engagement, and community support through innovative marketing and communications strategies.

I began volunteering for nonprofits at a young age, primarily supporting Edmonton's Stollery Children's Hospital through events and working at their Bearyland store. This experience opened my eyes to the vital role of philanthropy in ensuring that people in need have access to the best care possible.

When my dad was diagnosed with cancer, I began volunteering on committees for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Through this experience, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact of healthcare philanthropy in supporting patients and families facing similar challenges. The dedication of the foundation's team and the tangible difference they made in people's lives, including my own, inspired me deeply. I knew I wanted to do more, so I decided to transition my career into healthcare philanthropy. It has been one of the most rewarding moves I've ever made.

After I graduated from university, and before starting my career in healthcare philanthropy, I accepted a job based solely on the compensation package, without considering whether I aligned with the company's mission or values. Unsurprisingly, I found little fulfillment in the role. I later made the decision to take a significant pay cut by leaving the organization to work for a startup company that I truly believed in. I went from dreading going to work to loving going to work. It was a valuable lesson: alignment with an organization's mission is crucial—no amount of money can compensate for that.

My son, Ellis, is my greatest passion because he brings immense joy and purpose to my life. Seeing the world through his eyes fills me with wonder and love. His curiosity and energy inspire me to be a better person and to create a better world for him. His happiness and well-being are at the heart of everything I do.

Find a cause you care about that fuels a passion in your soul! Then, don't be afraid to explore different roles across various departments, even if they don't align with your background. Knowledge is power, and growth is key. Understanding how all aspects of healthcare philanthropy operate is incredibly beneficial for your development and effectiveness in the field.