In Wisconsin, nearly 40,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed each year—a powerful reminder of why early detection and prevention are essential. The MCW Cancer Center aims to improve health through a blend of innovative research, exceptional care, and proactive community engagement. This means not only offering advanced treatments, but also providing vital education and resources to help people address cancer at every stage, from prevention and early detection to survivorship and beyond. The Community Outreach & Engagement (COE) Office is at the heart of this effort. In close partnership with local organizations, this small but mighty team delivers a wide range of services—from health education to screenings to patient navigation—directly into the community, especially in underserved neighborhoods. Its dedication is evident in more than 109,000 screenings conducted in the past year alone, reflecting a tireless commitment to catching cancer early and bridging gaps in care. While February is recognized as National Cancer Prevention Month, the COE team remains devoted to their mission every day, continuously expanding programs that build a lasting foundation for healthier, more resilient communities.
Meet the COE Team
Staci Young, PhD, Associate Director, COE, champions culturally relevant, community-informed interventions to reduce health disparities among underserved populations. A lifelong Milwaukeean, Dr. Young played a key role in advancing the Community and Cancer Science Network, which unites more than 160 partners to tackle disparities on a local level, and has been instrumental in spearheading the ThriveOn Collaboration—an initiative that transformed a historic King Drive space into a vibrant hub that delivers education, wellness activities, and healthcare navigation to underserved neighborhoods. Through community listening sessions held across southeastern Wisconsin, she ensures these efforts remain responsive to local needs, providing culturally sensitive education and improving access to lifesaving cancer screenings.
“Equity in cancer prevention starts with listening. When we engage directly with communities, we can break down barriers to screenings, deliver education that resonates, and create programs that truly meet people where they are,” said Dr. Young.
Debra Nevels, MSHCM, Program Manager of COE, serves as the operational backbone of the team while also driving policy change to transform cancer prevention and care. With seven years at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network—and personal motivation from the toll of breast, prostate, cervical, and lung cancers—she is committed to breaking down barriers and advancing health equity. Using health disparities research and community data, she helps shape policies that expand patient navigation, increase clinical trial access for underserved populations, strengthen tobacco regulations, and secure paid leave for cancer patients and caregivers. Through collaboration and advocacy, Nevels turns policy into real-world impact for those most affected by cancer inequities.
“Every time we're in the community is an opportunity to help people get the support they need. My personal experiences drive my commitment to make these critical services accessible to every neighborhood,” said Nevels.
Raul Romo, Program Coordinator for Hispanic Outreach, is a passionate advocate for ensuring that Hispanic/Latino communities have access to vital cancer prevention resources. He leads bilingual workshops and educational sessions at local organizations, including the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Mexican Consulate, to break down healthcare barriers and deliver culturally tailored information on early detection. Romo has played an instrumental role in developing the annual Lazos de Esperanza Symposium—a pioneering Spanish-language event that empowers the Hispanic/Latino community through on-site screenings, expert-led discussions, and stronger connections to lifesaving healthcare services.
“It's incredibly rewarding to see families leave our sessions feeling informed and empowered. When we break down language barriers, we're giving people the chance to catch cancer early and change their future,” said Romo.
Melanie Burns, Program Coordinator for Women’s Health and Faith-Based Outreach, empowers women with the tools and knowledge needed for cancer prevention and early detection. She partners with local faith-based organizations to host “Pin-a-Sister” events—a Mother’s Day initiative where survivors share their stories and women pin a “sister” to commit to supporting one another in breast health. Additionally, Burns supports survivors and caregivers through events like “Care for the Cancer Caregiver” and “Destress the Holidays,” offering practical guidance and emotional support as they navigate their cancer journeys.
“I’m driven by the chance to help women take control of their health. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing them empowered with the knowledge to protect themselves and advocate for their own well-being,” said Burns.
Ambrose Wilson-Brown, Program Coordinator for Men’s Health Outreach, is dedicated to reducing cancer disparities among men, especially in African American communities. He has been instrumental in launching programs that bring prostate cancer awareness directly into familiar neighborhood settings—such as local health and wellness centers and barbershops like Gee’s Clippers. He also champions the Health Griots initiative, where prostate cancer survivors share their personal journeys as trained storytellers to dispel myths and underscore the importance of early detection. This trusted dialogue breaks down barriers and fosters proactive healthcare in the communities that need it most.
“When we bring cancer awareness into everyday spaces, it turns a scary subject into a conversation among neighbors. Encouraging survivors to share their journeys makes it real—it helps break down the barriers that keep men from taking charge of their health,” said Wilson-Brown.
Adrena Luckett, the inaugural Patient Navigator, has a deep-rooted passion for patient advocacy and healthcare accessibility. As a certified oncology and financial navigator, Luckett works closely with clinicians, Clinical Trials Office teams, and community organizations to ensure patients understand their treatment options and have access to essential services. She educates patients about clinical trials, assists with enrollment, and provides ongoing support to help patients navigate complex treatment pathways. By coordinating resources such as transportation, financial counseling, and culturally tailored outreach, she plays a critical role in enhancing patient outcomes and advancing cancer care for diverse communities. Luckett’s work in patient navigation also supports early detection by ensuring at-risk individuals receive timely screenings and interventions before cancer progresses.
“I help remove the barriers that make cancer care feel overwhelming—explaining clinical trials, coordinating transportation, and securing financial support—so patients can focus on what truly matters: beating their cancer,” said Luckett.
Learn how the COE team is removing barriers across every stage of cancer.