Michelle Swaggard, MBA, Board President
I am a wife, daughter, sister, life long resident of Buffalo, NY and 12.5 year breast cancer survivor and advocate in the fight to one day eradicate breast cancer. I am a strong advocate of getting out in the field educating others about the importance of self-examinations, which is how I discovered my cancer, early screening and advising of all of the services available to assist them, from screening, during treatment and after treatment, as the journey does not end there.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and a Master of Business Administration from Canisius College. I have held numerous roles in Banking and Supply Chain, and am currently a Customer Success Analyst with Thermo Fisher Scientific. While these are great achievements, one of my proudest moments was being voted in as the President of the Board of the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York (BCNWNY).
While BCN offers a plethora of programming and support groups to those impacted by Breast Cancer, one that is near and dear to my heart is our Sisters in Survival (SIS) support group. This program is a much-needed resource, as large disparities exist in utilization of support groups amongst women of color. One reason why this may be so, is because women of color are many times raised to believe they must be strong and show no weakness even when facing a devastating diagnosis. I myself lived in this world. After my treatments were completed, I went about my normal daily routines for many years, at times crying in silence. When the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York sought out a grant to do more to help WOC and started the SIS program, after being cancer free for ~ 10 years or so, I decided to give the SIS program a try and am thrilled that I did. It has provided me an avenue to discuss what I am feeling with a group of like-minded women who can empathize and sympathize with my feelings and has afforded me the opportunity to hopefully be a light to them as well. During my tenure as President of the Board, it is my overall mission to increase usage of all programs offered at BCN, including the SIS program. It is important that every woman impacted knows there is a safe space for them to share their thoughts, feelings, cry if needed, be angry if needed and celebrate wins when called for. One of my favorite sayings that came to me after I attended my first support group meeting is “I didn’t know I needed a support group until I did!”Dawn Schlee, Vice President
I am a Registered Radiologic Technologist with 27 years of experience across multiple imaging specialties. In my current role as the Director of Mammography & Ultrasound at Windsong Radiology, I have dedicated my career to supporting women in both preventive breast health and throughout the diagnostic process.
Breast cancer awareness and advocacy have always been deeply personal to me. Having a grandmother and close friends face breast cancer, I have remained committed to promoting early detection, education, and compassionate care. Over the years, I have also worked closely with patients during and after diagnosis, helping them navigate the emotional and physical challenges of treatment.
The Breast Cancer Network has long been a vital resource for women in Western New York. When I was approached to join the board, I felt it was a natural extension of my professional mission and personal passion. I am honored to serve with an organization that offers meaningful support to women right here in our community, and I am proud to play a part in empowering and uplifting those who are navigating their breast cancer journey.
Desiree Parker-Smallwood, Treasurer
My name is Desiree Parker-Smallwood, owner of DLP Consulting WNY. I specialize in Bookkeeping and Tax Preparation. I serve as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Breast Cancer Network of WNY, where I help ensure our resources are managed wisely so we can continue providing support, hope, and strength to those impacted by breast cancer.
I am honored to serve as a board member of the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York. While early detection and regular mammograms are vital, the reality is that breast cancer still happens. That’s why I am proud to support the follow-up measures we provide. Support is everything—when life changes in such a profound way, it is essential to have a community that walks with you through the journey.