The keynote speaker for the 2012 Women's Conference will be Ruth Modzelewski, mission coordinator with Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Pittsburgh affiliate since 2009.
Headquartered in Dallas, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is a foundation dedicated to education and research about causes, treatment, and the search for a cure for breast cancer.
Modzelewski was a faculty member in the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Medicine from 1985 through 2009.
She received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Carlow College and her Ph.D. in human genetics from the University of Pittsburgh.
A two-time breast cancer survivor, Modzelewski said she embraced her survivorship, which led her to broaden her life experiences. She will share insights from her journey—from a science nerd to a public health advocate.