Each brings unique professional expertise and personal experience to strengthen ABCD’s mission and expand its reach
Milwaukee, WI – (September 10, 2025) – ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis is pleased to announce the unanimous approval of three new members to its Board of Directors: Danika Bowen, EdD, MBA, Deneitra Ham, and Lona Mathis. Each of them brings personal connection and professional expertise to ABCD’s mission of providing free, personalized emotional support to anyone impacted by breast cancer, anywhere, at any stage.
With a 50% increase in demand for ABCD’s services compared to last year, expanding the Board is a vital part of ABCD’s strategic plan. By welcoming leaders who reflect diverse perspectives and lived experiences, ABCD is ensuring its Board mirrors the breadth of the people it serves. This also marks a milestone in ABCD’s growth, extending the Board’s reach beyond Wisconsin with Danika in Oregon and beyond the United States with Lona in Toronto, Canada.
“We knew we needed to expand the voices on ABCD’s Board,” said Billie Jean Smith, Board President. “Welcoming Danika, Deneitra, and Lona reflects our commitment to ensuring ABCD’s leadership is as diverse and far-reaching as the communities we serve, while positioning ABCD to meet the rising demand for emotional support so that no one faces breast cancer alone.” 
Danika Bowen, EdD, MBA
Danika Bowen is Vice President of Operations at Adtalem, where she oversees clinicals throughout Chamberlain University and the prelicensure online program. She previously served as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Carrington College, where she also acted as Accreditation Liaison Officer. With extensive experience in accreditation, institutional planning, and faculty development, Danika also served as a commissioner with the Accrediting Commission of Community and Junior Colleges. She holds an EdD in educational leadership and change from Fielding University, an MBA from Keller University, an MA in curriculum and instruction, and a BS in biochemistry from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
“I’m excited to bring my personal experience and professional background to ABCD’s Board and work alongside fellow leaders to strengthen and expand our impact,” says Danika. 
Deneitra Ham
Deneitra “Dee” Ham, a Dallas native, is an educator, nonprofit founder, and breast cancer survivor whose journey has become a powerful catalyst for advocacy, empowerment, and community support. Diagnosed in 2021 and again in 2025, she transformed personal and family experiences with breast cancer into purpose by founding Breast Assure, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting survivors through support, encouragement, and connection. A graduate of Texas Tech with a Master’s in Education from Lamar University and over 20 years in urban education, Dee is also a seasoned leader and youth advocate. Her guiding mantra—F.E.A.R.: Feeling Excited and Ready—reflects her belief in transforming fear into readiness and purpose, reminding survivors they are never alone.
“As both a survivor and advocate, I am excited to bring my F.E.A.R. mantra—along with my direct experience—to this important role. Having walked the journey as both a Participant and Mentor with ABCD, I recognize the power of community and support. I look forward to contributing to the organization’s mission and helping ensure its continued success in helping others find strength and support,” Dee says. 
Lona Mathis
Lona Mathis is a senior partner at PwC with more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, where she has led audit and advisory services for publicly traded global companies in the United States, Australia, and Canada. She is recognized for her expertise in auditing, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance and is a Certified Public Accountant in the US and Canada. She is also known for her leadership in corporate governance and commitment to multiculturalism and inclusion. As a four-year breast cancer survivor, Lona brings personal insight into the importance of ABCD’s mission and is passionate about ensuring no one faces breast cancer alone.
“As a survivor, I know firsthand the importance of emotional support after a breast cancer diagnosis. I’m proud to join ABCD in expanding that critical support to even more people,” says Lona.
About ABCD
Founded in 1999 by the late Emmy award-winning journalist Melodie Wilson Oldenburg, ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis inspires hope and transforms lives by providing FREE, personalized emotional support to anyone impacted by breast cancer, anywhere, at any stage. As a complement to medical care, ABCD matches people with a trained volunteer Mentor who has a similar lived experience, providing compassionate support based on diagnosis, treatment, age, and lifestyle. With a fully virtual platform, ABCD helps people worldwide, ensuring no one faces breast cancer alone. Now in its 26th year, ABCD has supported more than 111,000 people through one-to-one connections rooted in shared experiences. For more information, visit ABCDBreastCancerSupport.org or call 1-800-977-4121.
