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National Spotlight

Financial Resources —Did you know that there are many financial resources that can help people living with breast cancer? Find out more

Rally for the Cure — Golf, tennis, dinner events and so much more...

Go Passionately Pink to help save lives! — Just wear pink, have fun and raise money to fight breast cancer. Be inspired by the multitude of ideas right here, or think of your own. There are so many creative ways to have fun and fight breast cancer.

Staff


Paula Birdsong

Executive Director
916.941.7981
paula@komensacramento.org

As Executive Director, Paula Birdsong will be responsible for the growth and development of the Sacramento Valley Affiliate, to meet the needs of its 19 county service area and support the national research grant program. Paula plans to help Komen Sacramento continue providing outstanding breast health services and education while exploring new ways to help the Affiliate grow.
 
“Komen is a natural fit for me.  I am excited to join an organization with a proven record of successfully raising the funds needed to serve the Sacramento Valley communities. It is my honor to join the Komen family in the fight against breast cancer,” said Birdsong.
 
As Regional Vice President of the American Cancer Society, California Division, Paula managed operations for 32 counties throughout California, all while improving the organization’s financial status and exceeding annual donor contributions. Prior to her work with the American Cancer Society, Paula served as the State Executive Director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), California, where she managed 17 statewide chapters and served as a member of the Governor’s DUI Enforcement Task Force.  She also served as Executive Director for Meadowview Community Action, Inc. where she provided management activities for Head Start, Welfare to Work and Youth Services Program in the greater Sacramento area.

kristen kirkpatrick
Kristen Kirkpatrick, MBA

Development Director
916.941.7981
kris@komensacramento.org


Kristen Kirkpatrick joined the Sacramento Affiliate in July, 2009, as coordinator for all fundraising activities and events. Her previous development experience includes the Folsom Lake College Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Santa Clarita Valley Special Children's Center. Kirkpatrick's passion for the fight against breast cancer is one she feels heart and "sole," having participated in numerous Race for the Cure events and longer walks in San Francisco. Having volunteered in several organizations that focus on activities for youth and high school girls, Kirkpatrick met many mothers and grandmothers who survived breast cancer or who were still in treatment. As a result, she resolved to do what she could to find a cure before any of the girls she mentored would have to face the disease.

Kirkpatrick earned a Bachelors Degree in English and a Masters in Business Administration, both from California Lutheran University.

Dee Ann Kraus

Administrative Assistant
916.941.7981
deeann@komensacramento.org


Dee Ann Kraus joined the Sacramento Affiliate full time in October 2008, after working as a Race for the Cure Coordinator for seven months. She has an AA degree in Secretarial and an extensive office background.  She is a Sacramento native.

She is happy to work for Komen and feels that she can contribute to the cause of breast cancer. She agrees that there is a lot of research and education still to be done.

She lives in the Placerville area with her husband, Bud, and her mother. In her blended family, she has 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, crocheting, sewing, yard work, reading, puzzles and boating.


Silvia Ramirez

Events Manager
916.941.7981
silvia@komensacramento.org


 Silvia Ramirez joined the Sacramento Valley Affiliate in April 2010. Silvia has been appointed as the Events Coordinator. In her role she is responsible for coordinating the Komen Sacramento Race for the Cure, hosting more than 20,000 participants each year. In addition, she manages year round affiliate events and will administer and implement a new Latina community outreach program.

Silvia is a graduate of California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing; she began her professional career as a Media Buyer for Vertis Communications.  During that time, Silvia managed advertising campaigns for major national retailers.

Silvia’s position at Komen has provided a platform to educate women in all walks of life about breast cancer and she is proud to be part of the Komen family and contribute daily to the worldwide movement to end breast cancer.

Melen Vang

Mission Manager
916.941.7981
melen@komensacramento.org
Melen Vang first became involved with the breast cancer movement with her previous position at Breast Cancer Network of Strength formerly known as Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization where she held a position as the Regional Outreach Manager.  Melen joined the Sacramento Valley Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in September 2010 as the Mission Coordinator where she administers the Grants Program that funds local programs focused on breast health, education and prevention in our 19 county service area. In addition, Melen trains and assigns volunteers to skill-matched tasks, coordinates the “I Am the Cure” educational component of the Komen Sacramento Race for the Cure, as well as facilitating the “Circle of Promise” for the African American community.
 
Melen earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at California State University, Sacramento.  Melen’s experiences have included managing and overseeing multiple programs, organizing culturally appropriate educational workshops and developing cooperative relationships with community organizations and service providers.

Furthermore, Melen is a married mother of three, ages 10, 7, and 2 years old.  In her spare time, she enjoys fishing, cooking, camping, and spending time with her family.