The City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) are proud to announce the 10 successful candidates for the second edition of the Leadership Programme for Women in Oncology (LPWO). This transformative initiative builds on the success of the inaugural cohort (2022-2024), strengthening the capacity of mid-career women oncologists in C/Can cities to drive impactful change in cancer care. The LPWO programme is an integral component to the recently launched C/Can’s Gender Strategy: Cities taking Action for Gender Equity in Cancer Care that aims to integrate a gender-responsive health systems approach across 15 cities in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
The programme’s mission aligns with the Lancet Commission on Women & Cancer (LCWC) recommendation to advocate for gender-centric structural changes that improve equitable cancer care and foster pathways that strengthen women’s leadership within cancer care ecosystems in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).
By empowering women in oncology, the LPWO strives to create a more inclusive and innovative approach to cancer treatment and care, ultimately benefiting global health outcomes.
Meet the 10 Women of the 2025 Cohort
At the heart of the LPWO programme are 10 extraordinary women. Representing diverse C/Can cities, they embody dedication, expertise, and leadership. Here’s what they had to say about joining the programme:
Hannatu Ayuba, Abuja
The LPWO will enhance my leadership, networking, and project management skills, boosting my career development and expanding my impact from Nigeria to the global stage.
Monica Ruiz Ballon, Arequipa
This programme will foster my growth, highlighting women’s potential for effective decision-making, time management, and inspiring productivity in others.
Carolina Belmar, Concepcion
Without a doubt, it is a great benefit for my career and my performance in the area of oncology, in addition to providing leadership tools, working with multidisciplinary teams, understanding oncology with other tools and being able to use these tools to implement them and train new women and generations, in this area.
Sri Kisha Subramaniam, Greater Petaling
The LPWO will equip me with advanced leadership skills, resilience, and strategies to excel in oncology. It will enhance my ability to mentor others, advocate for gender equity, and drive systemic change, positioning me to lead research, influence policy, and advance inclusive cancer care.
Abena Yeboah Aduse-Poku, Kumasi
This programme will provide career growth and recognition, enabling me to collaborate with policymakers and international partners to advocate for increased funding and reduce cancer care disparities.
Rocio García Ramos, Leon
This programme will help me to improve my competencies in quality care for childhood cancer in my city. Besides, an international experience is always an opportunity to learn about the best practices, challenges, and cooperation from other countries and contexts.
Catherine Watta, Nairobi
The LPWO programme will provide a robust platform for personal and professional growth, empowering me to make a more significant impact in the field of oncology and contribute to the improvement of cancer care both locally and globally.
Ratana Yi, Phnom Penh
The LPWO will provide valuable insights into leadership and management in healthcare, helping me build the confidence and skills to advocate for improvements in cancer care at our institution.
Dalila Vidallé, Rosario
This training will enhance my adaptability to change, build teamwork confidence through personal connections, and provide a clearer community vision, keeping me committed to leadership and a fulfilling career.
Nino Sharikadze, Tbilisi
This course will provide the tools and confidence needed to lead effectively and share my experiences with a wider audience.
Strengthening Leadership in C/Can Cities
The LPWO 2025 cohort includes mid-career women oncologists who have played a pivotal role in C/Can’s work to date, serving as City Executive and Technical Working Group members, analysing needs assessments, and representing key institutions.
Of the nearly 2,000 healthcare professionals C/Can has trained, I am proud to say that 58% are women. We know it works and recognising the importance of this contribution, the LPWO will enhance their leadership potential further whilst driving and further amplifying their impact, from the ground-up.
said Isabel Mestres, CEO at C/Can.
A Multiplier Effect of Leadership
By nurturing mid-career women oncologists and fostering a global community of leaders, the LPWO continues to contribute to C/Can’s commitment to strengthening local healthcare capacity. This initiative seeks to generate a multiplier effect, empowering participants to inspire and mentor the next generation of women leaders in cancer care.
This second edition of the programme will build on the experience gained from the first edition as we continue to explore and analyse strategies for investing in women oncologists to ensure the sustainability of C/Can’s work in the cities.
said Julie Gralow, Chief Medical Officer at ASCO.
What’s next?
The LPWO 2025 cohort will embark on a journey of personal and professional growth. The programme officially launches in January 2025, with a kick-off meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, where participants will collaborate and begin developing individual projects.
We are very proud of the women in the first cohort of this programme who have already facilitated amazing changes because of their new-found leadership skills. It’s particularly exciting to know that half of the women have been promoted to leadership positions. We look forward to working with the women in the second cohort to develop their leadership skills and help them realise their dreams!
said Shannon Y. Moore MD, MPH, FAAHPM, and Frank D Ferris, LPWO Course Coordinators.
Throughout the next 2 years, they will participate in 10 virtual sessions hosted by ASCO, focusing on leadership skills needed to create meaningful transformation in cancer care. The programme will conclude at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago, where participants will present their work. They will also benefit from mentorship by ASCO Alumni and Roche fostering continued growth and connection.
We thank ASCO and Roche for their continued support of the LPWO programme and its in-kind collaboration in providing mentorship to its cohorts.
