Los Angeles, Calif. (July 7, 2015) – B4BC Executive Director Erika Seward is stepping down from her post after five years with the youth-focused non-profit organization. Co-founder Kathleen Gasperini succeeds her as the organization heads into its 20th year.
“Leading this foundation has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Seward. “Thank you to everyone who has supported B4BC over the years and most importantly, thank you to my amazing team for your passion, loyalty and tireless efforts. As I move on, I know the organization is in the best care and will continue to thrive, well beyond its 20th year.”
Seward is credited with repositioning the Foundation as a healthy, active lifestyle brand through strategic content and programming initiatives. Seward served as director/producer of the B4BC documentary film, Chasing Sunshine, a platform that continues to elevate awareness around the realities of breast cancer with global TV and digital distribution as well as recognition on the festival circuit. Most recently, she led the launch of B4BC Basecamp, an educational print magazine and outreach experience tailored towards women’s wellness and preventative health.
Seward is transitioning her role, effective September 1, to pursue other interests but will continue to serve on B4BC’s Board of Directors with Circe Wallace (Wasserman Media Group), Molly Scott (Air+Style), and co-founder Lisa Hudson (Black Sun Productions).
“Erika’s leadership has been instrumental to B4BC’s growth and we’re thrilled to welcome Kathleen back to carry the momentum forward in this milestone year,” said Hudson.
B4BC co-founder Gasperini will step in as Executive Director once again, a role she held from 1996 to 2002. She is co-founder of Label Networks – a global youth culture marketing intelligence and sustainable brand strategy company with clients including Apple Computer, Converse, The North Face. The former Senior Editor of Powder and Snowboarder Magazines and editor of Women’s Sports & Fitness has also published multiple articles and titles, including Harper Collins’ “Pretty Good for a Girl,” W.i.g.—for Women in General magazine, and an upcoming book from Island Press, “#TheSustainables.”
“I’m honored and excited to be joining B4BC as it enters into its 20th anniversary,” said Gasperini. “This is an important time to call to action ways that we can build on what we’ve started as we continue to gain awareness with our mission to prevent breast cancer. I’m looking forward to this next opportunity to further evolve our efforts through innovative and progressive outreach.”
For more on B4BC’s 20-year legacy, listen to a recent podcast with founders Gasperini, Hudson, Tina Basich, and Shannon Dunn – http://b4bc.org/podcast/
About B4BC: Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation that advocates early detection and a healthy, active lifestyle as the best means for breast cancer prevention. Founded in 1996, B4BC empowers young people to make positive choices that promote lifelong wellness through outreach, prevention and support programs. To learn more, visit B4BC.org.
