People often ask us about Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. We created Forge as a place where everyone who is touched by breast cancer can have a place to find strength through knowledge, support and encouragement. It’s a place for survivors, family, friends, supporters and co-survivors as forge on through breast cancer.
Caroline McClain is the Director of Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Wake Forest University and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Marymount University. Caroline has over 10 years of experience working with local and international healthcare and nonprofit organizations. In these roles, her focus has been organization and program development, fundraising and capacity building, client advocacy and empowerment, and collaboration and community partnership. She has a passion for providing innovative and sustainable solutions to better serve our community. As Forge’s Director, Caroline oversees the operations, strategic planning, and resource management of the organization.
Alia Tunagur is the Data & Resource Coordinator for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. A graduate of Birmingham Southern College, Alia holds a degree in International Studies with a concentration in Analysis and Security. Alia is an avid traveler with a passion for empowering members of her community through education and collaboration. As Data & Resources Coordinator, Alia works directly with survivor and co-survivors, develops processes and protocols, collects and analyzes data, maintains the resource database, manages Forge’s Telephone Support Line, and oversees all social media and website platforms.
Jasmine Ruffin is the Volunteer Coordinator for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. Jasmine earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama. She is certified by the State of Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners as a Licensed Master Social Worker. Jasmine underwent extensive training as a medical social worker during her UAB Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) Fellowship. Subsequently, she has dedicated her career to serving those affected by chronic and acute health conditions. Jasmine finds joy in working directly with her clients and empowering them to overcome complex circumstances. She is passionate about working to rectify prevalent social justice issues that affect vulnerable populations. As Volunteer Coordinator, Jasmine works directly with survivors and co-survivors and recruits, trains and coordinates Volunteers to serve as Advocates, Peer Mentors, and Ambassadors for Forge.
Toria Pettway is the Client Services Coordinator for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. Toria holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Alabama A&M University and is certified by the State of Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker. Toria has over 10 years of experience as a social worker in both for profit and nonprofit settings. In these roles, she has functioned as an advocate, broker, case manager, educator, and facilitator with experience in the areas of child welfare and medical social work. As Client Services Coordinator, Toria is responsible for working directly with survivors and co-survivors and organizing Forge’s events and programs. She believes that knowledge is power. It is her goal to empower those affected by breast cancer through educating and linking them to services available to them through Forge and our community partners.
Renee Fenn is the Community Outreach Coordinator for Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Business Broadcasting from Baylor University. Her professional career has included developing and implementing growth as a marketing specialist, serving as a community leader, and managing several nonprofit and philanthropic initiatives. Renee is passionate about providing resources to make an impact in the lives of others. As Community Outreach Coordinator, Renee assists with marketing and communications, organization sustainability, and community outreach initiatives.
Kathryn Bowden , M.Ed., J.D.
Luis F. Pineda , M.D., M.S.H.A.
Executive Chef, Cooking with Cancer, Inc.