Real Talk with Bright Pink CEO, Katie Thiede

It’s our eighth year partnering with Bright Pink^®, and our first year meeting their new CEO, Katie Thiede. We got to know Katie and what Bright Pink means to her— read on for our interview and find out how YOU can get involved with Bright Pink.

How did you first get involved with Bright Pink? I was first introduced to Bright Pink a few years ago by connecting with Bright Pink founder, Lindsay Avner, over our shared passion for women’s health and I’ve been in love with the organization ever since! I cheered on the organization from the outside for years and couldn’t be more thrilled to now be on the inside leading us into our next chapter. Why does Bright Pink’s message resonate with you? I’ve spent more than a decade working in women’s health for organizations that exist so that women can live their best lives because I believe, and research has shown, that when women are healthy and strong, families are stronger, communities are stronger, and ultimately the world is a better place. That said, despite having worked for years in the field of women’s health, it wasn’t until I met Bright Pink that I became armed with the tools and resources I needed to shift my own awareness into action. I can now stand here and tell you that I no longer feel afraid of what might happen and I feel more in control over my breast and ovarian health and my own future than ever before. Why is it important for girls and women to become educated on breast and ovarian health? Research suggests that early adulthood is a critical time to adapt healthy lifestyle behaviors that will last a lifetime and we know that a woman’s risk for breast and ovarian cancers accumulates over her lifetime – so reaching young women at this pivotal point in their late teens, 20’s, 30’s and 40’s is the perfect time to educate them on their breast and ovarian health and to guide them in developing healthy habits that will enable them to advocate for their health. How does Bright Pink encourage others to take charge of their health? In my mind, there has never been a better time for women to be their own best health advocates. The health care landscape is shifting almost on a daily basis, and people have so many questions. We can be an amazing translator for women, and amidst all of these changes, prevention has to be a top priority for us. Our approach specifically is to empower women to know their personal risk of breast & ovarian cancer and manage their risk proactively by practicing self-awareness, risk-reduction, early detection, and partnering with a trusted health care provider. Bright Pink’s digital tools, such as AssessYourRisk.org and Breast Health Reminders™ were created to make advocating for your health as easy as possible. And we’re so grateful Aerie is committed to getting these tools in to the hands of women too! Text AERIE to 59227, and Bright Pink will text you reminders to give your breast health the attention it deserves all year-round! How can girls get involved with Bright Pink? Bright Pink is always looking for passionate young women to get involved as volunteers or ambassadors and to help support our mission! We have 150+ ambassadors in 38 states and hope to grow that network over time so we can reach women all across the country with this life-saving education. Another great way to get involved, practice a healthy lifestyle, and fuel our mission is through Team Bright Pink, a community of 3,000 men and women who commit to run, lift or play while raising funds for Bright Pink. There are opportunities for everyone, from novice to elite athletes. We’re recruiting for the 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon and more, so considering championing our mission by joining our team! And of course, chat and connect with us on Facebook: @BrightPink Instagram/Twitter: @BeBrightPink.

To learn more about our partnership with Bright Pink check out our #AerieSupports page or read more here.