Living healthy before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis.
EMPOWERED TO THRIVE?
WE NEED YOU
As a valued supporter of Empowered to Thrive, your commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of women facing cancer is truly commendable. With your support, we have the opportunity to create real change and empower women on their cancer journey. Our mission is not just to raise awareness but to ignite a movement of compassion, understanding, and action. Every effort, every donation, and every voice raised in support of women's cancer awareness contributes to a brighter, more hopeful future.
Join us in this journey of hope and empowerment.
OUR MISSION
Living healthy before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis.
The mission of Empowered To Thrive, Inc. is to assist and support women diagnosed with cancer (past and present) by providing services, knowledge, and resources designed to optimize wellness and improve their quality of life. This support includes connecting cancer thrivers with ongoing education, resources, and services available in their community.
EMPOWERED TO THRIVE, INC. is a 501 (c )3 non-profit organization dedicated to building partnerships and sharing knowledge, awareness and services to support all women, particularly minority women affected by cancer.
OUR VISION
Our vision is a cancer-free world where everyone receives the care and understanding they deserve.
The vision of Empowered to Thrive, Inc. is to create a network of resources for minority women throughout all stages of their cancer journey. We seek to create a future where every life is touched by hope, compassion, and the power of awareness. Together, we envision a world where no one faces the journey of cancer alone, where communities unite to raise awareness, provide support, and advance breakthroughs in prevention and treatment.
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Deetra Sands Durham
PRESIDENT & CEO
Deetra Sands Durham is a native of Fort Lauderdale, FL. She attended ST. Thomas Aquinas High School and graduated in1974. She matriculated at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She went on to attend the University of Florida and obtained a Master of Arts degree in Speech and Audiology. In furtherance of her professional advancement, she worked to earn 30 hours of additional coursework. MS. Durham retired in 2020 with 39 years of dedicated service as an educational audiologist in the Broward County Public School System.
Ms. Durham’s cancer journey began in November 2014 when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer. Her diagnosis was unexpected and discovered as a result of another condition. As a result of her diagnosis stage, medical decisions and treatment had to move very quickly. Ms. Durham’s team decided on an extremely rigorous and intense treatment plan. Although her prognosis was not favorable, Ms. Durham never lost faith that God would heal her. During her treatment journey, she faced many roadblocks and challenges which resulted in a total of ten surgeries and four courses of chemotherapy.
She is approaching 10 years as a cancer thriver.Despite all Ms. Durham has endured, since her diagnosis, Ms. Durham remains optimistic and determined to positively impact women affected by cancer in her community. She credits her faith, prayers, and support from loved ones for enabling her to maintain her positive attitude. Prior to her third round of chemo, she discovered integrative medicine and became her own advocate in support of pursuing and integrative treatment plan in order to thrive. She informed her oncologist that she wanted to combine traditional chemotherapy with the use of integrative medicine as her treatment plan. Her doctor was very supportive of this approach, and Ms. Durham credits the addition of integrative medicine with helping her body to thrive all these years since her diagnosis.
Ms. Durham loves to share the information she has learned regarding combining traditional medical treatment and integrative treatments.The foundation’s name, Empowered To Thrive., is a testament to Ms. Durham’s desire to help all women living with and beyond cancer a cancer diagnosis.
The Foundation’s efforts will provide a safe place to share and learn as a community of thrivers, in order to support a woman’s journey. Empowered To Thrive, Inc. and its resources of information will be open to educate and assist all women, particularly women of color in this journey to thrive. Ms. Durham has been an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, public service sorority, since 1976. She is also the immediate past Chair of the Board of the Delta Education and Life Development Foundation, Inc., a non-profit public service organization. She has been recognized as a Marquis Who’s Who Distinguished Humanitarian for 2022 -2023. She is the mother of one son, Marcus and one grandson, Mason.
MEET OUR BOARD
Marilyn M. Jones
CHAIR OF THE BOARD
COO of Benefits Outsource, Inc., (BOI) located in Davie, Florida. In 1996, joined she the company and has been instrumental in propelling the minority business to its most profitable heights since inception in 1995. BOI specializes in benefits administration which includes COBRA and Retirees administration, Flexible Spending Accounts and other CDH products as well as 401(k) Plan recordkeeping. Also, she is a proven catalyst in the growth and progression of human resources, which embodies the mainstay of a successful business.
Focused goals are twofold: First, to maintain a profitable business with flexible platforms that’s conducive to client growth, full-time employment, and professional development. Secondly, equip employees with knowledge and skills that support efficient and effective productivity. Ultimately, transforming lives and creating self-worth in individuals to obtain financial stability.
The acquired Corporate business acumen (from 1975) allowed her to embrace challenges and growth opportunities required to being a successful entrepreneur, shareholder, and leader.
Felicia C. Turnley
SECRETARY OF THE BOARD
Felicia Cephus Turnley is the Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hospital Pembroke, a 301-bed licensed acute care hospital in Pembroke Pines, Florida. She was appointed to this role in August of this year, after serving two years as the Chief Operating Officer at Memorial Hospital West and 16 years as the Associate Administrator.
Felicia has served in administrative positions for over 30 years in the South Florida healthcare community. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of the National Association of Health Services Executives. Ms. Turnley is a member of the Broward County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Mt. Hermon A.M.E. Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Davie Chamber of Commerce and numerous other community organizations.
Felicia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Berea College, Berea, KY and a Master of Science in Hospital and Health Administration from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, AL. Ms. Turnley enjoys time with friends and family, especially her two beautiful daughters, Alexandria (29) and Ariel (24).
Marsha D. Joseph
TREASURER OF THE BOARD
Marsha Joseph is a dynamic leader, serving at the helm of Celmar Essentials, LLC as the founder and CEO, and contributing to the success of CSPi Technology Solutions as the Success Manager. With a diverse professional background spanning Healthcare Management, Aviation Quality, and Information Technology, Marsha has established herself as a versatile and accomplished executive.
In addition to her corporate roles, Marsha dedicates her time and expertise to meaningful causes. As the Director of Volunteer Services for the Nicaraguan Medical Mission, she plays a pivotal role in contributing to healthcare initiatives. Her commitment extends to professional associations, where she is an active member of the Professional Association of Healthcare Office Managers and the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Marsha's educational journey includes earning a Healthcare MBA from Florida International University and a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Central Florida. This solid academic foundation has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of healthcare and technology.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Marsha finds joy in her favorite hobbies. Whether jet-setting to new destinations or relishing quality time with her family, she embraces life's adventures. A self-proclaimed foodie, she delights in exploring diverse cuisines by trying out new restaurants.
Not content with personal success alone, Marsha is passionate about community service. As a board member of Empower to Thrive, she looks forward to collaborating with her fellow members to make a positive impact on the community. With a rich tapestry of experiences and a commitment to excellence, Marsha Joseph stands as an inspiring leader dedicated to both professional achievement and community betterment.
Pauline Grant
BOARD MEMBER
With over 35 years of leadership experience, Pauline Grant served as the CEO of Broward Health North, the second-largest hospital in Broward Health, and prior to that as head of the primary care program for both Broward Health and Broward County. Ms. Grant dedicated herself to providing a 5-star Experience for every patient and family, instilling a culture of customer service excellence throughout her career. A graduate of the University of West Indies and Nova Southeastern University, she holds a Bachelor's and Master's in Science and an MBA.
Active in the community, Ms. Grant serves on multiple boards, including the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County, where she was the Immediate Past President. Additionally, she volunteers as a specially trained SHINE volunteer, assisting Florida seniors with Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance questions.
In addition to her dedicated work serving seniors, Ms. Grant is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and the the Links Incorporated Fort Lauderdale Chapter which are service organizations committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other people in the respective communities.
Tanya D. Ivy
BOARD MEMBER
Tanya D. Ivy is a highly accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in the healthcare and social work sectors. She obtained her master’s degree in social work from Barry University (2004) and has been recognized for her outstanding contributions and dedication to improving patient care and advocating for healthcare initiatives.
Tanya's notable achievements include being named South Florida's top Black Healthcare Professional in 2015 by Legacy Magazine. She was also awarded the Memorial Healthcare System H.E.R.O. (Healthcare Employees Reaching Out) for the year 2015, highlighting her commitment to making a positive impact in the healthcare community.
From 2009 to 2016, Tanya served as a palliative care social worker at VITAS Medical Associates, Inc. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in educating the staff at the Memorial Healthcare System and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital on effective patient and family communication. Her expertise and guidance were instrumental in enhancing the quality of care and service delivery provided to patients and their families. Tanya's leadership abilities are evident through her roles as President Emeritus and Founding President (2010) of the Black Child Development Institute of Fort Lauderdale. She also holds the position of Vice President at Ivy Consulting and Investments. In addition, she serves as a Breast Cancer Thriver & Healthcare Advocate. Tanya is also the President/CEO of Life's Transitions Coaching and Counseling Services, where she provides valuable support and guidance to individuals navigating life's challenges.