How do you create a network where women feel safe to share their stories and support one another?

Amber Jamshed started the Houston Professional Women Organization to answer that question. She builds platforms for women—so they can connect, mentor each other, and grow. 

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• The challenges and opportunities as a first-generation immigrant
• How to break barriers and change the narrative around women supporting women
• Why health and self-care need to be priorities for every woman

Listen in as Amber shares why community, advocacy, and leadership matter. 

Support The Rose HERE.

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Key Questions Answered

1. Who is Amber Jamshed, and what inspired her work in women’s empowerment?

2. What is the Houston Professional Women Organization, and why was it started?

3. How does the organization help women grow professionally and personally?

4. What challenges do women face when it comes to seeking support and resources?

5. How did the organization adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic?

6. What changes has Amber seen in women’s attitudes toward supporting each other?

7. What are some of the cultural barriers that affect women’s health, especially regarding breast health?

8. How important is sharing personal stories for spreading awareness and empowering others?

9. What role do spouses or male family members play in encouraging women’s health decisions in some communities?

10. How does Amber personally prioritize her own health and self-care?

Timestamped Overview

04:54 Empowering Women Through Networking

09:04 Empowering Immigrant Women Voices

12:37 Connecting Health and Awareness

14:47 Breast Cancer's Emotional Impact

17:55 Empathy Through Actions

22:54 Multicultural Center Programs Overview

24:56 New Beginnings

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How does a young boy’s traumatic introduction to cancer shape his lifelong journey?

Kirk Cox's early encounters with his mother's breast cancer in the 60s profoundly affected him. Watching her bravery through invasive surgeries and treatments left an indelible mark. This personal history guided him as he later managed his Aunt Dottie's care and faced the tragic loss of his own child.

Support The Rose HERE.

Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Questions Answered

1. How was Kirk Cox first introduced to breast cancer?

2. What were the treatments and experiences of his mother with breast cancer in the 1960s?

3. How did Kirk's mother manage her illness while raising children?

4. What was the difference in cancer treatment between the 1960s and 1970s as experienced by Kirk's mother?

5. Did Kirk worry about losing his mother to cancer as a child?

6. What responsibility did Kirk take on after his mother’s passing?

7. How did the treatment for his Aunt Dottie's breast cancer differ from his mother's?

8. How has Kirk experienced and dealt with grief throughout his life?

9. What impact did the loss of Kirk's son have on him?

10. What advice does Kirk offer to those dealing with grief or supporting someone in grief?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Mother's breast cancer diagnosed later, treatment different.

04:45 Aunt misdiagnosed; family care responsibilities transferred.

09:05 Two friends drowned in lake after storm.

09:55 Received devastating news, started grieving child's loss.

13:53 Dealing with grief consistently prevents anxiety.

17:49 Grief resurfaces unpredictably; embrace it for healing.

21:59 It's okay to ask for help grieving.

25:39 Support network is vital for difficult conversations.

26:26 Impressed supporter of cancer care and technologies.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do you have to answer so many questions before a mammogram? What happens if you forget part of your medical history when making an appointment? And what do you need to know as a first-time patient or if you don’t have insurance? 

Today, The Rose Galleria's Center Manager Araceli Salazar joins the show to talk about how you can make your visit easier, and how the answers you give to our list of questions may even save your life. 

Support The Rose HERE.

Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Questions Answered

1. Why do I have to answer so many questions when making a mammogram appointment?

2. What are the main types of mammogram appointments?

3. Do I need to fast or avoid food before a mammogram?

4. Are there any preparation tips for mammogram day?

5. Why are previous mammogram films important?

6. What should uninsured patients do to prepare for their mammogram?

7. Do men ever get mammograms, and how are male patients accommodated?

8. When do you need a doctor’s order or authorization for a mammogram?

9. What happens if additional testing is needed after a screening mammogram?

10. Why is it so important to share your full medical history and symptoms during scheduling?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Mammogram Appointment: Questions Matter

05:31 Patient Exam Preparation Guidelines

07:35 Reassuring Experience of a Medical Exam

10:54 Patient Qualification and Walk-in Screenings

15:56 Streamlining Medical Referrals

17:49 Avoiding Appointment Delays

20:34 Diverse, Relatable, Multilingual Care

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What leads someone to join a nonprofit board when they don’t have a personal connection to the cause? 

For Tina Saenz, it was a Board Fellows program. 

She gained a new perspective on women’s health through work with the Rose. Being from a rural area, Tina also saw firsthand the challenges women face getting care. Today, I serve as both a board member and a patient.

• Learn how volunteering expanded her understanding of healthcare access
• Hear why company support matters for nonprofit involvement
• Understand why insured women coming to The Rose makes a difference

Support The Rose HERE.

Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Questions Answered

1. How did Tina Saenz first become involved with The Rose?

2. Why did Tina initially hesitate to join The Rose’s board after the fellowship ended, and what changed her mind?

3. How did Tina’s therapist have a personal connection to The Rose?

4. How does Tina relate to The Rose’s mission from her own life experience?

5. What challenges did Tina’s family face with rural healthcare?

6. What led Tina to pursue a career in engineering, specifically chemical engineering?

7. What is the gender representation like in the engineering field Tina works in?

8. How does Tina’s employer, Novus International, support employee community engagement?

9. What surprised Tina about joining The Rose’s board from an operations perspective?

10. What was Tina’s personal experience like getting her first mammogram at The Rose?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Rejoining the Rose Board

05:59 Rural Health Care Challenges

06:47 Hospitalization and Surgery Scheduling

11:36 Novus International: Holistic Employee Support

13:53 Streamlining Operations for Women

19:14 Effortless and Professional Appointments

22:43 Mammogram Referrals and Health Checks

24:22 Encouraging Women's Health Self-Checks

27:00 Gratitude for Support and Service

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No tener seguro no significa no tener opciones. Acompáñanos a descubrir cómo The Rose y el programa Mamografía A Hogar Médico están ayudando a mujeres a recuperar el control sobre su salud — una historia a la vez.

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How do you create a business that serves a community and supports women at the same time?

Sharon Haynes started out as an artist, spent years in the restaurant industry, and opened Tacos a Go Go with just one small location and a big idea. She learned about the importance of Tex-Mex in Houston, worked through hard times, and made supporting women’s health a part of her mission. 

Today, she shares:

• How she built her business from the ground up
• Why she brings mobile mammography to her employees
• What it means to put women’s health first, even when life gets busy

Support The Rose HERE.

Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Questions Answered

1. How did Sharon get started with Tacos a Go Go?

2. What challenges did Sharon face when opening her first Tacos a Go Go location?

3. How many Tacos a Go Go locations are there now and how are they doing?

4. How did Sharon become connected to nonprofit healthcare initiatives and The Rose?

5. Why is providing mobile mammograms at Tacos a Go Go important?

6. Did Sharon have a personal experience with breast cancer?

7. What challenges do working women, especially mothers, face when it comes to their own healthcare?

8. How receptive are restaurant workers to the mobile mammogram opportunities?

9. What effect has Sharon's personal health journey had on motivating her staff?

10. What advice does Sharon give to women (young or older) considering starting their own business?

11. How does Sharon support her (often female and mother) employees on special occasions like Mother’s Day?

12. What are the current guidelines and opinions on when women should start getting mammograms, especially those with family history?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Artist's Journey Through Diverse Mediums

04:51 Lori's Mission: Empowering Women

06:43 Prioritize Self-Care for Women

13:03 Promoting Mammogram Awareness

15:04 Generational Shift in Self-Care

19:19 Business Through Humanity & Hard Work

20:44 Restaurant Business: A Love-Hate Relationship

25:11 Evolution of Business Practices

27:39 Community Collaboration Empowers Women

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Pam Lovett has dedicated years to making an impact in the community, especially for women and families, and she’s still supporting organizations like The Rose, even after stepping away from the board. 

In this episode, Pam talks about:

• Why passion and preparation matter for board members
• How connecting with others leads to lasting change
• What it takes to keep a mission moving forward, no matter what

Support The Rose HERE.

Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Questions Answered

1. How long has Pam been retired, and how does she feel about retirement?

2. What organizations has Pam been involved with as a board member?

3. What does Pam believe is the most important role of a board member?

4. Why is financial support from board members crucial?

5. What shaped Pam’s values and community service approach?

6. How did Pam’s career path lead her to the philanthropic sector?

7. How did Pam first learn about The Rose?

8. What has Pam learned about The Rose since becoming involved?

9. How did the Rose's board come to focus on employee investment during challenging times?

10. What makes the Rose’s mobile program so significant?

11. How has Zoom and virtual participation changed The Rose’s board engagement?

12. What message does Pam want the community to know about The Rose?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Passionate, Prepared, Diverse Board Members

05:59 Career Journey from Arkansas to Houston

09:30 Access to Equitable Breast Care

13:30 Mobile Mammogram Program's Impact

16:28 Board's Adaptive Initiative Approach

18:16 Houston: A Luncheon Connection Hub

23:06 Embracing Flexibility for Family Time

26:59 Volunteering as Career Development

28:37 Passion: Our Lifeblood

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a diagnosis changes everything you thought you knew about your body and your life? 

Lyndsay Levingston was a rising media professional when she found a lump in her breast at 36. 

She learned she was the 14th woman in her family with breast cancer and started the nonprofit SurviveHER to help other women navigate this journey. Today, she's:

• Sharing how her story led to new purpose
• Talking about why family history and genetic status matter
• Explaining what advocacy looks like before and after diagnosis

Support The Rose HERE.

Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Questions Answered

• What advice does Lyndsay Levingston give to women, especially Black women, regarding breast health?
• How did Lyndsay discover she had breast cancer?
• How did Lyndsay’s life and career change after her diagnosis?
• What did Lyndsay learn about her family’s history with breast cancer, and when?
• Why does Lyndsay stress the importance of knowing your genetic status?
• Why is breast cancer awareness and screening particularly crucial for younger women and women of color?
• What are the main barriers women face in getting mammograms, especially at a younger age?
• How does SurviveHER support women going through breast cancer?
• What should women do if their doctor tells them they are too young for breast cancer or denies a mammogram?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Speak Up, Save Lives

03:34 Breast Cancer Shock and Action

08:29 Empowering Breast Cancer Awareness Online

10:08 Early Breast Cancer in Black Women

15:39 Breast Cancer Support Programs

17:07 Survivor Support for Single Mom

20:48 Early Cancer Detection at The Rose

24:36 Era of Discovery and Action

27:02 Global Breast Cancer Aid Needs

31:25 Gratitude and Impactful Partnerships

33:49 Self-Care and Advocacy

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you’re diagnosed with breast cancer at 42, while running a business, raising a family, and just married? Today, Dorothy talks with Gaylyn, a longtime Rose patient and community volunteer, who found a lump in her breast, advocated for herself, and learned what it means to lean on others.

Key insights from this episode:

• How early detection shaped her journey
• What it means to accept help
• Finding strength through connection with others

Support The Rose HERE.

Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Questions Answered

1. How did Gaylyn first connect with The Rose?

2. How did Gaylyn’s breast cancer diagnosis process unfold?

3. How did having previous medical records help her diagnosis?

4. How did Gaylyn advocate for herself during her diagnosis and treatment?

5. What treatment did she undergo for breast cancer?

6. What role did her husband play during her treatment?

7. What are some emotional and practical challenges Gaylyn faced during treatment?

8. What advice does Gaylyn share for women going through breast cancer or similar experiences?

9. How does Gaylyn feel about sharing her experience and helping others?

10. What lessons did she learn about saying ‘no’ and setting boundaries during her battle with cancer?

11. How did her faith and community support impact her journey?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Early Mammogram Advocacy Success

06:00 Rapid Surgery Decision

07:34 Skipping Chemo for Early Stage

12:37 They Can't Fix It

15:19 Grant Yourself Grace

16:14 Self-Care Through Adversity Lessons

20:50 Scars as Milestones of Healing

25:10 Entrepreneurial Challenges Amid Illness

26:12 Embrace Support Graciously

32:11 Embrace Vulnerability

33:08 Embrace Authentic Emotions Openly

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information shared in this podcast, including discussions about diet, nutrition, and other health topics by our guest surgeon, is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your medical condition, health, or diet. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard in this podcast. Reliance on any information provided on this podcast is solely at your own risk.

The Rose turns 39! 

Join founders Dorothy Gibbons and Dr. Dixie Melillo as they share stories of hope, dignity, and care for every woman, especially those told there’s no way forward. 

This special episode honors their legacy, tackles barriers for the uninsured, and reveals why The Rose means a better life for thousands. 

Support The Rose HERE.

Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Key Questions Answered

1. Is there hope for patients with advanced breast cancer?

2. What is the hardest conversation Dr. Melillo has had with a patient?

3. What are some challenges faced by patients seeking charity care or financial assistance for breast cancer treatment?

4. How has being a woman influenced their approach to patient care at The Rose?

5. How did personal experiences with poverty influence Dorothy and Dixie’s commitment to healthcare?

6. What is a common misconception about The Rose?

7. What barriers still exist in the healthcare system for uninsured or underinsured women?

8. What role does nutrition play in cancer and medical training?

9. How has The Rose made an impact on the quality of life for its patients?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Breast Health Podcast Insights

03:38 Cancer Program Income Barrier

08:49 Misadventure: Dog, Buick, and Hospital

12:07 Lessons from Unexpected Challenges

13:26 Wig Styling Expertise Shared

16:03 Healthcare Access and Cost Crisis

22:34 Insulin Receptors in Cancer Cells

23:11 Defying Cancer Prognosis with Diet

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.