Stephanie Kauffman’s career has taken her from entertainment and corporate marketing to the front lines of cancer research funding. As President and COO of the Melanoma Research Alliance, she’s now helping lead the largest nonprofit funder of melanoma research worldwide. But her personal connection to the cause, and her passion for purpose-driven leadership, goes far deeper. In this episode, Kara and Stephanie talk about what we still don’t know about melanoma, the surprising groups most at risk, and how Stephanie went from movie premieres to life-saving partnerships. It’s a conversation about clarity, courage, and the power of asking what really matters.

Chapters:

00:00 – From media to melanoma: Stephanie’s career shift

03:00 – What melanoma really is (and why it’s not just skin cancer)

06:20 – Why melanoma rates are rising in young women

08:45 – Personal loss and finding purpose through action

12:00 – How the Melanoma Research Alliance works

15:00 – The biggest myths about prevention and risk

17:30 – Why people of color are often diagnosed too late

21:00 – What early detection actually looks like

25:00 – How Stephanie defines success now vs. then

29:00 – Running a nonprofit like a business

33:00 – Career reinvention, leadership, and personal growth

37:30 – Her advice for making a difference in your own corner

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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