100 Influential Women in Oncology: Key Opinion Leaders to Follow on Social Media in 2024: Part 3

Last two weeks, we proudly featured 20 remarkable women who have been leading the way in oncology through their groundbreaking research, patient advocacy, and influential leadership roles. This week marks the third installment of our 2024 edition of 100 Influential Women in Oncology, where we continue to shine a spotlight on those making profound impacts in the field. Each of these women not only excels in their respective areas but also serves as a key opinion leader, using their social media presence to inspire, educate, and advocate for cancer care advancements globally. Follow their journeys, learn from their expertise, and be inspired by their dedication to transforming cancer care.

Now, let’s continue our list of 100 influential women in oncology to follow in 2024:

Ms. Amina J. Mohammed is the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group. Previously, she served as Minister of Environment of Nigeria, where she steered climate action and environmental protection efforts. Ms. Mohammed led the process that resulted in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the creation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Follow Ms. Mohammed on X and Medium. 

Karen Knudsen is the CEO of both the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the ACS Cancer Action Network. Dr. Knudsen leads ACS’s tripartite strategy focused on discovery, advocacy, and patient support, positioning ACS as the largest non-governmental funder of cancer research in the U.S. She previously served as EVP of Oncology Services at Jefferson Health and Director of the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center.
Follow Dr. Knudsen on X and LinkedIn.

Robin Zon is the President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and Director of Breast Cancer Oncology at Cincinnati Cancer Advisors (CCA). She has served as Medical Director of Oncology Research at Memorial Hospital and Principal Investigator for the Northern Indiana Cancer Research Consortium. Dr. Zon is a dedicated advocate for cancer patients and has been honored with ASCO’s Distinguished Achievement Award.
Follow Dr. Zon on X and LinkedIn.

Sally Wolf is the creator of LightWorks, a professional development initiative that inspires others to flourish in work and life. She is also a metastatic breast cancer thriver and wellbeing advocate, offering workshops, coaching, and speaking engagements focused on authentic self-expression and living with purpose. Sally previously held leadership roles at WarnerMedia and Nickelodeon.
Follow Sally Wolf on LinkedIn.

Sarah Louden is the Founder and CEO of Total Health, the largest provider of free oncology medical education in the U.S. She is also the Chairman of the Board of the Cancer Equity Project, which works to address disparities in cancer care, particularly in underrepresented communities.
Follow Sarah Louden on LinkedIn.

Penilla Gunther is a former member of the Swedish Parliament and founder of FOKUS Patient®, a platform focused on life sciences and healthcare from the patient’s perspective. She is a member of the EU Cancer Mission Board and a two-time cancer survivor who has also undergone a heart transplant. Penilla is co-chair of the EU’s smartCARE initiative, aiming to improve cancer survivor health through digital solutions and the President of the European Patient Safety Foundation.
Follow Penilla Gunther on X and LinkedIn

Isabel Mestres is the CEO of City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), where she leads efforts to reduce the burden of cancer in low- and middle-income countries. Isabel has been instrumental in building C/Can’s partnerships and global positioning, working across 13 cities to improve access to quality cancer care. She previously held leadership positions at the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
Follow Isabel Mestres on X and LinkedIn.

Courtney Sullivan is the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) Nursing Network Chair and Assistant Professor of Nursing at Michigan State University. She has expanded pediatric oncology nursing outreach to over 40 countries and co-developed global certification courses in chemotherapy. Dr. Sullivan’s research focuses on measuring pediatric oncology nursing quality.
Follow Dr. Sullivan on LinkedIn.

Narjust Florez is the Associate Director of the Cancer Care Equity Program and a thoracic medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center. Her research includes targeted therapy for lung cancer and sexual health in women with lung cancer. Dr. Florez is also a prominent voice on cancer health disparities and founded the Florez Lab to foster inclusivity in medicine.
Follow Dr. Florez on X and LinkedIn.

Ishtar Espejo is the Director of the Aladina Foundation, a leading nonprofit organization in Spain that supports over 1,700 children with cancer and their families each year. Under her leadership, the foundation has grown its international cooperation programs, extending its impact across Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Follow Ishtar Espejo on LinkedIn.

As we continue to highlight the outstanding contributions of these and other women leaders in oncology, we invite you to follow their journeys on social media and be part of their impact. Stay tuned for the next set of influential women in oncology next week!

Missed the previous highlights? Check out last year’s list and the Part 1 and Part 2 in this year’s series for more inspiration.