Inspiring Journey of the 2024 Yvonne Awardees — A Year of Impact and Leadership

In 2024, the Yvonne Awards honored a remarkable group of oncology leaders across diverse categories—from mentorship and leadership to global impact and community service. These trailblazers were recognized not just for their achievements, but for challenging norms, inspiring change, and amplifying the voice of oncology around the world.

One year later, their momentum hasn’t slowed. In fact, they’ve continued to shape the future of cancer care through research breakthroughs, grassroots initiatives, and bold leadership.

So, where are they now? Here’s how the 2024 Yvonne Award winners have continued to make their mark on oncology:

Dr. Vinod Balachandran
2024 Yvonne Award – Breakthrough Research

Over the past year, Dr. Vinod Balachandran has made remarkable progress in pancreatic cancer research. His phase 1 trial of the personalized mRNA vaccine autogene cevumeran showed that half of the participants developed a strong immune response, with six remaining cancer-free after more than three years—highlighting the vaccine’s potential in driving durable T cell responses.

In recognition of his impact, Dr. Balachandran was named to the inaugural TIME100 Health list in 2025. He continues to lead innovative immunotherapy development as Director of The Olayan Center for Cancer Vaccines at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He was also named to the inaugural edition of The Washington Post’s Next 50, a list of changemakers shaping society in 2025.

Dr. Asya Agulnik
2024 Yvonne Award – Leadership

Dr. Asya Agulnik continues to lead transformative efforts in global pediatric oncology. Her work implementing Pediatric Early Warning Systems (PEWS) across Latin America led to an 18% reduction in mortality from treatment-related complications.

As Director of SAFER Ukraine, she has also coordinated lifesaving cancer care for displaced children affected by war. Her leadership is shaping safer, more effective pediatric oncology systems worldwide.

Dr. Haimanot Kasahun Alemu
2024 Yvonne Award – Global Oncology

Dr. Haimanot Kasahun Alemu continues to be a driving force in advancing oncology in Ethiopia and across Africa. In 2025, she co-authored a study in Translational Oncology showing that palliative radiotherapy significantly reduces pain in stage IV cancer patients with bone metastases. The study also underscored the urgent need for better access to pain medication in Ethiopia.

As an Assistant Professor at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Dr. Alemu actively contributes to clinical care, research, and education. She is a founding member of the Ethiopian Society of Hematology and Oncology and chairs the Medical Oncology Special Interest Group at AORTIC, promoting cancer education and collaboration across the continent.

Dr. Pashtoon Kasi
2024 Yvonne Award – Challenging the Status Quo

Dr. Pashtoon Kasi continues to redefine oncology practice through innovation in liquid biopsy. In 2024, his team successfully integrated circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) results into electronic health records, streamlining clinical decision-making. His leadership on the BESPOKE CRC study has demonstrated the value of ctDNA in guiding treatment for colorectal cancer, especially in stages II and III. With over 150 PubMed publications, Dr. Kasi remains at the forefront of research on immunotherapy and gastrointestinal cancers, exemplifying how bold innovation can improve cancer care.

Dr. Erica Tsang
2024 Yvonne Award – Challenging the Status Quo

Dr. Erica Tsang continues to transform pancreatic cancer care through precision oncology. At Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, she co-leads the MAESTRO trial, matching patients to targeted therapies based on comprehensive genomic analyses. In collaboration with the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, she also advances plasma whole-genome sequencing to improve accessibility of genetic testing. As Co-Director of the Schwartz Reisman Centre and Faculty Lead for Early Career Faculty at the University of Toronto, Dr. Tsang exemplifies leadership in research and mentorship.

Dr. Vivek Subbiah
2024 Yvonne Award – Voice of Oncology

Dr. Vivek Subbiah continues to be a leading advocate and pioneer in precision oncology. As Chief of Early-Phase Drug Development at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute, he oversees expansive clinical trial networks and has been instrumental in the development of tissue-agnostic therapies, including BRAF and RET inhibitors. With over 400 peer-reviewed publications, his research spans drug development and age-inclusive oncology. An active voice in the oncology community, Dr. Subbiah shares knowledge through social media and podcasts, shaping the future of cancer care.

Dr. Foluke Sarimiye
2024 Yvonne Award – Community Oncology

Dr. Foluke Sarimiye continues to lead impactful community-based oncology efforts in Nigeria. Through the Patela Care Foundation, she organizes psychosocial support events and provides essential resources for pediatric cancer patients. A champion of psycho-oncology, she was pivotal in designating April 9th as World Psycho-Oncology Day and continues to advocate through her role at the Psycho-Oncology Society of Nigeria. Recognized for her service and leadership, Dr. Sarimiye exemplifies compassionate care and commitment to cancer equity.

Dr. Abeid M. Athman Omar
2024 Yvonne Award – Community Oncology

Dr. Abeid Omar continues to enhance cancer care accessibility in Kenya. As a consultant at Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital and the International Cancer Institute, he focuses on breast cancer, oncofertility, and radiotherapy. He actively mentors young oncologists, contributes to oncology education through KESHO, and delivers free care in underserved communities. His dedication to equitable care continues to inspire progress in community oncology across East Africa.

Dr. Anna Spreafico
2024 Yvonne Award – Mentorship

Dr. Anna Spreafico remains a leader in early-phase clinical trials and a dedicated mentor. As Associate Professor at the University of Toronto and Clinician-Investigator at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, she leads the ROMA-2 trial on microbiome modulation in HPV-related cancers and co-leads the CAN-PIVOT project on immunotherapy resistance. As Director of the Phase I Drug Development Fellowship, she has guided numerous young oncologists, shaping the future of cancer research through mentorship and innovation.

Dr. Maria (Masha) Babak
2024 Yvonne Award – Mentorship

Dr. Maria Babak continues to advance anticancer drug discovery and mentorship in Asia. As Head of The Babak Lab and Assistant Professor at City University of Hong Kong, she was recognized in 2025 with the College of Science Teaching Excellence Award. Her lab’s recent work on immunogenic cell death in mesothelioma represents cutting-edge research. Dr. Babak fosters a collaborative and inclusive lab environment, training the next generation of cancer researchers with creativity and rigor.

Ishtar Espejo
2024 Yvonne Award – Humanitarian Impact

Ishtar Espejo, CEO of the Aladina Foundation continued to lead transformative initiatives in pediatric oncology. Under her guidance, the foundation has expanded its support to over 2,000 children and adolescents annually across 22 hospitals in Spain, providing comprehensive care that includes psychological, emotional, and material assistance. Notably, Aladina’s international outreach has been exemplified by its significant contribution to the City of Smile Foundation in Armenia, where a generous donation of $160,000 was made to support the treatment of children with cancer and blood disorders during a period of crisis.

In recognition of her impactful leadership, Ishtar Espejo was nominated among Magas magazine’s Top 100 Women Leaders in Public Impact, highlighting her dedication to enhancing the lives of children battling cancer.

Looking Ahead

The impact of the 2024 Yvonne Award recipients has only grown stronger over the past year. Their stories are not just accomplishments—they’re blueprints for the future of cancer care. As we count down to Yvonne Award 2025, we are reminded that progress in oncology is driven by people: those who mentor, challenge the status quo, elevate voices, and bring care where it’s needed most.

To the next generation of honorees—your time is near. And to the 2024 awardees, your continued leadership inspires us all.

For more updates, follow OncoDaily