Nadine Trotter is a five year breast cancer survivor. As an eight-year nonprofit veteran, mother of two and grandmother to a rising college freshman, life was a good until a routine examination this past year proved again positive for breast cancer.

Five years ago, Nadine detected the cancer early and opted for a double mastectomy. Choosing the procedure, she did not have to endure chemotherapy or radiation treatment, which at the time seemed a blessing.

During the time of her second diagnosis with breast cancer, Nadine interviewed and was offered a position with the Center for Black Women’s Wellness, as Office Administrator, a position she found through Opportunity Knocks.

The Center for Black Women’s Wellness is a community-based, family service center. The Center’s primary purpose is to improve the mental, physical and spiritual growth of women and their families and the economic growth of communities.

However, the news of Nadine’s diagnosis overshadowed the great news about her new job.
“I knew that I had to endure chemotherapy and radiation treatment for this second fight with cancer. The time off I needed from work and potential rise in health insurance cost the nonprofit will carry, compelled me to tell my new employer. I was unsure of my future at the Center,” said Nadine.

Yet, Nadine’s new CEO, Jemea Dorsey, relieved her of the anxiety surrounding her future at the Center by saying, “Welcome Aboard!”

“A CEO’s first reaction is to think how does this impact the organization? However, the Center is a safe place for women, a holistic place. How could we not be that same place for our staff member when it is our mission in our community? I told Nadine that everything would be okay,” said Jemea.

When asked how the mission of a nonprofit organization and staff treatment at times does not align, Nadine commented, “It starts at the leadership level.”

“Jemea could have chosen not to hire me with my condition, however she decided to fulfill the mission of the organization. An organization is characterized by its leader,” said Nadine.

At the Center, Nadine is learning health and wellness techniques that will aid her in her fight with breast cancer. She is also given paid time off for chemo and radiation treatment, which ends November 9. However, she wanted to come to work.

“I came to work everyday, said Nadine”. Having a job gives me purpose, lifts my spirits. Plus, the support from the Center and my co-workers has been a positive influence in my recovery.


If you would like to send and e-mail of support to Nadine or give accolades to the Center for Black Women’s Wellness, you can email her at nadine@cbww.org