Her Story
About Melinda
Melinda Conklin founded her nonprofit organization in 2012 to address colorectal cancer, which had claimed her young husband's life and left her with two young children. After resigning from her prior career and taking time to reflect, she launched the effort with a small 5K event in central Virginia. The organization received its 501c3 status in 2013 and has grown into the only grassroots nonprofit of its kind in the state, funding 18 colorectal cancer screening programs at medical clinics across Virginia. It has screened close to 13,000 people and educated hundreds of thousands, moving them from awareness to action and saving lives. Conklin brings nearly 15 years of nonprofit experience and holds two master's degrees. She serves on the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable steering committee, partners with health systems and GI groups, and draws on prior careers building programs to fill gaps in care. Her work targets underserved populations without insurance who cannot afford preventive screenings, and she emphasizes education, risk assessment, and access to care.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melinda
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Rough seas make the perfect sailor. You can't be paralyzed by uncertainty. The storms always pass.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Volunteer time at different nonprofits to see what fits and inspires you. Get involved, do extra work, put yourself out there and try different things. Don't be afraid to say no to one and try another.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenge is always funding, research being cut, everything more expensive so possibly less giving. Opportunity is great because colorectal cancer is now the number one leading cause of cancer death in people under 50.
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