Sandra Fields

Sandra Fields is a cancer advocate, nonprofit leader, author, and experienced General Manager based in Birmingham, Alabama. She has built a nearly two-decade career in the automotive parts industry, including 19 years with Advance Auto Parts and previous leadership experience with NAPA. Alongside her professional career, Sandra has dedicated approximately 13 years to cancer advocacy after her personal experience with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Now cancer-free, she draws on her journey to educate, empower, and support patients, survivors, caregivers, and families.

Sandra founded Thrive Together and has served in leadership roles with organizations such as the Cancer Awareness Network, where she previously served as president, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, where she has served as a board member. She is also a Cancer Nation Elevate Ambassador and has participated in cancer advocacy and survivorship initiatives involving UAB and other organizations. Her advocacy focuses on sharing resources and knowledge, improving access to quality care, supporting survivorship, and encouraging greater cancer research in underserved communities. Through Cancer Survivor Fitness, a free monthly program held at her church, she also helps survivors and caregivers rebuild strength and physical confidence after treatment.

Beyond advocacy and professional leadership, Sandra is a published author whose work reflects her faith, recovery, and personal experiences. Her journey has taught her the importance of finding her voice, standing up for herself and others, and transforming adversity into meaningful action. She has received several professional and community honors, including recognition from Representative Wonderland Gavan, the Strong Her Award from the City of Birmingham, and the Mustang Award, also known as the CEO Award, from Advance Auto Parts. Today, Sandra continues to use her story and leadership experience to inspire others, particularly women and cancer survivors, to approach challenges with courage, purpose, and hope.