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Cancer center leaders are helping define broad and successful career paths for the next generation of the oncology workforce. During "Shaping the Future: Empowering Career Pathways in Oncology," Lauren Wall, MSc, will moderate a discussion with panelists Stefanie Belanger, MHA, CCRP, Whitney Cunningham, MS, PHR, and Danielle S. Mitchell on their personal career journeys, mentorship, training, and structural changes that are expanding future opportunities. The session will be held at 3:00 pm central time on Monday, June 23, during the 17th Annual AACI Clinical Research Innovation (CRI) Meeting.

Wall is the senior director of the Cancer Clinical Research Support Office at The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. In this role, Wall oversees daily operations for over 300 therapeutic clinical trials within the cancer center. She holds an MSc degree in clinical research administration from George Washington University and has over 17 years of experience in hematology/oncology clinical research operations across industry and academic health care.

Belanger is the associate director of the Clinical Trials Office and Business Operations at Duke Cancer Institute (DCI). An experienced leader in clinical research administration, she provides operational oversight for DCI's clinical research enterprise, including strategic planning and workplace culture. Belanger is passionate about staff development and retention and prioritizes strategies to foster a positive, inclusive work culture that empowers employees. She champions initiatives focused on communication, recognition, and professional development.

Cunningham is the research administration and operations director for the Clinical Research Office (CRO) at UK Markey Cancer Center, with primary responsibility for the CRO team’s operations and human resources. Before joining the Markey Cancer Center in 2018, Cunningham served as an employee relations specialist in the University of Kentucky human resources department. She earned a bachelor’s degree in management and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Western Kentucky University.

Mitchell is an experienced clinical research professional committed to advancing diversity and transformation in clinical research. Through Black Women in Clinical Research (BWICR), Black Men in Clinical Research (BMICR), and Minorities in Clinical Research (MICR), Mitchell empowers professionals to expand their opportunities. With over 15,000 active members, these organizations work to educate, support, and empower Black women, men, and minorities in the clinical research field.

The 17th Annual AACI CRI Meeting, "Driving Solutions Together," is scheduled for June 23-25 at the Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont, IL.

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