Nancy Brinker Keynote Speaker
- Founder of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure & The Promise Fund
- Former US Ambassador to Hungary
- Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient
Nancy Brinker's Biography
Nancy Brinker grew up in Peoria, Illinois in a loving family of passionate caregivers and innovative strivers. Her father, Marvin Goodman, a businessman with a big heart, embodied the solid values he instilled in Nancy and her big sister, Susan. Their mother, Ellie Goodman, a Girl Scout leader and community activist, lit up rooms with her vibrant smile and lived her faith with daily acts of loving kindness. Her mother was a fundraising marvel, part of the army of everyday people who supported scientists in their search for a polio vaccine in the 1950s. Trooping along with her, Suzy and Nancy witnessed the powerful chemistry of caring and action, and it shaped their lives.
Nancy was a tomboy and loved horseback riding. In school, she struggled with dyslexia, compensating by keeping her nose to the grindstone. Suzy balanced Nancy’s academic monk routine with her fresh and funny spirit, always quick with a wisecrack and ready for adventure. She stayed in Peoria, creating a home filled with art, music and love for her husband and two children. Nancy moved to Dallas after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, began her career at Neiman-Marcus, and went on to work in PR and broadcasting, always elbow-deep in fundraising efforts for a variety of charities. Her son Eric, the greatest joy in her life, was born in 1975.
Suzy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1977 and died in 1980. By her side through three brutal years of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, Nancy promised her sister she’d do everything she could to stop the heartless progression and social stigma of this disease, even if it took the rest of my life. And it has.
In 1981, Nancy married Norman Brinker, a brilliant entrepreneur who mentored and encouraged her and a small group of friends that laid the foundation for the organization that would become Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Response from volunteers, supporters and families touched by breast cancer was beyond Nancy’s wildest dreams, but the true impact of their work hit her when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1983 and underwent a double mastectomy followed by a stiff course of chemo.
To date, Susan G. Komen has raised more than $3 billion for breast cancer research, education and services. Race for the Cure events united volunteers around the globe. Humbly grateful for the people who carried the mission forward while Nancy stepped away from my leadership position, she served as United States Ambassador to Hungary from 2001 to 2003 and as President George W. Bush’s White House Chief of Protocol from 2007 to 2009.
Nancy’s amazing mother was a force of nature, who fought for women with breast cancer in Suzy’s memory. She was with Nancy when President Obama presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, and they felt my father there in spirit. With Eric by her side and Suzy in her heart, Nancy stood with tears in her eyes as great monuments and historical landmarks all over the world have been illuminated in pink.
She is overwhelmed with gratitude and love for all the people who’ve helped her fulfill her promise to her sister. You have made her life an extraordinary adventure.
Nancy Brinker's Speaking Topics
Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker has given speeches around the world – from the United Nations European Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland to business leaders in Moscow, Russia and at annual meetings of our nation’s largest companies. Her inspiring story of leading the global breast cancer movement from a promise made to her sister resonates with so many looking to transform businesses and organizations. In front of countless audiences big and small, she has shared her fascinating experiences and stories as our nation’s top diplomat in Hungary in the weeks and months immediately following 9/11 and as the United States Chief of Protocol under President Bush where she had the intimate opportunity to walk the halls of the West Wing and White House Residence as she managed protocol and social matters for visiting heads of state and government.