Hello! My name is Sissy Silva, Cancer and Careers’ new Program Coordinator. I am very excited to be joining this amazing team and community, which seeks to empower those with cancer to thrive in their work environment and beyond. 

Before coming to CAC, I was very much involved in the labor movement, working for the American Federation of Teachers, in Washington D.C. As a member of the AFT’s International Affairs Department, I helped support and advance its global agenda of protecting and defending the teaching profession, workers and democratic principles. It was there that my passion for helping communities in need expanded, though it had begun to develop much earlier.

After earning my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers University, I worked in the field of mental health research. I then went on to pursue a master’s degree in peace, conflict and development studies from Universitat Jaume I, in Spain. During my time as a graduate student, I was involved in several community-serving programs dedicated to immigration issues and mental health.

In my role at Cancer and Careers, I will be supporting all of the organization’s programs, including assisting with the National and Regional Conference Scholarships, managing the Resume Review Service, overseeing our library of publications, and coordinating the preparation and logistics for various events. I look forward to being part of CAC’s growth and continued impact on the survivor community.

Though I am passionate about the work that I do, I also love cooking, experiencing new things, and going on adventures (big and small). Eating and traveling are tied at number one; thankfully, I can multitask!