Lindsay Avner

The world is much brighter with Lindsay Avner in it—and a lot pinker. Lindsay is the founder and CEO of Bright Pink, a national nonprofit based here Chicago that focuses on risk reduction and early detection of breast and ovarian cancers in young women, and also provides resources and support services to high-risk individuals. Three previous generations of women in Lindsay’s family had those cancers, and through genetic testing, she learned she was personally at high risk. She decided to voluntarily undergo risk-reducing double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, becoming the youngest person in the country to ever do so, at age 23.

Lindsay started Bright Pink in 2007 and its rapid growth and success has led to an entire movement of young women who are knowledgeable and proactive advocates for their health. Perhaps just as important, the organization has also provided these women with an open and caring support system. Lindsay lives and breathes Bright Pink, not just in how it takes up all her time, but in the way she lives her life. She even has 42 pink dresses to prove it.

Name:
Lindsay Avner

Age:
30

Pays the bills:
Founder and CEO of Bright Pink

On the side:
Bright Pink keeps me busy enough!

Relationship status:
Taken (with a wonderful boyfriend)

Describe yourself in 10 words or less:
High energy go-getter

Celebrity doppelganger:
Sandra Bullock

How do you Jew in Chicago?
I love spending the Jewish holidays with new friends and family each year. Rotating through different communities always provides a great way to meet new people and experience new traditions.

Passions:
Friends, Family, Bright Pink, World travel, Flywheel, Dailey Method, Movies, Teas.

How do you give back?
I'm honored to be able to give back each and every day through my work at Bright Pink. As the leader of the organization I mentor a staff of 10 to teach them how to infuse brightness in all aspects of their lives. I know firsthand that the gift of knowledge is the greatest gift of all.

Fill in the blank: If time and money were limitless, I would:
Open up a high-end candy store :)

Chicago's Jewish community in 10 years:
I look forward to watching this already incredibly successful community reach even greater heights in the next 10 years. Chicago's Jewish community is deeply involved in some of the most rapidly growing social impact initiatives here in Chicago and I hope that we continue to inspire this bright work amongst the larger national community.

Me in 10 years:
In 10 years I hope to be proudly reflecting on a better, brighter world. One in which each young woman is empowered to be proactive with her health, understands her body, and actively engages in healthy lifestyle behaviors to reduce her risk or detect breast and ovarian cancer early so that ultimately less people die from these diseases. The future can be very bright, but the impetus is on each of us as individuals to be our brightest selves and to encourage brightness in others.