- Assistant Director of Outreach, Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities
WashU Medicine
From my personal experience with cancer, I was determined to help those who are impacted by the disease.”
After losing her mother to stage 4 lung cancer in 2013, Keisha Windham channeled her grief into purpose at Washington University in St. Louis. As assistant director of outreach for the Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PECaD), she manages community outreach and engagement activities across an 82-county catchment area, connecting underserved communities with free initial cancer screenings.
“I’m grateful to land a position with PECaD to educate others about cancer prevention,” Windham says. Her work focuses on building long-term relationships with community members, exemplifying WashU’s commitment to engaging with the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan area and throughout Missouri.
Working alongside leading researchers in community outreach and engagement has deepened her appreciation for WashU Medicine’s mission. “I’m honored to work with faculty members Drs. Bettina Drake, Graham Colditz, Vetta Sanders-Thompson, Sarah Chavez and Kia Davis,” she shares, also noting the valuable collaboration with clinicians Drs. Arnold Bullock, Lannis Hall, Jean Wang and assistant director Katherine Brown.
What advice would you give to those considering a career at WashU Medicine?
I would encourage individuals to know the School of Medicine’s mission and purpose. I would also recommend for them to seek out mentors within their department.
Outside of work, Windham continues her commitment to service through community projects and enjoys socializing with friends, maintaining the same spirit of connection that drives her professional life.