Gillian Lichota, Founder
Gillian Lichota is the founder and CEO of the iRise Above Breast Cancer Foundation. She is also a mother, marine biologist, adventure-seeker, and thriver. Gillian was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and again in 2017. Since discovering that her breast cancer had metastasized, she has committed herself to living her best life and to challenge her prognosis. Gillian founded the iRise Above Breast Cancer Foundation to help other young women to challenge their prognosis, so that they, too, can feel inspired, empowered, and supported to heal and live a more intentional, authentic life after breast cancer. Gillian strives to support these women through a goal-oriented, mind-body-spirit approach to health and wellness that provides the resources, tools, and strategies for sustainable healthy living -- ultimately improving quality of life and long-term survivorship. Gillian hopes to empower young women with breast cancer to self-advocate, and to use their experiences to live their most fulfilling and authentic lives, as she herself has done. Gillian was born in Canada, and resides in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. By professional training, she is a marine biologist, specializing in Arctic sciences, who has spent two decades advancing scientific understanding of ocean and coastal science, climate and global change, and improving society's ability to plan and respond. Gillian dedicates her life to her beautiful children, Laykelyn and Kailen, and loving husband Boe.
