Phil Markert, Director of Liquor, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions at Albertsons Companies.
Phil’s involvement with the Susan G. Komen community began in 2021, and in just a few short years, he has already made an incredible mark. Since 2021,  Phil has raised over $424,000 in support of Komen’s mission of a world without breast cancer.
 
Phil’s professional journey is just as remarkable as the man himself. He is a true visionary, having shaped the approach to both retail and community engagement throughout his career. His contributions extend far beyond the business world, and his unwavering support for breast cancer awareness remains at the heart of everything he does.

Q: What inspired you to begin your fundraising journey for Orange County More than Pink Walk? 
A: While I was certainly impacted by my mother-in law’s battle with Breast Cancer, but my involvement started when I joined our AVP WIIN (Women’s inspiration, & inclusion network) I am also motivated to make an impact so that my wife, daughters, and granddaughter can live in a world without this terrible cancer. 
 
Q: What has been the most memorable Mission Moment and/or involvement with Komen you have experienced?  
A: Many special moments working with some amazing women, but the one moment that stands out to me is when I received a message on my LinkedIn account from a women I had never met, who shared her battle with breast cancer with me, and was so inspired by my fundraiser efforts that it gave her HOPE. 
 
Q: How long have you worked for Albertsons Vons Pavilions? Could you share your career milestones and accomplishments thus far? 
A:   I’m now in my 43rd year with AVP from bagger to leader. I think leading a team of people and positioning them for success in their life is what motivates me. I believe from an accomplishment perspective, creating a Fine wine destination in a grocery store will be my legacy. 
 
Q: Are there any personal highlights you would be willing to share with our OC breast cancer community? 
A: Certainly leveraging my brand to make a difference in people lives. My work in fundraising for Komen is an example of that, but I’m also actively involved in promoting Women in Wine, and creating awareness for Hispanic Heritage, and Black History months. 
 
Q: What does being as a Pink Tie Partner mean to you? 
A: It’s an honor to be among the distinguished group of people who have dedicated their lives to a cause. 

Q: Supporting SGK is serious work, but we like to have fun too! Can you share a little known “fun fact” about yourself? 
A: In 1992/93 I was ranked in the top 100 in the USA in Bench press. 
 
Q: Since you are an expert in wine, spirits, and liquor, what is your favorite wine and favorite cocktail?  
A: I get this asked all the time, here’s some of my Favorite varietals;  
Sancerre, Burgundy, Pinot Noir, Albarino, Vermentino, and Sauvignon Blanc. Cocktail, probably an Old Fashion.

January Lopez, MD, is a breast radiologist and medical director of breast imaging at the Sue J. Gross Breast Center at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach.

Dr. Lopez, a distinguished member of the Komen OC Board, is recognized for her exceptional contributions to breast cancer care and advocacy. She has been named a Physician of Excellence by the Orange County Medical Association for six consecutive years and was recognized as one of the Top Women in Healthcare by Orange County Coast Magazine in 2019. In 2020, she was honored as the LA Chargers Hometown Hero by the NFL for her positive community impact.

Dr. Lopez’s passion for fighting breast cancer extends beyond her medical practice — she is a passionate spokesperson for breast health education, early detection and screening. Her life’s mission is to improve patient care and advocate for those battling breast cancer.

Q: How many years have you served on the Komen Orange County Board? 
A: 8 years. Since 2016. 
 
Q: What has been the most memorable Mission Moment and/or involvement with Komen you have experienced? 
A: There are so many! The first one that comes to mind is when I attended one of the mobile mammography events and saw so many women in the community being served that weekend, getting mammograms and clinical breast exams that they otherwise would not have gotten. 
 
Q: Could you share your career milestones and accomplishments thus far? 
A:   This one is tough too. Being named one of the Top Women in Healthcare by Orange Coast Magazine was a proud moment for me. 
 
My greatest professional accomplishment has been contributing to the transformation of Hoag’s breast center into a world class breast cancer program–knowing that the program we built is #1 on my list of where I send my own family and loved ones when they need help gives me the greatest pride.  
 
As far as accomplishments, honestly one of the most fulfilling things for me is every time I diagnose an early breast cancer on a screening test in my job because I know that was a life altering event for that woman. Early detection saves lives! 
 
Q: Are there any personal highlights you would be willing to share with our OC breast cancer community? 
A: A couple come to mind… 
I recently had a scare with the splenic tumor, finding out it was not cancer was definitely a highlight!  
Raising two kids into  teenage-hood was a feat…let’s hope they make it into adulthood, no guarantees there!  
My husband, Matt Lopez, and I were high school sweethearts and will be celebrating 23 years of marriage in 2025. Scary to think that our son is a high school junior, the same age we were when we started dating, yikes!   

Q:  Supporting SGK is serious work, but we like to have fun too! Can you share a little known “fun fact” about yourself? 
A: Sure! This fun fact garnered quite a bit of attention, but you can see me in action on an episode of the Real Housewives of Orange County during season 18!

Sol Reyes Roberts, is a retired nurse and breast cancer survivor based in Orange County, California. She leads a support group for Latina women called Cafecitos Hope, providing guidance and community to those affected by breast cancer. In 2014, Reyes-Roberts was appointed to the board of the Orange County affiliate of Susan G. Komen, reflecting her dedication to breast cancer awareness and support.

Q: As a survivor, how has Komen supported you and the OC Latina community over the years?
A: KomenOC has been more than generous to the Latina community: They embraced the idea of having a support group Latina women Cafecitos Hope. This gave Latinas women an opportunity to attend KomenOC conferences which included Spanish translations. Participate as a team at the Komen Race for the Cure. We all had fun! KomenOC Facilitated Cafecitos Hope to be able to hold their own conferences and access physicians and other community health advocates as speakers. Most of all KomenOC provided Cafecitos a place to meet for 7 years.

Q: What is the most memorable Mission Moment or Komen involvement you experienced?
A: Being part of Unidos Contra el Cancer de Seno Latino Advisory Group. We created outreach strategies like taking mobile units to Northgate Markets to provide clinical breast exams and mammograms to high risk women who rarely got screened. Women also received navigation services diagnostic screenings, cancer treatment and financial resources. This work lead to the creation of Cafecitos Hope Latina Breast Cancer Support Group. I’m proud of our work raising awareness and access to breast cancer services.

Q: How long have you lead Cafecitos Hope? Could you share some of the Cafecitos Hope milestones and accomplishments thus far?
A: This is my 12th year leading Cafecitos Hope. We had our first meeting in September 2013 with seven ladies in attendance. Within the 12 years we have had more than 200 women including family, friends and community health advocates attend Cafecitos Hop meetings and events. The accomplishment that makes me feel gratified and hopeful is providing health and emotional education.

Q: Are there any personal highlights you would be willing to share with our OC breast cancer community?
A: On February 26 my husband Ken and I celebrated 48 years of marriage. Ken was at my side throughout all my breast cancer voyage. He is my best friend.

Q: What does being as a Pink Tie Partner mean to you?
A: A pleasant surprise, an honor and blessing to me, Cafecitos Hope and the Latina community of breast cancer survivors.

Q: Supporting SGK is serious work, but we like to have fun too! Can you share a little known “fun fact” about yourself?
A: If I hear music or have a song stuck in my mind, I start moving my head, shoulders and hips to the rhythm. We Puerto Rican’s have a saying “If you see someone dancing by themself and no music is playing they must be Puertoriqueño. Music lives in my soul. 

Carrie Strom is a seasoned healthcare executive with 25 years of experience, having worked at Pfizer and Allergan in various leadership roles. At Pfizer, she led marketing for Lipitor, the world’s top-selling medication at the time. She later joined Allergan in 2011, where she launched Botox’s first urological indication and helped build the largest aesthetics portfolio in the market. As Senior VP at AbbVie following its acquisition of Allergan, Carrie oversaw the launch of Allergan Aesthetics, managing a $5B P&L and a team of 5,000 employees across 52 countries.

Carrie holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is an advocate for women in business. She has served on the boards of Girls Inc. of Orange County and Susan G. Komen Orange County. She lives in Newport Beach, California, with her husband and two children.

Q: What inspired you to begin supporting Susan, G. Komen in Orange County?
A: In 2014 I was leading Allergan’s breast device business, and in speaking with patients and surgeons I was shocked to learn how many women don’t know their options.  This inspired me to get involved to help connect women to answers and resources. 
 
Q: You served on the Komen OC Board for over 5 years, during that time what was the most memorable Mission Moment or Komen involvement you experienced?
A: Komen taught me that for many women, they equate a breast cancer diagnosis to a death sentence.  This is why they avoid mammograms, because ignorance is bliss. Of course we know this doesn’t have to be the case, and early detection results in best prognosis.  So Komen worked hard to solve this problem, to bridge the education gap and reduce barriers to screenings.  They brought mobile mammogram buses to local grocery stores, with spanish speaking care providers to educate and do screenings on the spot.
 
Q: You’ve served on the Komen OC Board and have attended many Pink Tie Balls in the past. Do you have a favorite Pink Tie Ball memory?
A: My table bid on a karaoke song, and nominated me to go sing it!  We all ended up on stage, rocking out to Don’t Stop Believing, and it was a real mike drop moment. 
 
Q: How long have you worked for Allergan? Could you share your career milestones and accomplishments thus far?
A: I cherish my experiences and relationships from my nearly 14 years at Allergan/ Abbvie. Some highlights include acquiring and integrating LifeCell into Allergan, which brought together best in class breast reconstruction portfolio, leading the >$5B global Allergan Aesthetics business, and meeting colleagues and customers who will be friends for life.
 
Q: Are there any personal highlights you would be willing to share with our OC breast cancer community?
A: In 2019, Allergan had tickets to a local music festival, so we donated them to SGK OC.  Komen sent a note to its members and Nancy replied right away asking for the tickets.  Nancy was living with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer, and she loved live music! So Nancy and her husband joined my daughter and me for night of Taylor Swift, the Jonas Brothers and more!  We had a blast and kept in touch for years after.  Nancy was a feisty, supportive, tireless advocate who was dedicated to building a community supporting others living with metastatic cancer. I was saddened to learn a few weeks ago that she passed, but comforted to know she lived her life to the fullest.
 
Q: What does being as a Pink Tie Partner mean to you?
A:  Pink Tie Partners harness the power of the community to benefit the underserved.  Medical researchers, healthcare providers, corporations, and volunteers all unite to elevate the standard of care for those fighting breast cancer
 
Q: Supporting SGK is serious work, but we like to have fun too! Can you share a little known “fun fact” about yourself?
A: I love live music and concerts! We are heading to Nashville in a few weeks to see our 20th Pearl Jam concert!