November 16, 2020

Meet Whitney Breaux | Global Business Leader and Breast Cancer Conqueror

What’s a quote that fuels your passion?

“Outwork the Competition” Effort is 100% within your control! Be creative and innovative in how you prepare for any challenge life throws at you and then commit to relentless pursuit of excellence at every turn.

Whitney, your Humble Takeover is your story. Tell the family where you started and how you got to where you are today.

I’m a 32-year-old Mom, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, global business leader and avid LSU Football fan! In March 2020, my life came to a screeching halt when I was diagnosed with late stage 3 breast cancer. I turned my anger, sadness and depression into @Day18Campaign to encourage women (especially those under 40) to perform self-breast exams on the 18th day of every month. 1 in 8 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Early detection is key! We like to say #SaveTheDate #SaveYourLife

Which chapter in your story inspired your current venture?

I was born and raised in Baton Rouge and took my talents to LSU for undergrad and MBA school. My leadership style centers on being a connector, culture builder and elevator of talent. I take people and ideas to the next level! For a long time, I thought life was measured by passport stamps and promotions at work. Now, I’m using my personal and professional experiences to put cancer “on blast.” Research shows that many Black women see breast cancer as a “white woman’s disease.” In fact, although white women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer; black women are twice as likely to die from the disease! Normalizing the conversation about breast cancer and breast health is what our Instagram platform, @Day18Campaign, is hoping to do!

What keeps you Humble through your success and failure in Life?

What keeps me humble is confidence that no matter what the outcome or obstacles presented in life, I will always seek to put my best foot forward and find the opportunities to improve. The key to putting your best foot forward is keeping a “learner’s spirit.” Learn from people who you see doing great things. Surround yourself with people who can challenge your thinking and bring different perspectives to the table.

What advice would you offer our family who is writing their own story?

Keep a growth mindset! Stay hungry and be open to ideas that might be better than your own. Look for opportunities to get better everyday even in small ways. Small improvements over time lead to exceptional results!

Do you have any upcoming events or projects you would like to share?

Day18 has partnered with local artist Shelli Brown and her “Rony the Tiger” character for “Rony Goes PINK” to support early detection and breast cancer screenings at the Breast and GYN Cancer Pavilion, a partnership of Woman’s Hospital and Mary Bird Perkins- Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center. RonyGoesPINK.com for raffle tickets and the winner of the original canvas painting will be drawn on November 18th. We encourage all women to set a calendar reminder in their phone to perform a self-breast exam on the 18th day of every month.