Lindsay Avner Kaplan
About Lindsay Avner Kaplan
Lindsay made history in 2006 when she became the youngest woman in the country to have a risk-reducing double mastectomy. After being diagnosed with the BRCA1 gene mutation at the age of 22, she took action and vowed not to let breast cancer strike her as it had three generations of women before her. Through her experience, Lindsay found herself asking, “Why do we have to wait until someone is diagnosed to take action? Why, as a country, are we so focused on cancer and not health?” And so, in 2007, Bright Pink was born. Bright Pink is a national non-profit empowering young women to take action and be proactive with their breast and ovarian health. During Bright Pink's first decade, Lindsay created, directed and grew an innovative portfolio of education programs that reached millions of women and providers through in-person workshops, digital tools, and community outreach initiatives. Prior to starting Bright Pink, Lindsay spent three years in brand management at Unilever working on national personal care brands Degree, Axe and Suave. Lindsay used the marketing skills she honed during her time at Unilever to forge and grow several high profile cause-marketing partnerships with world-class brands including Aerie, Paul Mitchell, Vineyard Vines, Ocean Spray, Stella & Dot and the WNBA, all of which help further Bright Pink's mission and amplify its life-saving impact. Lindsay was named to Crain’s Chicago Business’ “40 under 40” (2014), “A Woman to Watch” by the Chicago Sun Times (2008), an “Action Hero” by Women’s Health magazine (2008), a "Woman Doing Good" by Self Magazine (2011), a “Promise” leader by the YWCA (2011), and she is the youngest recipient of the Anti-Defamation League’s “Rising Star” award (2009). Lindsay has become a thought leader, subject matter expert and called upon national spokesperson in her field. Her story and work have been profiled in such media outlets as NBC Nightly News, the New York Times, Good Morning America, Time, MSNBC, Women's Health magazine, The Today Show and CNN. Through Bright Pink, Lindsay has shifted the national conversation from one focused on breast and ovarian cancer awareness to one centered on tangible, life-saving action. Today, in addition to serving on the Board of Directors for Bright Pink, Lindsay is actively involved on the CDC's Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women and YPO Chicago. Lindsay is happily married to Gregg and incredibly proud of her big, modern family including their five children, Zach (23), Lexie (20), Abby (17), Lucy (4) and Jack (2.)