Suggestions
Andrea Andrea Wilson Woods
🎤 Keynote Speaker 💙 Patient Advocate 🎙️ Podcaster ✍🏻 Storyteller/Writer 📘 Author of medical memoir Better Off Bald
Professional Background
Andrea Wilson Woods is a multifaceted professional who has made remarkable contributions as a keynote speaker, patient advocate, writer, storyteller, author, and podcaster. With over 20 years of experience across various sectors, including academia, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector, Andrea has become a reliable source for inspiration and education on important topics related to health advocacy and personal resilience. In her career, Andrea has shared her insights at universities, hospitals, corporations, charities, and government organizations, demonstrating her ability to connect with diverse audiences on critical matters.
As the president and founder of the nonprofit organization Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association, she has been at the forefront of advocating for liver cancer awareness and education, further solidifying her commitment to serving those affected by the disease. Her advocacy efforts focus on supporting patients and family members through their journeys while challenging societal perceptions surrounding terminal illness.
Education and Achievements
Andrea's strong academic foundation includes a Master of Professional Writing (MPW) in Nonfiction and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Humanities, both obtained from the esteemed University of Southern California. This educational background has shaped her profound storytelling skills, enabling her to convey powerful messages that resonate with her audience.
In her capacity as an author, Andrea has penned the bestselling book, Better Off Bald: A Life in 147 Days, a moving medical memoir detailing her journey of caring for her younger sister, Adrienne, as she faced the challenges of liver cancer. This book not only serves as a tribute to her sister's life but also highlights the importance of open discussions regarding health, advocacy, and personal struggles. In recognition of her literary talents, Andrea has received numerous awards for her work, including:
- Journey Chanticleer International Book Awards Grand Prize Winner 2021 for Overcoming Adversity Non-Fiction
- Page Turner Award Winner 2021 for Best Nonfiction Book
- Writer's Digest Self-Published E-book Award Winner 2020
- Independent Press Award Winner 2020
- Living Now Book Awards Winner 2020
These accolades not only showcase her writing excellence but also her dedication to empowering others through storytelling.
Achievements
Andrea has held various impactful roles throughout her career, including:
- Former Author, Publisher, Consultant at Build Your BLISSS: Here, she focused on helping individuals enhance their creative pursuits and discover their unique voices through writing and publishing.
- Formerly President & Founder at Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association: Leading this nonprofit organization has allowed her to champion liver cancer awareness and improve the lives of those impacted by the disease.
- Formerly CEO & Co-Founder at Cancer University: This venture centered around providing valuable online resources and education for cancer patients and their families.
Andrea has also made contributions in the academic field as an adjunct faculty member at Kaplan University and as a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Southern California, where she inspired and mentored aspiring writers and healthcare professionals.
Her previous roles, such as Development Manager at Compassion & Choices and Social Media Manager at TGIC Importers, have equipped her with valuable skills in communication, management, and strategic thinking that have enriched her approach as a speaker and advocate.
Speaking Topics
Andrea is known for her engaging public speaking style and often addresses vital subjects related to health, advocacy, and personal growth. Some of her most popular speaking topics include:
- Saying Yes Despite Fear: Encouraging audiences to embrace opportunities and confront fears head-on.
- Dying with Dignity: Advocating for patient rights and discussing the importance of compassionate end-of-life care.
- Advocating for Your Health: Empowering individuals to take charge of their health and wellbeing through informed decision-making.
Her authentic, resourceful, and persistent personality shines through in every talk, and she possesses exceptional communication skills that connect deeply with her audience. Andrea is dedicated to solving problems and facilitating meaningful dialogue, regardless of the setting.
Personal Insights
Apart from her professional accomplishments, Andrea is known for her vibrant personality and unique interests. She is not just an exceptional communicator; she's also a proud 500-hour certified yoga teacher, although she humorously notes that she doesn't currently teach yoga. A self-proclaimed lover of garlic but not onions, and someone who has completed six marathons yet dislikes running, Andrea embraces life's contradictions with joy and humor. Her passion for life, creativity, and connection is evident in everything she does.
With a multitude of personality assessments revealing her as a leader and advocate, Andrea's core values are firmly rooted in courage, creativity, freedom, joy, and service. These values shape her approach to both her personal and professional lives, allowing her to inspire those around her with authenticity and resilience.
In conclusion, Andrea Wilson Woods stands out as an extraordinary individual in the realms of healthcare advocacy, writing, and public speaking. Her dedication to raising awareness about liver cancer, combined with her literary success and commitment to empowering others, paints a picture of a life devoted to service and creativity. As she continues her journey, Andrea remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, encouraging all to embrace their stories and advocate for change.
title
Tags
questions
