Britta Babel (BS ’17, youth studies) was awarded Grassroots Professional of the Year by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) for her outstanding work in grassroots organizing in support of our mission to make cancer a national priority.

This annual award is given to an ACS CAN staff member whose strong dedication to grassroots organizing furthers the achievement of advocacy mission goals.

“Britta is truly a critical and impactful team member who brings significant value and expertise to our work,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “She has made exceptional contributions to advancing Minnesota’s fight against cancer and is adept at empowering grassroots volunteers to amplify their voices on behalf of everyone facing a cancer diagnosis.”

Britta has served as the grassroots manager for ACS CAN Minnesota for six years. In that time, she has used her creativity to draw attention and priority from state lawmakers to ACS CAN’s legislative campaigns. She has amplified and empowered the voices of volunteers and partners, ensuring they were elevated throughout the continuum of ACS CAN’s policy work. She leads with empathy and understanding, empowering ACS CAN’s volunteers and helping them find and use their power, directly or indirectly, with local, state, and federal lawmakers.

The award was presented on Sept. 15 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 750 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met with their elected officials to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and urge lawmakers to pass the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act.

ACS CAN is grateful for Britta’s passion and determination to reduce the toll of cancer on patients, survivors and their families.