Health, Heart and Hands: Meet Noreen Stephenson

"Health, Heart, and Hands" is an inspiring Q&A series that offers a behind-the-scenes look into the minds of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center's Community Outreach and Engagement team. This series shines a spotlight on the dedicated individuals who are at the forefront of advancing health equity, fostering community connections, and driving impactful outreach initiatives. Through their heartfelt narratives and professional insights, we explore the passion and commitment that fuel their efforts to make a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve.

Meet Noreen Stephenson, MA, MEd

Alma mater(s): University of North Florida

Field(s) of study: Journalism, Literature, Education

Years at Mayo Clinic: 21

What inspired you to become a program manager in the field of community outreach?

I had been involved in community outreach for over 20 years when someone in my department sent me the job description for program manager in health equity research. There was a heavy emphasis on building partnerships and engaging the community in the job posting. This I knew how to do from experience. I also knew the importance of outreach and education about health and wellness as there are several people in my family who are physicians, nurses and physician assistants.

I am fortunate to be surrounded by family members who are medically knowledgeable, but I also realized that there are lots of people who don’t have that advantage. I was inspired to try for an opportunity that would help me extend my community outreach experience and get the Mayo name into communities where it may not be well known. It has been an extremely rewarding experience to watch communities come to know and trust Mayo Clinic, to  look for us at community events where we have not been present in the past and to see evaluations where community members now say they rely on the education we bring to the community on a monthly basis instead of information they were getting online. We are meeting people (quite literally) where they live and helping to meet the needs they have with the resources we have.  There’s nothing more professionally satisfying than that.

Can you share an impactful moment from a program you've managed?

Our Cancer Conversations Forums have been running since 2020 and we’ve covered most of the cancers prevalent in our community as well as screening, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. In the summer of 2024 our team held a Cancer Conversation on sun exposure and melanoma. One of our community partners who helped us implement an evidence based intervention in Putnam County, was present at the cancer forum. She heard about the signs and symptoms of melanoma and recognized that a spot she had might be problematic. She immediately scheduled an appointment with her physician and was diagnosed and treated for melanoma. What a huge win! Early detection is one of the primary goals of our education initiatives, so this fantastic outcome was positive reinforcement for all the work we have done to bring awareness to our community.

What are some of the key skills required to be successful in your role?

To be successful in COE, expert communication skills is an absolute must. COE staff must  communicate well with scientists, physicians and community members. This is key to building trust in community and building bridges between internal and external partners.

What do you believe is the most common misunderstanding about the community you serve?

The most common misconception among internal partners is that community members are all low income, uneducated and uninsured.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in community outreach?

We are fortunate to be able to attend scientific conferences each year to collaborate with and hear from other institutions and organizations. We participate in poster sessions and presentations where COE staff discuss best practices and presentations include data supporting outreach and engagement practices.

What are your words to live by?

Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it. – Maya Angelou

To learn more about our community outreach and engagement efforts, visit www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/mayo-clinic-cancer-center/about-us/coe.