Our Team
Our team is a passionate mix of survivors, caregivers, advocates, and bold allies who believe every young woman deserves timely detection, compassionate support, and equal access to life-saving resources. Together, we translate lived and professional expertise into engaging education, tireless advocacy, and community-driven action. Fueled by empathy and optimism, we strive to close gaps in care and turn awareness into lasting change.
Lauren Shugrue brings expertise in strategic leadership, organizational development and strategy along with a deep commitment to community impact to her role as President of Roar for the Cause. Lauren is a Co-founding Partner of The Innovative CPA Group and BrightBooks LLC, where she focuses on tax and financial client service/support to businesses, nonprofits and individuals, and also is hands-on in managing the firm’s day to day operations and guiding its strategic vision – all skills that she applies to support Roar for the Cause’s mission. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Stonehill College and a Masters in Tax from the University of New Haven. She is the recipient of the 2025 CTCPA Women’s Award and 2024 Westfair Women Innovators Award. Having been personally impacted by breast cancer within her family and community, Lauren is committed to her work in the awareness and advocacy in breast cancer in younger people, hence the creation of Roar for the Cause.
Taylor Cunningham brings nearly two decades of L&D leadership to Roar for the Cause. Known for turning complex business goals into clear, engaging learning experiences, he has led innovative global programs that boosts performance and built high-performing teams. At Roar for the Cause, Taylor channels that same talent for ideation and execution into forging partnerships, shaping our strategy, and steering fundraising efforts that expand access to early-detection resources for women under 40. He keeps projects moving smoothly, always centering the voices of the young survivors and families we serve. Armed with an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a deep commitment to agile, people-first leadership, Taylor focuses on measurable impact: empowering communities with the knowledge, support, and advocacy they need to face breast cancer with confidence.
Ashley Laufer brings over 12 years of experience in accounting, holds a CPA license, and is a partner at a respected accounting firm. Her strong background in financial management and compliance supports the organization’s mission by helping to manage resources responsibly and effectively. Ashley’s commitment to breast cancer awareness stems from the experiences of several close friends and family members who were diagnosed at a young age with later-stage cancer. Their experiences fuel her dedication to helping others access critical information and resources when it matters most. As the mother of two young girls, she is especially passionate about promoting early education and intervention.
Tom Groth is a Connecticut attorney known for turning complex transactions into smooth, stress-free experiences. With more than a decade of real-estate and business law practice, he safeguards clients’ interests while keeping deals on track and decision-makers fully informed. Tom now brings that same risk-mitigation mindset and eye for detail to Roar for the Cause, overseeing contracts, governance, and partnerships that power our early-detection and advocacy programs. A Philosophy major with a Business minor from Stonehill College, Tom later earned his Juris Doctor before settling in Trumbull, CT, where he lives with his wife, three children, and two rescue dogs. Whether advising families or strengthening our nonprofit’s legal foundation, he is dedicated to helping young people navigate life’s most critical moments with clarity and confidence.
Dr. Alexandra Roman is a dedicated Internal Medicine physician who serves as an Academic Hospitalist at University Health Hospital in Kansas City. In addition, she acts as an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where she plays a vital role in educating and training the next generation of physicians. Driven by a mission to improve patient outcomes through education and empowerment, Dr. Roman remains at the forefront of medical training and community outreach. Starting during residency training, she has served on various hospital committees all with the aim of improving patient outcomes. Her work extends beyond the hospital, having previously volunteered with Ovarian Cancer Canada she is now excited to champion efforts to enhance knowledge and resources for breast cancer patients through her involvement with Roar for the Cause. Based in vibrant Kansas City, in her spare time she loves spending quality time with family, savoring the excitement of college basketball, and exploring the art of cooking.
Colleen Cunningham is a passionate advocate for empowering communities through education, awareness, and strategic support initiatives. With a background in talent development and organizational leadership, she brings valuable expertise in building high-performing teams and driving meaningful change. Colleen has over 19 years of experience in leadership roles, primarily in the aerospace and defense industry. As Director of Talent at Raytheon Technologies, she focuses on fostering professional growth, employee engagement, and operational excellence—skills that she applies to support Roar for the Cause’s mission. Colleen holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Management Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. She is dedicated to leveraging her leadership and strategic planning expertise to support breast cancer awareness, education, and advocacy efforts, ensuring individuals and families receive the resources and support they need.
Kristen GIlfeather is a dedicated advocate for accessibility, independence, and community support. With a background in occupational therapy and assistive technology, she is committed to driving awareness, education, and support initiatives that empower individuals and families affected by breast cancer. Kristen holds a Bachelor of Science degree and is an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP). She has extensive experience in accessibility consulting, smart home integration, and inclusive technology solutions. As Director of Assistive Technology Services for a non-profit agency, she has worked across educational, rehabilitation, and community settings to enhance independence through innovative solutions—expertise that she now applies to her advocacy work with Roar for the Cause. As a board member of Roar for the Cause, Kristen is passionate about raising awareness, providing education, and ensuring individuals navigating a breast cancer diagnosis have access to the resources and support they need. She is dedicated to leveraging her experience in education, outreach, and strategic planning to further the organization’s mission and make a meaningful impact in the breast cancer community.
Michele Nevins is a Certified Public Accountant who is passionate about helping individuals and small businesses with tax optimization and financial management. Michele has over twenty-five years of experience working with clients and volunteering in the community using her professional skills to bring awareness to and support financial health. As a mother of three and a friend to many she developed a penchant for supporting and educating those around her. The professional and life skills she’s gained and developed over her own personal life journey with be useful in supporting Roar for the Cause’s mission.
With 14 years in higher education publishing and 9 years in sales and marketing, Lizzy Bell brings a dynamic blend of strategic thinking, communication expertise, and results-driven dedication to her role as a board member of Roar for the Cause. She thrives on building systems that elevate voices and streamline collaboration, and she is known for her exceptional organizational skills and deep commitment to authentic connection. Lizzy values hearing people’s stories and believes that transforming individual experiences into collective advocacy generates powerful momentum. Whether coordinating board communications, developing outreach strategies, or fostering collaboration, she works to ensure everyone feels heard and respected. For Lizzy, bringing single voices together into one loud roar isn’t just a metaphor—it’s a mission rooted in purpose, unity, and progress.
