Gay Lynn Richards, DNP, RN, MPH, has worked in the oncology field for most of her 50-year career. She was a hospital-based oncology nurse for over 20 years and was a clinical nurse specialist for the Minnesota Department of Health Sage Screening Program from 1997 to 2017.  Currently, she works as a consultant in the local cancer community and volunteers her time as a member of the MN Cancer Alliance Steering Committee, Gilda’s Club Twin Cities Medical Advisory Board, Breast Cancer Education Association Board of Directors, and American Cancer Society.  Areas of interest include reducing cancer disparities in communities with unequal burdens of cancer and addressing health equity in cancer care.  Ms. Richards received her baccalaureate degree in nursing from Dominican University of San Rafael, California, and Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.  In 2012 she received her Doctor of Nursing Practice from St Catherine University, St. Paul.  Her background has been in Oncology Nursing with advanced certification as a Breast Health Specialist from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Ms. Richards was the 1995 recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award from the Dominican University of San Rafael, California, and in 1998, was awarded the Community Service Award by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.  In 2009 she was honored for her work in breast cancer screening and prevention with an award from the Minnesota Breast Cancer Awareness Association, and a Spirit of Collaboration award from the Minnesota Cancer Alliance.  In 2014, The Minnesota Cancer Alliance presented Dr. Richards with the Darla Havlicek Spirit of Collaboration Key Collaborator award at their annual Cancer Summit. The African American Breast Cancer Alliance presented Ms. Richards with the Being There Award at their organization’s 25th-anniversary celebration, and in 2016 she was honored to receive the Builders Award from Neighborhood HealthSource a Federally Qualified Health Center clinic system in north and NE Minneapolis.  In her free time, Ms. Richards enjoys gardening, reading and spending time with her grandchildren.