Chinel Boateng is the Sr. Community Development Manager, American Cancer Society Relay For Life, Southeast Division.
Here is her biography in her own words:
I relocated from Philadelphia, PA to Florence, SC in 2000 to comfort my father following my mother’s eighteen-month battle with ovarian cancer. Coming from the big city, Florence was a culture shock. Although I possessed sixteen years of banking and customer service experience, and two years with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I found it very difficult to secure employment compared to the big city, but the move came at a perfect time in my life. It was time to slow down. And, it’s here in SC that I began volunteering.
Before joining the American Cancer Society, I worked for McLeod Health-Florence for ten years, and a Medical Equipment company. But, my first encounter with volunteering was at McLeod as an American Heart Association team captain for my department. This led to other opportunities and about six years later, I found myself as the department’s team captain for Relay For Life. This was my first introduction to the American Cancer Society. The event was practically happening in my backyard and I knew nothing about it! Both my parents and my oldest sister battled cancer in Philadelphia, but I’d never heard of this company nor the event. By this time my mother and sister had succumb to the disease and my daddy was surviving. The history of cancer is extensive in my family, and often I feel the life saved today may be my very own tomorrow. In 2012, I was blessed to be offered a position.
Relay For Life is a volunteer-driven, staff-supported fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. As the Community Development Manager, I’m responsible for four counties (Dillon, Marlboro, Florence, and Darlington), with my main responsibilities to manage the volunteers who plan, organize, and implement Relay For Life events in each county, grow the event, and increase revenue. In addition to my financial responsibilities, I’m passionate about educating the communities I serve about the programs and services we offer.
The success of Relay is dependent on volunteers and we are currently looking for volunteers in the county to join the 2018 Leadership Team. No special qualifications required, but a servant’s heart and passion to end cancer is needed. If this is you, please reach out to me.
On a personal note, I’m married 23 yrs. to Francis Boateng, have one daughter (Chiavon James) and two grandchildren (Ka’Miyah and Samuel). I love the Lord and love to sing. I am a member of South Florence Baptist Church, Pastor Jim Grigg, and sing in the choir.
Dillon County’s Relay volunteers have welcomed me with open arms and I look forward to working to a great 2018! I can be reached at chinel.boateng@cancer.org