Going with the flow: When change happens

Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. And according to podiatrist and breast cancer advocate Dr. Kordai DeCoteau, unexpected circumstances can be the catalyst for the sort of professional growth we couldn’t have possibly imagined. In this talk, Dr. DeCoteau shares her story of being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and then building a second career as an advocate, speaker and influencer.

Dr. Kordai DeCoteau

Bridget Finkeldey

Dr. Kordai DeCoteau is a board-certified podiatrist with the multi-disciplinary group, The Heart Center of the Oranges, with multiple locations in Essex County, NJ. She graduated from the University of Miami, FL on a full academic scholarship and was initiated into The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.'s Iota Nu chapter in 1996. She attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and did her residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, being the first African American female podiatric surgical resident. She has received awards for her work in the community, such as congressional certificate from Rep. Charles Rangel. She is the Health and Wellness chair for her beloved sorority the Omicron Xi Omega chapter in Montclair, NJ. She co-founded “Sisters in Podiatry” a Facebook focus group dedicated to women of color in podiatry across the country. As she was diagnosed with breast cancer December of 2019, she has turned lemons into lemonade. Dr. DeCoteau has become a breast cancer advocate, influencer and public speaker. She has created “Talks with Dr. D” which is a virtual platform that focuses on all things health, wellness and beauty for people affected by breast cancer, their caregivers and supporters. You can find her on social media @talkswithdrd.

Gabby Fricke

Ayla Morwin

An experienced project coordinator and manager with specialties in content and leadership development through various training and workshop settings. Skilled in developing tools and analytics for new system implementation. Knowledgeable on diversity, equity, and inclusion principles including cultural competency, allyship, unconscious bias, intercultural communication, and employee relations. My passions are greatly found in social and racial justice, equity, empowerment, and advocacy.