Linda Burhansstipanov, M.S.P.H., Dr.P.H. is of the Western Cherokee Tribe and is the Director of Native American Cancer Initiatives, Inc. of Pine, Colorado (1993 to present). She formerly (1989-1993) was the program director of Native American Cancer Research Program for the National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland. She has 18 years experience as faculty for California State University Long Beach and was promoted to "full professor" in 1988. She is actively involved with Native American health and wellness endeavors nationwide and serves on numerous national and local advisory boards and committees to promote research and programmatic efforts to assist Native People in obtaining higher levels of health. Examples of her primary areas of interest are culturally competent cancer prevention and control initiatives, HIV/AIDS prevention and control among Native Peoples, and Native American women's health issues. She has authored several books and numerous articles, the majority of which focus on the health concerns of Native Peoples. She was among ten individuals honored as a leader in the fight against breast cancer by Avon and the National Association of Breast Cancer Organizations.