The GROklahoma Podcast Show | Hope is More Than a Word: The Fight for Cancer Advocacy in Oklahoma and Beyond – The One with Ms. Michelle Fair Episode 18 (2025)

Hope isn’t just a word—it’s action. It’s advocacy. It’s ensuring that no one has to choose between paying for cancer treatment and keeping a roof over their head. In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Michelle Fair, a dynamic leader in corporate philanthropy at the American Cancer Society (ACS), who has spent her career turning hope into tangible support for cancer patients. As Senior Director of Corporate Relations and Philanthropy, Michelle manages major donor and corporate partnerships across Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Arizona. Her journey is anything but conventional—starting in molecular biology, she pivoted to international finance and nonprofit leadership, raising over $25 million for cancer programs, including leading the $16.5 million capital campaign that brought the ACS Chad Richison Hope Lodge to life in Oklahoma City. In this episode, Michelle opens up about the challenges and triumphs of fundraising for major cancer support initiatives, how she builds strong donor relationships, and what it takes to lead high-impact projects in a constantly evolving nonprofit landscape. She also shares how her grandmother’s legacy of generosity shaped her career and how she balances the demands of leadership, family, and personal growth. Whether you’re in the nonprofit world, considering a career shift, or just looking for an inspiring story about resilience and impact, this conversation is packed with wisdom, heart, and so many gems. Outside of her work, Michelle is an avid reader, traveler, and advocate for women in leadership, passionate about mentoring the next generation of fundraisers and changemakers. Boldness and persistence can truly transform lives—and Michelle’s story proves it.