Florida Vice State Lead Ambassador

Hyacinth Burrowes

Hyacinth Burrowes is a researcher and a proud American Cancer Society volunteer. Her professional, academic, and advocacy work is dedicated to advancing clinical research. She is a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals and is credentialed as a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator. Hyacinth uses her work as a coordinator to inform her advocacy work for public policies that will increase DEI in clinical trials, reduce the cancer burden, and decrease the incidence of lung cancer. 

Hyacinth is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health concentrating in Environmental Public Health Sciences at New York University, where she was awarded the William N Rom Climate Change Fellowship to work on projects addressing climate change's impact on public health. Always interested in the intersectionality of health, equity, and climate change, she received her Bachelor's Degree in Public Health and Environmental Science & Policy at the University of South Florida. As an undergraduate, she was given the Global Citizens Award for her co-curricular activities within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including her undergraduate research. She also dedicates her spare time to serving as the Outreach Committee Chair for the University of South Florida Black Alumni Society.

Hyacinth first became involved with the American Cancer Society as a volunteer in 2021 after her brother's fight with brain cancer. She served as a Legislative Ambassador in District 13. She was inspired by her brother's cancer journey to get involved and sees advocacy as the key to shortening the "bench to bedside" timeline. She looks forward to collaborating with her community to advance policy change in the fight against cancer. 

Why is being an ACS CAN volunteer important to you?

Being an ACS CAN volunteer has been a dynamic and healing experience for me. What started out as a way to get involved and support a cause that has affected my family, has evolved into so much more than that. There is healing power in community. I believe that together we have the power to maximize the impact of research through legislative implementation. This translates to improved health outcomes, better access to care, and new treatments for cancer. It's a way for me to be a part of the change I want to see within public health.

What is your proudest accomplishment as an ACS CAN volunteer?

I feel a great sense of accomplishment just being politically engaged! I used to feel politically paralyzed and hesitant to engage, but volunteering with ACS CAN has increased my political knowledge and civil discourse. 

Why should others in your community get involved with ACS CAN?

Cancer rates are decreasing here in Pinellas county and we want that trend to continue. Being involved and getting the opportunity to surround myself with fellow warriors in the fight against cancer has greatly increased my sense of community connection. It's an incredible experience to be a part of and I would love for my community to get involved. We can save more lives together if our legislation supports early detection and affordable health care.