November 3, 2025
We are delighted to introduce you to our new CEO, Christel Paganoni-Bruijns on her first day at the Coalition. Enjoy this Q & A to learn more about her previous work, her passion for leveraging data and lived experience to influence policy and drive equity, and her priorities for her first 100 days leading the Coalition.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your previous work in patient advocacy and community engagement.
I have spent the past two decades working at the intersection of patient advocacy, community engagement, and health systems strengthening – across the non-profit, private, and global health sectors. My career began in social work, counseling families of children with disabilities and participating in cross-cultural learning exchanges in South Africa. That early experience laid the foundation for a career rooted in equity and empathy.
Since then, I have had the privilege of serving in leadership roles at organizations such as Novartis, Takeda, PTC Therapeutics, and Sobi, where I led global and regional patient engagement strategies. Across these roles, I have worked closely with patient communities to ensure their insights are embedded in policy, research, and healthcare decision-making. I’m passionate about transforming data and lived experience into action – and have partnered with multilateral organizations, local advocates, and healthcare systems to develop scalable, community-driven solutions that truly respond to unmet needs.
Q: What drew you to the role of CEO of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition and what are you looking forward to most?
When I first learned about the Coalition, I was deeply struck by the scale and persistence of ovarian cancer – and how under-recognized it remains globally, despite its devastating impact. Reading through the Coalition’s work, especially the Every Woman Study and the Socioeconomic Burden survey, I was moved by the clear-eyed approach to generating evidence and using it to advocate for change.
I was drawn to the role for many reasons – but what stood out most is the unique opportunity to make a direct and measurable impact on the global mortality rate of ovarian cancer. That is both rare and incredibly meaningful. I welcomed the Coalition`s commitment to equity, strong strategic foundation, and its bold yet grounded vision: a world where everyone living with, or at risk of, ovarian cancer has the best chance of survival and the best possible quality of life.
I look forward to working with this dedicated team and our many partners around the world to continue building momentum – and to ensure that the evidence we have gathered turns into meaningful, measurable progress.
Q: What’s your vision for the Coalition? What is your plan for your first 100 days?
My vision is for the Coalition to evolve as a global intelligence hub – a trusted, evidence-based force that not only amplifies the voices of the ovarian cancer community, but actively drives policy change, systems reform, and measurable reductions in mortality. Clara’s leadership has been nothing short of remarkable. Thanks to her vision and the dedication of the team, WOCC has emerged as a globally respected leader – with a clear strategy and a deep evidence base. That means that we have the foundation – in the data, the partnerships, and the strategy – to accelerate our impact even further.
In my first 100 days, I plan to:
- Deeply listen and engage with our partners, member organizations, and stakeholders to understand their priorities and insights.
- Dive into the strategic plan and major initiatives like the Nigeria Pilot, the launch of the Every Woman Study – LMIC Edition, the Biomarker Roundtable, and the Impact Awards.
- Connect with our ambassadors, donors, advocacy allies, and research collaborators to explore how we can strengthen and diversify our partnerships.
- Work closely with the Board and team to define what success looks like for this next chapter, particularly in how we turn evidence into action, and how we expand and sustain our funding base.
Q: What excites you about the Coalition?
There is so much – but I’m especially inspired by the Coalition’s ability to combine rigorous evidence with humanity and humility. The work is grounded in the lived experience of people affected by ovarian cancer, and yet it also operates with strategic clarity and global ambition. I also admire the Coalition’s emphasis on equity – including the intentional focus on underrepresented communities and low- and middle-income countries. That’s not only the right thing to do – it’s where the need is greatest, and where the potential for impact is enormous.
Q: On a more personal note, what activities do you enjoy when you’re not working?
Outside of work, I enjoy an active life in Switzerland, where I live with my husband – who is half Italian and half Dutch – and where the mountains and lakes are a dream for a sport fanatic like me. I love cross-country skiing, tour skiing, biking, running, swimming, tennis, and yes – watching sports too! In my next life, I’d love to be an Olympic champion, but in this one, I will stay focused on reducing the global mortality rate of ovarian cancer.
My husband and I enjoy supporting young professionals, staying engaged in local social impact initiatives, and diving into books or podcasts – especially on global affairs. Travel has always been a big part of my life, and I truly believe in learning through people and places. All of this keeps me grounded, inspired, and ready to bring fresh energy into the work I do.
