Meet the Founders

Co-Founder
Shirley Pingel
Shirley is a dedicated advocate for breast cancer research. After studying the Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene (BRCA) she uncovered her passion for disease research and is driven to find a cure through prevention and education. She felt disconcerted by how little her peers knew about the studies on prevention. She felt inspired to make a difference and co-founded She Vive, Inc. as a way to make a difference to her age-group!
Shirley is a consistent Superintendent Scholar, American Legion Award recipient and has served three years as Student Council Secretary-Class Officer She is an active member of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and National Honor Society (NHS). Shirley was invited to participate on the Superintendent's Communication Council. This position was appointed by campus faculty & administration to represent her school in ways to improve curriculum, policy and communication between students and administration. Shirley has played the Viola since 7th grade and is also a student athlete on Varsity Volleyball team where she's earned the distinction of First Team All-Academics and 2nd Team All-District. She enjoys traveling the country playing competitive club volleyball. Through her love for the sport, she created a co-ed school volleyball club that meets weekly at her campus. Shirley has her 2nd Dan (2nd degree blackbelt) in Olympic Taekwondo. She has also been a volunteer with the animal shelter since 2020, with over 100 yearly hours of experience fostering special needs cats/kittens. Shirley has a high affection for all things feline!
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Shirley uses her passion for medical research as a way to lend herself to She Vive, Inc. Beginning to understand the foundational cause and effect of the disease, she can better share the information to her unique audience. With her sights set on a medical career starting in Biomedical Engineering, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of her generation, and all of those that follow.
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Co-Founder
Sarah Oyelakin
Sarah has long been dedicated to the pursuit of better health, specifically for people of color. Her mother is a huge inspiration for her as a women in the medical field and has inspired her to look deeper into the world of health care. With the difference in mortality rates between white and black women, Sarah found that giving a voice to women of color was something she had to do. Working to raise awareness and prevention for breast cancer not only gives a voice to women in general, but also a voice to women of color.
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Sarah is reaching for this goal by putting herself in important roles in her community. As President of her school’s HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), she helps to lead this generation's future health care professionals. She is also the Secretary of Student Council and the Scribe of her Theatre Troupe 7648. She has shown her passion for the performing arts since the 6th grade and has proudly performed in countless productions over the years.
As an avid University of Texas Medical Branch Volunteer, she has gained over 100 hours of hospital volunteer experience. This has qualified her for the Barbara James Service Award by specifically volunteering in health care. She’s a consistent Superintendent Scholar who is dedicated to being educated in all aspects, as well as an active participant of The National Honor Society (NHS). Sarah also enjoys her role as Campus Historian for the Rho Kappa Chapter. Sarah has had aspirations of becoming a Psychiatrist since the age of 12. She views this as another chance to better her community both mentally and physically. Sarah shows her dedication to She Vive, Inc by planning fundraisers through community involvement. She uses her passion for producing engaging events and reaching a larger audience to hear She Vive, Inc's mission. She also does the background work of interacting with other businesses to connect She Vive, Inc. to more resources.

Co-Founder
Claire Farley
Claire's passion for breast cancer awareness stems from a deeply personal place. Her Great-Grandmother, a two time breast cancer survivor, deified the odds thanks to early detection, a reality that shaped Claire's belief in that every woman deserves the same chance. Determined to make a difference, she co-founded She Vive, Inc to educate and empower young woman on the importance of early detection.
An accomplished student leader, Claire is a Superintendent Scholar, and active member of NHS and serves as Class President. She is also secretary of her school's Rotary based interact Club. Through this role and her commitment to service, she has completed over 200 hours of volunteer work, actively engaging in community initiatives and leadership. Beyond academics, Claire was Captain of her school Volleyball team where she played a vital role in assisting the coach with game adjustments and team unity. Claire applies her business acumen as a bookkeeper for J&C Moving servicesLLC, where she manages financial records, tracks revenue trends and contributes strategic ideas. As SheVive Inc's business director, she merges her entrepreneurial mindset with her passion for breast cancer awareness, overseeing operations, financial strategy and long term growth to ensure the organization's lasting impact.
Through Claires natural ability to lead and team build, she is dedicated to helping She Vive, Inc reach every generation to change the way we view the disease. Her goal is to change policy so it is easier for everyone to experience the same level of care.