Cassie Smidt
Co-Founder & President
Two-time cancer survivor, owner of Status Haymarket boutique in the Historic Haymarket, and member of the Historic Haymarket Association Board of Directors.
About us
A dream, a phone call, and a runway.
How it began
We started with a 3am dream.
During chemotherapy, our co-founder Meg Slope woke at 3am with a dream: a fashion show that celebrated survivors and fighters, and raised money for people navigating breast cancer. She reached out to her community.
Cassie Smidt, a breast cancer survivor, answered. In just three and a half weeks — while Meg was still in treatment — we produced a full runway show that raised $5,000 for Project Pink'd in Omaha.
Lincoln wanted it to stay. So we kept it here, and it grew into a permanent resource: The Bosom Collective Inc., a survivor-built nonprofit connecting people and families across Nebraska to the funds, local resources, and community that make a diagnosis more bearable.
Our mission
No one should face breast cancer alone.
The Bosom Collective connects people and families in Lincoln and across Nebraska to the funds, local resources, and community that make a diagnosis more bearable. Everything we do stands on three pillars.
Raise
We raise funds that go straight to people in treatment — groceries, rides, childcare, and the everyday costs a diagnosis piles on.
Aware
Early detection saves lives. We use every spotlight we get to remind people to schedule their screenings.
Support
No one walks this road alone. We connect people across Lincoln and Nebraska to community, resources, and each other.
The team
The people behind the Collective
A board of survivors, business owners, and community leaders who give their time to support people and families affected by breast cancer.
Meg Slope
Co-Founder & Treasurer
Breast cancer survivor who leads digital infrastructure and communications while running her business and raising her family.
Debbie Dugan
Community Partnerships & Operations
Owner of Via Medical Massage and leader of a local Executive Referral Network group; leads sponsorship development and operations.
Chelsea Kubitschek
Secretary & Marketing Co-Chair
Owner of Bar-ish Collective, fitness coach at LP Fitness, and member of The Bosom Collective Board of Directors, supporting women facing breast cancer.
Heather Smith
Board Member
Founder and medical aesthetics injector at HD Medical Aesthetics, mother of two, and member of The Bosom Collective, helping women regain their confidence.
Amanda Kunze
Board Member & Sponsorship Report Chair
Breast cancer survivor, Realtor, and member of The Bosom Collective, bringing strength, compassion, and encouragement to women navigating their cancer journey.
Sam Houston Brown
Board Member
Daughter of a breast cancer survivor, UNL Color Guard Instructor, yoga and fitness instructor, and board member of The Bosom Collective, supporting women in need.
Brittany Placek
Board Member & Volunteer Chair
Travel advisor at Those Who Wander Travel, former women's health nurse, and member of The Bosom Collective, supporting women affected by breast cancer.
Cindy Titus
Board Member
Proud breast cancer survivor and one of the original models from the very first Boobfest. Cindy uses her voice and platform to celebrate strength, honor resilience, and inspire other women walking through their own breast cancer journeys.
Diane Smejdir
Board Member
Breast cancer survivor, Administrative Specialist for the Nebraska Department of Transportation, and member of The Bosom Collective, empowering women through support.
Just getting started
Young, real, and built to grow.
The Bosom Collective Inc. is in approximately its first full year of operation. There's strength in that — we're close to the need, led by people who've lived it, and building something meant to last. As we grow, this page will hold more about our board, leadership, and organizational documents.
Board & LeadershipAs profiles are finalized
EINAvailable upon formalizing
Annual ReportAfter first full year
Form 990As filings are completed
Need support?
You don't have to do this alone. Tell us what you're navigating.
Want to help?
Give, volunteer, or partner with us. There's a place for you here.
The Bosom Collective Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 501(c)(3) nonprofit — donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. EIN: [EIN]
Questions about our work? Email boob.fest.lnk@gmail.com