In this month’s &Miami Member Spotlight, we invite you to meet Emily Campbell, the inspiring co-founder of Not These Ovaries, a nonprofit shaking up the world of ovarian cancer research. Emily and her team are laser-focused on advancing treatment for the often-overlooked borderline and low-grade serous cancers, with a mission to help people not just survive, but truly thrive. Outside of her impactful work, Emily draws creativity from her involvement in Fountainhead, a vibrant artist residency in Miami that sparks innovative ideas for her nonprofit. Her passion for saving lives, coupled with a love for community and creativity, fuels her every day in the fight against ovarian cancer.
Who are you and what do you do?
Hi there! I’m Emily Campbell, co-founder of Not These Ovaries. We’re shaking things up in the world of ovarian cancer nonprofits.
Our mission is to rapidly fund research and trials for the often overlooked types of ovarian cancer, focusing specifically on borderline and low-grade serous types. We’re all about getting people the treatment they need to not just survive, but thrive.
What’s something we don’t know about you?
My husband Chris and I are members of Fountainhead, the coolest live/work artist residency in Miami. It’s this incredible creative community that’s become an unexpected source of inspiration for us.
You wouldn’t think art and ovarian cancer research have much in common, but being around all that creativity has actually sparked some innovative ideas for our work at Not These Ovaries. It’s been a reminder that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. Plus, it’s just fun to be part of such a vibrant community outside of our day-to-day work.
What inspires or motivates you to get out of bed?
The potential to save lives gets me jumping out of bed every morning. Each day at Not These Ovaries brings us one step closer to better treatments and, fingers crossed, a cure for ovarian cancer. It’s like a real-life puzzle we’re solving, and I can’t wait to see the picture we create.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
My support network, hands down. From my husband Chris, who’s right there in the trenches with me as co-founder of Not These Ovaries, to our passionate team and the incredible ovarian cancer community: their strength and determination are my daily dose of inspiration.
Where do your brightest ideas come from?
The mornings after I hit the gym are my idea goldmine. There’s something magical about that post-weightlifting feeling that sparks innovation. It’s like my brain gets a fresh start every day.
How do you spark your creativity when you’re feeling in a rut?
When the ideas aren’t flowing, I’ve found that nothing beats the perspective shift of travel. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes, it’s a quick trip to a nearby city; other times, it’s a spontaneous trip farther out to Chile or Amsterdam.
The real value comes from meeting new people and engaging in unexpected conversations. It’s amazing how discussing challenges with someone outside our field can spark solutions we hadn’t considered. Travel shakes up my routine, exposes me to different viewpoints, and helps me approach problems with fresh eyes. These diverse interactions often reignite my passion and creativity for our work at Not These Ovaries in surprising ways.
Where is your favorite place to decompress & unwind?
The park near our house has become my go-to spot, especially since my ovarian cancer diagnosis and starting Not These Ovaries. The waterfront seems to put everything into perspective.
It’s also where Chris and I had many of our initial conversations about founding Not These Ovaries. So in a way, it’s where our mission to fight ovarian cancer really took shape. It reminds me of how far we’ve come and motivates me for the work ahead.
When do you feel your best, and what do you do to stay in good vibrations?
I’m at my peak when I’m making tangible progress at Not These Ovaries while maintaining a balanced life. It’s a delicate dance of pushing our mission forward, staying active, fueling my body with good food (Carrot Express for the win!), and carving out quality time with loved ones. It’s not always perfect, but when these elements align, I feel unstoppable.
Why did you choose Ampersand Studios as your workspace?
Ampersand Studios feels like it was tailor-made for Not These Ovaries. Being surrounded by other driven individuals and organizations keeps us motivated and thinking big.
Where can our community connect with you? Please share your website, social media channels and/or other relevant links.
We’d love for you to join our mission! Here’s where you can find us: Website, Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn.
