SAM@Simon Leadership Program

The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Strategy and Management Succession (SAM@Simon) Leadership Program launched its 2025 cohort with a retreat on Oct. 21 at the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library in downtown Indianapolis.

Hosted by the Office of Inclusive Excellence, the retreat introduced fellows to leadership frameworks centered on connecting people to purpose, leading with vision and fostering cross-team collaboration.

SAM@Simon retreat held Oct. 21 at the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library (left to right): Monica Johnson, PhD, Mario Contreraz, Daenique Jengelley, PhD, LaTrice Haney, Bhavitha Asam, Katerina Ferree, Rachel Bauer, Liz Rohn, Ji Shang, PhD, and Erin Conder

Through sessions focused on self-reflection, visioning, and development planning, participants began building the skills to strengthen both individual and organizational leadership capacity. In addition to the in-person retreat, fellows continue their skill development through asynchronous modules and virtual group meetings that include speakers and opportunities to connect with cancer center leaders.

The goal of the program to accelerate participants’ careers with an in-depth understanding of the core concepts that drive academic cancer centers and foster and strengthen individuals' leadership capacity at the departmental level to further enhance the overall strategic vision of the cancer center.

Offered annually, SAM@Simon recruits participants each spring, and the retreat is held each fall. The program is open to cancer center staff, trainees, and early-career faculty who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to advancing the cancer center’s mission.

Congratulations to the 2025 SAM@Simon Cohort Fellows:

  • Bhavitha Asam, clinical research specialist, Clinical Trials Office
  • Rachel Bauer, program management specialist, cancer center administration
  • Erin Conder, multicenter project manager, Clinical Trials Office
  • Katerina Ferree, administrative assistant, Clinical Trials Office
  • LaTrice Haney, administrator for clinical research, Clinical Trials Office
  • Liz Rohn, advanced project manager, Clinical Trials Office
  • Ji Zhang, PhD, associate professor of pediatrics, IU School of Medicine, and cancer center member

“I feel inspired after the leadership retreat,” Rachel Bauer, a cancer center program management specialist, said. “I enjoyed the conversation and it really helped me start thinking about how to be a better leader.”

Special thank-you to Crystal Baker and Mario Contreraz for presenting the Cancer Center 101 session, planning committee members Nikki Cloud and Lauren Roland, and Monica Johnson, PhD, for serving as retreat keynote and facilitator.

For more information about SAM@Simon, email cancOIE@iu.edu.

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