Nancy Berger and Kim Kelleher Honored at 2025 CEW Cancer and Careers Luncheon

A Celebration of Resilience and Purpose

At 683 Park Avenue on New York's Upper East Side, a special event took place on Thursday that brought together two publishing veterans, Nancy Berger and Kim Kelleher, who were honored at the CEW Cancer and Careers' 2025 Beauty of Giving Luncheon. This annual gathering serves as a fundraiser for Cancer and Careers, a nonprofit organization founded in 2001 by longtime CEW president Carlotta Jacobson. The mission of the organization is to help individuals with cancer navigate and thrive in the workplace. Today, it supports over 470,000 people each year.

Nancy Berger was recognized for her long-standing commitment to the cause. Her longtime friend, beauty founder Laura Geller, presented her with the award. Geller praised Berger for her deep understanding of the importance of the organization. “Nancy doesn't just champion Cancer and Careers; she profoundly understands the need for it to exist. She knows that work isn't just about a job; it's a lifeline. When people are supported by purpose, connection and opportunity, even the hardest moments become more manageable,” Geller said.

Berger, a three-time non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor, has had a distinguished career in publishing. She worked at Condé Nast, where she originated the Allure Best of Beauty seal, as well as Marie Claire and Hearst. She now leads a firm called Start With A Good, or SWAG, which helps brands across fashion, beauty and tech to scale.

“I had my last PET scan last week and everything, as my doctor says, is quiet. I would've had to change my speech if it wasn't, so good thing,” Berger joked upon accepting the award. “I made a commitment that cancer would never define me; it's part of my story, but it's not the headline of my life.”

Berger credited her friends, family and colleagues for their support during her battles with cancer. Work also played a crucial role in keeping her grounded. “The Women's Health [magazine] Long Weekend retreat, which was conceived after my famous Marie Claire Power Trip, evolved to include a big wellness component, which it still does. CosmoTrips, another big initiative, happened during this time and it was very exciting. It kept me distracted. The work reminded me who I was when everything else felt unfamiliar,” she said.

Among those who supported her were friends like Norman Miller, who shaved his head in solidarity with Berger upon her beginning chemotherapy (“you can let it grow back,” she joked), as well as her oncologist Dr. John P. Leonard and partner Scott Spector.

Recognizing Kim Kelleher’s Contributions

Cancer and Careers executive director Rebecca Nellis presented Kelleher with her honor. Kelleher, who once worked alongside Berger at Condé Nast and now serves as AMC Networks' chief commercial officer, was celebrated for her brilliance, strategy, insight and heart. “Kim brings brilliance, strategy, insight and so much heart into everything she touches,” Nellis said. “Most importantly, Kim shows up. She doesn't do anything halfway, and if she says ‘yes,' she means yes.”

Kelleher shared how her involvement with Cancer and Careers began when she became the publisher of Self magazine and inherited a director's seat on the board of CEW. “In media and branding, we often use phrases like, ‘it's not brain surgery,' or ‘we're not saving lives,' to describe our work, but my development in Cancer and Careers changed my perspective completely, and I don't say these things anymore,” she said.

Her connection to the organization became even more personal when her sister faced the return of her breast cancer five years ago. “In that moment, my world came full circle, and I felt immense gratitude to be part of this community,” Kelleher said.

A Lasting Impact

The luncheon highlighted the powerful impact of Cancer and Careers and the individuals who have dedicated themselves to its mission. Both Berger and Kelleher exemplify the resilience and determination that define those who support the organization. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of community, purpose and the strength found in shared experiences.

As the event concluded, it was clear that the spirit of giving and the pursuit of meaningful work continue to inspire those involved. The contributions of Berger, Kelleher and countless others ensure that Cancer and Careers remains a vital resource for those navigating the challenges of cancer in the workplace.