Winship recognizes 2025 Rearden Spirit of Winship Award recipients

Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University has named Susan Rolih, Taniya Lester and DaVida Lee-Williams, MBA, as the recipients of the 2025 Dell and Bobby Rearden Spirit of Winship Award.

The award recognizes distinguished faculty or staff members and dedicated volunteers who exemplify outstanding service, teamwork and commitment to the public good. Each recipient will receive a monetary award donated to an area of their choosing within Winship.

The Dell and Bobby Rearden Spirit of Winship Award honors the memory of two passionate Winship supporters who for many years, served as patient advocates, advisors, donors and committee chairs. Bobby Rearden was an early leader on Winship’s External Advisory Board, representing national leaders from other National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers. He and his wife, Dell, held leadership roles at Winship, including as honorary chairs of Friends of Winship and founding members of the Winship Advisory Board.

Meet the 2025 award winners

Susan Rolih’s inspiration to volunteer began more than 25 years ago when she was treated for melanoma at Winship. After retiring in 2018, Rolih returned to Atlanta from Ohio and soon became a dedicated twice-weekly volunteer at the Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital (ESJH) campus – both with the Winship “blue coat” volunteer program and the ESJH Auxiliary, serving as Auxiliary president in 2023. She is also a member of the Winship Advisory Board where she helps advance philanthropic initiatives, volunteer opportunities and the patient experience.

When the Winship blue coat volunteer program was paused at the start of the pandemic, Rolih looked for another way to make a difference. She trained as a volunteer shuttle driver to transport patients and their families to and from the EJSH parking lot, a role she continues every Thursday morning.

“Susan is a tireless advocate for Winship and a compassionate, optimistic presence through her volunteerism for Winship patients and their families,” says Jennifer Daly, senior director of development at Winship.

Taniya Lester creates meaningful connections with patients, families, and clinical teams in her dual volunteer roles at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown. As a hospitality cart volunteer, she goes beyond offering snacks — she takes the time to listen and provides comfort to patients and families during emotional moments. As a clinic runner in the Breast Imaging Center, she helps prepare and stock exam rooms and guides patients through the mammogram process. She also shares breast health awareness materials and support group recommendations, offering encouragement and connecting patients and caregivers to others facing similar challenges.

“Taniya exemplifies Winship’s core values, and she plays a vital role in enhancing the patient and family experience,” says Diane Taylor-Nalls, senior coordinator for volunteer services at Winship. “Her commitment to making a difference in the lives of those she serves is truly inspiring.”

DaVida Lee-Williams, MBA, director of guest and volunteer services, has earned a reputation as a tireless, compassionate professional during her 16 years at Winship. Lee-Williams provides clinical and special event volunteers for all Winship locations and oversees the massive volunteer effort for the annual Winship 5K, which involves recruiting and training more than 300 volunteers. She also develops programming and offers logistical support for patient and caregiver events, such as the annual Holiday Adoption Program.

Lee-Williams has a talent for helping people find their niche as volunteers and become more invested in serving at Winship.

“DaVida is an encourager, who helps people carry out their missions while keeping Winship’s mission in mind,” says Vanessa Bramble, MS, MBA, FACHE, director of network development at Winship. “She makes the impossible not only possible, but she makes things look effortless.”