You’re So Fly: Caroline Schroeder

1. Can you tell us about The Rural Cancer Institute and the mission behind it?

The Rural Cancer Institute is a research and advocacy non-profit supporting rural cancer patients and the communities that serve them. We conduct multiple initiatives focused on cancer research in rural communities. We also administer a funded fellowship program supported by the State of Minnesota. Additionally, we host an annual national conference that convenes stakeholders to share expertise, foster collaboration, and develop strategies to address workforce shortages and systemic challenges in rural oncology.

2. The Rural Cancer Institute was co-founded by your husband—what has it been like working so closely together on something so meaningful?

Working alongside my husband has been deeply fulfilling. Seeing the passion and vision he poured into starting this nonprofit fuels my own commitment to creating meaningful change in rural cancer communities. This mission is also deeply personal—my husband was diagnosed with stage III melanoma on his 21st birthday. Today, he is a resident at Wake, working toward his goal of becoming a rural oncologist. Our shared experiences continue to shape not only why we do this work, but how determined we are to make an impact where it’s needed most.

3. What impact or accomplishment from the Institute are you most proud of so far?

I am most proud of the upcoming conference I am planning this April in Minneapolis, MN. We are bringing together some of the top oncologists in the nation to speak to medical students, nurses, physicians, cancer survivors, nonprofits, and pharmaceutical companies to address the challenges we are seeing in rural healthcare. It will be amazing to see so many people come together, united by the hope of creating real change.

4. You’re still new to both Flywheel and Winston-Salem—what excites you most about joining the Flywheel team and putting down roots here after your move from Kansas?

The Winston and Flywheel community has been better than I could have imagined. You are all such a welcoming and friendly bunch! The sense of community at Flywheel is exactly what I was looking for when applying to work here. I look forward to conversations with everyone and to learning more about your lives and businesses. I am also very excited to hear all your North Carolina favorite things, so please share!