As a nurse, Kamille E. Wright (center) has always been a dedicated health care professional. But it was not until a friend was diagnosed with breast cancer at 28 that she became an advocate for raising awareness about the disease.

"She is one of the lucky ones because most women are told not to get mammograms until they are 40,'' Wright said of the friend, whom she declined to name in an interview with AOL Black Voices for reasons of privacy. "But she discovered it early. That's why October, 'Breast Cancer Awareness Month,' is so important to our community. It raises awareness.

"Because of my profession people confide in me,'' she continued. "One of the things I do is ask a lot of questions, 'when was the last time you had a mammogram? Have you had your physical?' While my focus is on breast cancer, I also ask about screenings for other diseases such as colon cancer.''

It is just that kind of concern that prompted judges of 'Modern Healthcare Magazine' to recognize her as "an inspirational leader, passionate advocate, and effective leader, who will continue to make a positive impact on the industry.'' The magazine recently selected her and 11 others to receive the 2009 "Up & Comers" Awards for leaders ages 40 and under.

Wright, 40, associate hospital administrator for nursing affairs at Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles, was selected by the magazine's editorial staff from a list of 139 nominees.

"Now, more than ever, we need young talented leaders to step up to the challenges of an uncertain economy,'' James Gauss, president and chief operating officer of Witt/Kieffer, a sponsor of the "Up & Comers'' award, said in a prepared statement.''

Wright's dedication to raising awareness about breast cancer doesn't end at the office. She is actively involved in organizations, including "Paint It Pink,'' an event designed to help raise money for the treatment of women of color affected by breast cancer. She served as an honorary committee host for the event in 2007 and 2008. She also participates in the Revlon Run/Walk fundraiser to raise money to fight cancer.

Breast cancer awareness is important, particularly in the African-American community, statistic show. While African-American women have a slightly lower rate of breast cancer after age 40 than their white counterparts, they have a slightly higher rate before reaching 40, according to the American Cancer Society, which is why Wright and so many other health care professionals are urging for mammogram screenings earlier than age 40.

African-American women are more likely to die from breast cancer at every age, which can be attributed to a number of factors, including lack of affordable health care, environment, diet, exercise and genetics, health care experts say.

A native New Yorker, Wright received a M.A. in Health Services Administration and Policy from Pace University in New York, and undergraduate degrees from the New School University and Norfolk University.

Before moving to L.A., Wright worked for the New York City Health Hospitals Corporation and North Brooklyn Family Health Networks and St. Vincent's Catholic Medical Center.