Isabel Mestres

Isabel Mestres is a global health leader with over 20 years of experience in noncommunicable disease care, health system strengthening, and cross-sector collaboration. As CEO of City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), she drives the mission to make high-quality, equitable cancer care accessible for all, regardless of background or location. With expertise in strengthening public-private partnerships, resource mobilisation, and health policy, Isabel has positioned C/Can as a catalyst for sustainable, locally-driven solutions. By collaborating with governments, multilateral organisations, the private sector, and civil society, C/Can is reshaping cancer care and strengthening health systems across a network of cities in low resource settings. Before leading C/Can, Isabel spent seven years at the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) in Geneva, where she drove an award winning global partnerships and membership strategy, spearheading multi sector alliances that advanced cancer control worldwide. Her five years in the private sector further honed her results-driven mindset, equipping her with the expertise to lead large-scale innovations and deliver impactful, sustainable change. Isabel’s leadership paves the way for cities to lead change from the ground up. Through C/Can's model, local action is driving systemic improvements in cancer care, proving that change starts at the city level and creates lasting global impact. Isabel’s work is driven by her belief that a future where everyone, everywhere has access to life-saving cancer care for all.

Please note that speakers provide their own biographies and headshots. Biographies represent the role of the person at the time of their engagement and are not independently verified by the Milken Institute.