Some journeys are born from ambition. Others are shaped by loss, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to create change where it is needed most. Noelene Kotschan’s story belongs firmly to the latter, one defined by purpose, courage, and a deep belief in the power of early detection to save lives.
From a successful career in corporate marketing to founding PinkDrive, Noelene’s path reflects a deliberate shift from commercial success to social impact. What began as a personal response to loss evolved into a nationally recognised movement delivering life-saving cancer screening and education directly to underserved communities across South Africa. Her journey highlights how empathy, leadership, and action can intersect to transform healthcare access for thousands.
Through mobile clinics, community partnerships, and a human-centred approach, Noelene has helped redefine what accessible healthcare looks like, moving beyond awareness to tangible, on-the-ground impact. Her work stands as a testament to the idea that leadership is not only about vision, but about showing up consistently where the need is greatest.
In this journey feature, Noelene shares her story with honesty and clarity, reflecting on the milestones, challenges, and values that continue to guide her work. As you read on, you’ll discover how resilience, compassion, and purpose have shaped a mission that continues to save lives and inspire change.
From Personal Loss to a National Health Movement
Tell us about your background and journey so far.
Noelene Kotschan is a pioneering South African social entrepreneur and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PinkDrive. My commitment to cancer awareness stems from profound personal loss, having lost my husband, father, and brother to cancer. After more than 25 years in corporate marketing and promotions, I made a courageous career shift and founded PinkDrive in 2009, guided by the belief that early detection can help prolong life.
Under my leadership, PinkDrive has grown into South Africa’s leading mobile cancer screening NGO, delivering free breast, cervical, and prostate cancer screenings, as well as testicular cancer education, through mobile health units nationwide. These services, including mammograms, Pap smears, HPV screening, clinical breast examinations, PSA tests, and skin and lung screening, primarily serve medically uninsured individuals in rural and underserved communities. Beyond screenings, PinkDrive plays a vital role in health education and in strengthening partnerships between communities, corporates, and government to help bridge gaps in public healthcare.
Being part of PinkDrive has allowed me to witness the real impact of accessible healthcare and education. It has deepened my understanding of community service, empathy, and social responsibility, and reinforced my commitment to using my time and voice to advocate for change.
Under my leadership, PinkDrive has been internationally recognised, including being awarded Social Impact Influencer of the Year (NPO) at the Fluxx Conference in Doha in October 2025. PinkDrive was also named a finalist in the NGO of the Year category at the CSI Legacy Awards, to be announced in February 2026, and most recently recognised as an awardee at Oxford University in May 2026. Despite these achievements, the organisation remains focused on expanding its reach, with a long-term vision of placing a mobile clinic in every South African province.
My involvement with PinkDrive has been both inspiring and transformative. It represents how resilience, compassion, and purpose can turn personal tragedy into lasting social impact. I am proud to be part of a journey that continues to save lives through early detection, education, and equitable healthcare access for all.
Turning Awareness into Action on the Ground
What makes your work or business unique?
- Direct, visible impact (not just awareness)
PinkDrive doesn’t stop at talking about cancer awareness, it physically takes services to people through mobile units, screenings, and on-the-ground support. This makes the work practical, immediate, and life-changing rather than symbolic. - Access for the underserved
My work focuses on reaching people who would otherwise be left out due to cost, distance, or lack of information. This commitment to equity and inclusion is a core differentiator. - Human-centered, compassionate approach
PinkDrive is known for treating individuals with dignity, empathy, and respect, not as statistics. This personal and caring approach builds deep trust within communities. - Strong purpose-driven identity
PinkDrive is mission-led, not profit-led. Every action ties back to saving lives through early detection and education, which gives our work authenticity and credibility. - Community connection and partnerships
PinkDrive works with communities, sponsors, and partners rather than over them. This collaborative model strengthens reach and long-term sustainability. - Consistency and visibility
The recognisable branding, ongoing presence, and repeated engagement make PinkDrive trusted and memorable, rather than a one-off initiative. - Courage to address difficult conversations
My work does not shy away from fear, stigma, or discomfort around cancer. I help normalise early testing and health conversations, combining compassion, access, and action to deliver real health solutions directly to those who need them most.
Building a Life-Saving Service for the Underserved
Share one achievement you’re most proud of:
One achievement I am most proud of is building PinkDrive NPC into a trusted, life-saving service that takes cancer screening and education directly to underserved communities, helping people access early detection, dignity, and hope where it was once out of reach.
Overcoming Self-Doubt Through Growth and Resilience
What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is balancing high expectations with self-doubt. At times, I questioned whether I truly belonged in certain spaces or roles. I overcame this by focusing on continuous learning, seeking feedback from mentors, and reminding myself that growth comes from stepping outside my comfort zone. Each challenge became an opportunity to build resilience and confidence.
Leading with Integrity Toward a Broader Impact
What is your vision for the future?
My vision for the future is to continue growing both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in my field. I hope to contribute to environments that value innovation, inclusion, and collaboration. In the long term, I want to be in a position where I can continue to lead with integrity and help create opportunities for others to succeed.
Staying Inspired Through Purpose and Continuous Learning
How do you stay motivated and relevant in your field?
I stay motivated by setting clear goals and reminding myself why I started. I also make it a priority to keep learning, whether through developing new skills, staying informed about trends, or learning from people with different perspectives. Surrounding myself with curious and driven individuals helps me stay inspired and adaptable.
Encouraging Women to Lead with Confidence and Authenticity
What advice would you give to aspiring women leaders and professionals?
I would encourage aspiring women leaders to believe in their abilities and not wait for permission to take up space. Speak up, ask questions, and do not be afraid to make mistakes, they are part of growth. Seek mentors, support other women, and remember that leadership does not look just one way. Authenticity is a strength.
Conclusion
As Noelene Kotschan’s journey continues to unfold, it stands as a powerful reminder that leadership rooted in empathy can create lasting, measurable change. Her work reflects a deep understanding that true impact goes beyond intention, it requires consistency, courage, and the willingness to meet people where they are. Through every challenge and milestone, her focus has remained firmly on dignity, access, and early intervention.
What makes Noelene’s story especially compelling is not only what she has built, but how she has built it. By centring communities, forging meaningful partnerships, and leading with authenticity, she has shaped PinkDrive into a trusted presence in South Africa’s healthcare landscape. Her journey demonstrates how purpose-driven leadership can turn personal adversity into collective progress.
As readers reach the end of this feature, Noelene’s path invites reflection on the broader meaning of impact and service. It challenges us to consider how conviction, resilience, and compassion can be translated into action, and how one individual’s commitment can influence thousands of lives. Her story is not only one of achievement, but of ongoing responsibility, hope, and the belief that equitable healthcare should be accessible to all.
Noelene Kotschan’s journey is far from complete, but its direction is clear. It is a journey guided by purpose, strengthened by experience, and sustained by the lives it continues to touch, one screening, one conversation, and one community at a time.