Narfunda Ross was born and raised in Valley, Ala., a town once home to the largest textile industry in the South. She was raised in a pink brick house and reflects, “Little did I know how it was preparing me for my own pink lifetime story.” She now lives in Lanett,where she is a proud wife and mother. Along with her husband, she currently owns and operates two small businesses and enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her pink journey began with her mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 at the age of 71. “Sometime before that, I had prayed to God for a 'boob' job and hair that was more manageable without the use of chemicals,” she notes. In 2008, shortly after celebrating her 33rd birthday, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “What a peculiar way to get what I had asked for,” she said. After her diagnosis, she underwent six rounds of chemotherapy and faced the difficult decision between preserving her hair or prioritizing her health. “I really loved my hair, but I loved my family even more,” said Narfunda. “My faith was in God (Psalms 34:8).” She began to pray to God that she would be able to see her two sons grow and prosper. In 2014, her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. “There is no maternal link, just three soldiers God chose to share their strength, faith and fight with the world," said Narfunda. This journey fueled the desire to help others in her community. In 2015, Team W.H.I.P. was organized and evolved from "Walking to Help those In Pink" to "Working to Help those In Pink." A registered 501(c)(3) organization in East Alabama, Team W.H.I.P. partnered with The Gene Machine of Auburn University in 2016 and with Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center in 2022. “Team W.H.I.P. [is] where survivors learn to thrive beyond a color," said Narfunda. “I’m tickled pink!”

Marilyn Locke is a costumer, stylist and designer with experience in many areas of design. With a degree in fashion design and fashion merchandising, she brings merchandising and design disciplines which capitalize on her creative and analytical strengths. As a stylist Marilyn has worked with photographers, models and musicians creating unique looks for stage appearances, events, video and photo shoots. As a designer Marilyn has created her own line of clothing that was featured in two consecutive benefit fashion shows at Belmont University, as well as creating custom looks for individuals. Most recently Marilyn has focused on her costume designing. She worked at Walt Disney World in Orlando as a costumer, she has also created costumes for theater companies such as StudioTenn and Next Generation Kids, The Orlando Philharmonic Opera, In:Ciite Media and many others. She currently works at Red Mountain Theatre as a costumer.