SUNY Empire student premiered docuseries on breast cancer and healthcare inequity  

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — NOVEMBER 14, 2024) Serrina Goodman is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and student at Empire State University using her knowledge to educate others on community disparities, inequities, and the unique perspectives of those around her. Goodman premiered her latest documentary, “Travelin’ Pink — The Selene’ Ward Journey,” in June. The film explores the journey of a black woman and her experience with health care disparities, misdiagnosis, and her desire to live and help others.  

The subject of Goodman’s documentary was personal. She was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago and now works with the AfroSHARE Cancer Support Group, a 40-year non-profit organization, to help spread awareness of health care disparity, the need for early detection, and the symptoms and signs of breast cancer in medically disadvantaged communities.  

“All of the work that I have done is extremely important and meaningful to me,” Goodman said. “My current project ‘Travelin’ Pink’ will be traveling across the nation to expose health care disparity and the lack of quality cancer care for all, and feature health care facilities who are doing stellar work.”  

Goodman has produced other films, a television show, and other media all under the umbrella of her own production company, Savvy 1 Productions, and led workforce development workshops, all to provide resources to underrepresented communities. During the pandemic, she created a virtual gun violence prevention program encouraging young adults to focus more on career development, developed a weekly webinar for employment resources, and created “The Business of Marriage,” a podcast designed for couples who want to learn more about the best path in their relationships through expert and guest interviews.  

Her work has always centered on the idea of fostering community development and encouraging others to work against health care disparities among women and patients of color in the medical community.  

“I often share my breast cancer journey at events all over New York and as the Brooklyn coordinator for the AfroSHARE Cancer support division. The tasks are monumental but saving lives keeps me going,” Goodman said. “Many people suffer from ‘the white coat syndrome,’ where the patient is intimidated by the physician and neglects to ask the pertinent questions that are required for them to understand their health. Quite often this intimidation leads to minimal involvement in their treatment plan.” 

Goodman studies business management and economics at Empire State University and has over two decades of experience working in workforce development and media. Goodman said SUNY Empire’s prior learning assessment allowed her to use her work experience to earn college credits. Upon her graduation, Goodman hopes to use her education and skills to further her production company and expand her work, including filming part of her tour for her “Travelin’ Pink” documentary.  

“Once I graduate, it will increase my presence at the table,” Goodman said. “I will expand my production company and hire additional staff, start a non-profit and expand my client based, and explore other projects while completing my docuseries.”