Colossal’s Fab Over 40 competition brings together thousands of women to compete for the crown and help raise funds to benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) in their mission of Helping Women Now. Since 2022, Colossal has raised more than $24 million to benefit this incredible organization, which provides free mammograms, support and education to those in need, giving hope to millions affected by breast cancer.
DR. APRIL BLACK
Fab Over 40 champion and Arizona native Dr. April Black lives in Goodyear, AZ with her husband Jayson (her favorite human and greatest fan). She is beyond proud of her three adult children (her “beauties” as she calls them: Brooke, Carter and Emma), whom she considers the reason she exists. In 2012, Dr. Black founded Incito Schools, where she serves as founder and executive director. This trailblazer holds multiple degrees, including a doctorate in Organizational Leadership with Christian Ministries from Grand Canyon University.
What does “being fabulous” mean to you?
“Being fabulous is living a life that is authentically and unapologetically my own. It’s devoting as much time, energy and resources to my inner beauty as my outward beauty. In return, inner diligence flourishes the best beauty accessory one can wear—a smile! Ultimately, being fabulous is loving humans without conditions, serving others and remaining steadfast in my faith.”
How has your skin-care routine changed since turning 40?
“Entering my mid-40s, I’ve found myself investing in quality skin-care products with proven results, most of which I have found in NewBeauty. I definitely take more time for weekly at-home facial scrubs, masks and exfoliating than I ever did prior. Consistency in daily regimens is a must. I see the value of tinted sunscreen, especially on days when I am less dolled up.”
Is there a must-have beauty product in your bag at all times?
“Something to stay hydrated at all times, whether it’s pH-balanced water, electrolytes, etc. And, I would genuinely be grief-stricken to live without Jan Marini’s product line.”
Do you have any favorite aesthetic treatments?
“Chemical peels have been my long-term go-to. The afterglow is unmatched. I absolutely love Hydrafacials, and I recently had an oxygen facial. Microneedling has been the treatment that supplies the best lasting results for me. Consistency is essential.”
What’s your most important skin-care step?
“Consistently cleansing my face, neck and chest daily, and staying hydrated from the inside. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!”
Almost everyone knows at least one person who’s been affected by breast cancer. Do you have anyone in your life you’d like to acknowledge?
“My long-term mentor and close friend. She handled herself with such grace. She tackled the difficult moments and surgeries in a manner to be emulated by others. She remained mindful of her life through gratitude for life itself. Her strength and wisdom have always been a source of inspiration for me.”
What other causes do you advocate for?
“Advocating for Bible literacy is most dear to my heart. Stewarding education for disadvantaged youth is at the core of my profession and my God-given assignment. And through Incito Schools, I am blessed to support Phoenix Children’s Hospital.”
KELLY MEEHAN-SLISKY
Kelly Meehan-Slisky, a Philly gal raised on the New Jersey border, has lived in Burlington County, NJ since 2018. She landed her dream career in Aesthetic Sales in 2020 and has advanced from a rookie inside sales rep to a senior specialist working with corporate clients. Over the past year, she lost over 65 pounds through weightlifting and cycling.
What does the notion that “beauty starts from within” mean to you?
“Having a beautiful, kind spirit is just as important as having a beautiful face. People will forget what you look like, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.”
You clearly look young on the outside, but what keeps you young at heart?
“Approaching life with a sense of humor and finding every opportunity to laugh with friends and family. In addition, I’d say art, music, travel, reading, SoulCycle and lifting weights.”
What advice you would give to someone who is concerned with getting older?
“It’s not as scary as people think it will be. It is important to remember that it’s a privilege, and if we take steps to care for our physical and mental health, the adjustment will be easier.”
How has your skin-care routine changed in your 40s?
“I have added serums like retinol, vitamin C and niacinamide. And, I never leave the house without SPF.”
What’s your beauty secret?
“It’s no secret, and I don’t gatekeep: I’m a Dysport fan through and through. I get mine every six months. I also love Hydrafacials. Seeing the ‘gunkie jar’ at the end is so oddly satisfying.”
How does it feel to be such a large part of raising funds specific to the National Breast Cancer Foundation?
“It brings tears to my eyes. I’m so grateful I was chosen to participate in this competition and help other women during the most difficult time in their lives. I’m blessed to be in the position to support them. My best friend’s stepmom Nicole recently beat breast cancer. She’s a warrior and deserves the recognition.”
Seeta Devi Poonai Giannone
Seeta Devi Poonai Giannone was born in Guyana, South America and moved to New York with her family at the age of eight. She’s spent the last 22 years in Sarasota, FL. With a bachelor’s degree in finance, she has built a distinguished 26-year career in healthcare accounting. Also a model, this beauty believes that professional growth and reinvention are possible at any stage of life.
What keeps you young at heart as you embrace this new chapter of life?
“I am 49-and-a-half years old, and I know the best is yet to come. I have raised my two children to be good human beings with morals and ethics, and I am genuinely enjoying this empty-nesting chapter of my life.”
At what point in your life did you not care what others thought about you?
“I threw worry to the wind after my divorce from a 24-year marriage. After that major life event, I gained a confidence that I didn’t know I even had inside of me. It sounds so cliché, but the stars shined brighter and the world became my oyster. My chapter two has become about trusting my intuition and not caring what others think about me.”
What is the must-have beauty product in your bag at all times?
How has your skin-care routine changed since turning 40?
“Since entering my 40s, I’ve become more diligent about moisturizing my face, neck and décolleté. My go-to for daily application is Olay Complete Moisturizing Lotion for normal skin, which has broad-spectrum SPF 15.”
How does it feel to be such a large part of raising funds specific to the National Breast Cancer Foundation?
“My mom and aunt have both been affected by breast cancer. My mom, who is very diligent about her annual exams and treatment regimen, has been cancer-free for over five years now. Early detection was the key to her diagnosis and prognosis. It is imperative that all women have access to annual mammograms for early detection since there is no cure yet.”
Nina Faucher
Nina Faucher, a devoted mother and licensed social worker in Albany, NY, has built a life centered on love and purpose. Married to her husband Greg for 19 years, she is the proud mom of three daughters—Alexandra, Jill and Ella—whom she had at 40. Caring for her late parents inspired her to return to work at 50, providing end-of-life care for the elderly.
What has impacted your personal growth and outlook on life after 40?
“Meeting Greg, my second husband, gave me a sense of peace and self-acceptance I’d never experienced. It was freeing to live in a way that felt right for me and my family, always knowing my husband was by my side. I grew stronger and more confident, and I realized the power of a positive mindset. It only took me 40 years to figure out, but better late than never!”
What is one skin-care product you can’t live without?
“A great night cream—I slather it on before bed every night—and sunscreen. Growing up, I spent too much time at the beach with baby oil, but now I’m diligent about using sunscreen daily. I have way too many products—I’m a total product junkie.”
Do you do any aesthetic treatments?
“I’m all about Botox and not ashamed of it. I love that women have choices about these things. I’ve also done fillers in my laugh lines.”
Almost everyone knows someone affected by breast cancer. Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge?
“Breast cancer has, unfortunately, been a big part of my life. My mom suffered with it four times. Losing her was devastating, and the disease loomed over our lives for years. Last year, I chose a prophylactic double mastectomy to reduce my risk. After the surgery, my doctor told me I’d dodged a bullet. My right breast was filled with precancerous clusters. I’m so grateful I took that step to protect my health.”
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Its Fab Over 40 competition serves as a fundraising campaign for DTCare, a United States 501(c) (3) public charity organization.
Colossal’s 2024 Fab Over 40 fundraiser resulted in a grant by DTCare for more than $6.9 million to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, bringing the total raised since 2022 to over $24 million. Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, NBCF is Helping Women Now by providing early detection, education and support services to those affected by breast cancer.
