Stories of progress, inspiration, and information in overcoming osteosarcoma.

Meet Mashale Straker

Mashale Straker, Finance and Accounting Associate, supports the finance department at the Osteosarcoma Institute’s Dallas office.

In May 2023, Mashale Straker joined the Osteosarcoma Institute (OSI)’s office in Dallas, Texas. She cares deeply about the mission to dramatically increase treatment options and survival rates in osteosarcoma patients. The team’s growth is a testament to the effectiveness of the OSI’s recent fundraising and will provide more support to the organization.

We spoke with Mashale to learn about her previous experiences and what excites her about the OSI.

Mashale Straker, Finance and Accounting Associate

Mashale earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. She has nearly 10 years of audit and non-profit accounting experience and previously worked as an accounting manager for a charter school management organization in New York City.

A native New Yorker, Mashale — and her miniature poodle Chase — moved to Dallas in 2022. Mashale is excited to use her financial expertise to help the OSI advance osteosarcoma research.

What intrigued you about the position?

The mission drew me in. When I was around nine years old, my sister’s boyfriend died of bone cancer. It was a very traumatic experience for my sister and our families. Those memories came back when I read this job description. It is nice to see that there are organizations out there that are specifically fighting these diseases.

How does your role support the larger mission of the OSI?

I handle the day-to-day finances, which means managing payables, receivables, and the grant schedule and preparing periodic financial statements and the annual budget. As the OSI continues to grow, I will also work closely with the development team to provide financial transparency to donors

From a financial standpoint, what excites you about the OSI’s mission?

I can tell from the financials that, by keeping administrative costs low, the majority of the OSI’s funding is going toward research and patient support. It is very clear that the OSI is sticking to its core mission and purpose — to drive osteosarcoma research.