Hola! My name is Xiomara Encarnacion, and I am an Agency Relations Regional Manager with Feed More. I am also a proud Latina living in Richmond, Virginia, and a Proud member of the Central Virginia American Heart Association’s Board of Directors.
As a Hispanic woman, the American Heart Association’s mission is deeply personal to me. Heart disease is not only the No. 1 killer of women, but it disproportionately affects our Latino community. Stroke is the third leading cause of death among Hispanic women and the fourth among Hispanic men. Even more concerning is that women are significantly less likely to receive bystander CPR, with Hispanic women being even less likely.
This reality fuels my passion for change. As a board member, my focus is on bridging these gaps and empowering our community with knowledge. I’ve taken every opportunity to appear on local Spanish-language media to educate our community about atrial fibrillation, stroke warning signs, nutrition, and heart health. I’ve also made it a point to learn and teach Hands-Only CPR in Spanish, ensuring that our community has access to this lifesaving skill.
During this Hispanic Heritage Month, I invite you to join me in promoting heart health by making heart-smart choices like looking for Heart-Check foods that support a healthier lifestyle. Together, we can take charge of our health and ensure a brighter, healthier future for our families.
Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!
Con Corazón,
Xiomara Encarnacion