Each year, the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region (AHA GWR) convenes a group of dedicated philanthropic leaders who are passionate about improving the health of our community. These leaders—survivors, allies, advocates, and more—share our vision for a future of longer, healthier lives.
Through the Leaders of Impact campaign, AHA GWR and other local AHA regions nominate leaders to embark on a seven-week philanthropic competition, leveraging their networks to create an impact in their community. By forming Impact Teams, participants use their collective influence to educate their communities on the symptoms and warning signs of heart disease and stroke, raise critical dollars to help fund lifesaving research and advocate for the health and well-being of all.
At the end of the campaign, one nominee will be named the local Leaders of Impact winner for the Greater Washington Region. Additionally, the nominee who makes the biggest impact across the country will be named the 2024 National Leaders of Impact Winner.
Nominees for the Greater Washington Region Leaders of Impact campaign come from diverse backgrounds. Among them are a survivor, an emergency services executive, a technology executive, a public health leader, a health executive, a student advocate and one of VOGUE’s “Most Influential Woman of Washington” – all united around a vision for fighting heart disease, the number one killer worldwide and stroke, the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.
Here’s more about each of the nominees.
Alexis Squire is the Deputy Chief of Staff for the DC Fire and EMS Department, where she works to improve access to care, supportive services, and emergency response for all DC residents. She’s also a leader in philanthropy, previously serving as the District’s Chief Service Officer and director of The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships in Washington DC.
A third-generation Washingtonian and mother of two young boys, Alexis is driven to create a better world for them, advocating for systemic change that will benefit future generations. Alexis plans to use her platform as a Leader of Impact to advocate for improving heart health outcomes for Black women, shedding light on the disparities that impact their well-being. Get to know Alexis.
Bianka Sacks is a junior at Georgetown University, studying psychology and government. Bianka’s commitment is driven by the memory of her father, Kenneth Sacks, who was born with a congenital heart defect and passed away nearly three years ago, following complications from a cardiac arrhythmia he experienced five years ago. Kenneth’s outcome might have been different if a better plan had been in place at the gym where he went into cardiac arrest. His life and legacy inspire her work to raise awareness about the vital role of AEDs in improving survival rates, strengthen AED laws, and advocate for the passage of comprehensive Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERP) into law to better safeguard our communities.
Through her Leaders of Impact campaign, Bianka is supported by her family—Brianna, Maxwel, Charleen, and Evan Sacks—as well as a large group of friends. Together, they form the team known as Kenneth Sacks’ Lifeline: Hearts in Action. Get to know Bianka and her family.
Erin Adelekun is a passionate stroke and aphasia survivor, advocate and the creator of her Instagram account stroke.mama. She uses her platform to document her recovery journey after surviving a massive stroke, which happened just nine days after she gave birth and left her with aphasia, a condition that affects speech and comprehension. In the four years since, Erin has had to relearn how to walk and talk – and she’s found community with other survivors along the way.
After her experience of not initially having her stroke symptoms taken seriously, Erin advocates for others to be strong advocates for their health. Through her “stroke.mama” page, she aims to inspire fellow stroke and brain injury survivors. Get to know Erin.
Ezedube Eze is the executive director of Medical Facilities of America, with over a decade of experience in Nursing Home Administration. He is committed to improving care coordination and health outcomes for older adults. He is on the board of JSSA, an organization focused on supporting the overall wellness of its clients across various stages of life. Through his work, he recognizes that maintaining a healthy heart is vital to overall well-being. Heart health is personal for Ezedube; his father and brothers are affected by heart disease. Through the Leaders of Impact campaign, he aims to improve the heart health of Black men of all ages. Get to know Ezedube.
Jeanine Finch is an external affairs manager at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, where she champions health equity and access. Jeanine’s career has long prioritized public service, with previous roles in local government. Recognized as a 2022 Northern Virginia 40 Under 40 and a 2024 Alexandria Chamber 40 Under 40 Honoree for her dedication to advancing community wellbeing in Northern Virginia, Jeanine is driven by values of public service, community improvement and leaving her community better than she found it.
Jeanine plans to use her platform as a leader of Impact to raise awareness about heart disease in her community, promote CPR education, and support initiatives to improve access to healthy food and quality healthcare. Get to know Jeanine.
Joe Paul is the founder and CEO of OptimaNova AI, driving business growth through AI technologies. He also serves as the Executive Director of Black Men Vote, leading efforts to boost voter engagement and political participation among Black men. Joe has received a number of professional accolades as a community leader.
Seeing the effects of heart disease and stroke on people close to him inspired Joe to take steps to improve his own health through healthy eating and exercise. He is passionate about health equity, community service, and addressing social determinants of health. Get to know Joe.
Kristen Jones has been recognized as one of VOGUE Most Influential Woman of Washington and one of VIP Alexandria Magazine’s Alexandria’s Most Inspiring Women, along with many other professional and leadership awards for her career in real estate. Kristen’s participation in Leaders of Impact is inspired by her deep commitment to her community and the wellbeing of her neighbors in the Greater Washington Region.
Motivated by her passion for improving local health, she is also participating in honor of her family, some of whom have a history of heart disease, which has inspired her to prioritize her own health. Get to know Kristen.
The Leaders of Impact campaign will run from October 17 to December 4, 2024. In 2023, Jude Maboné, former Miss District of Columbia and six-time heart attack survivor was the local campaign winner, raising more than $40,000 for the AHA’s lifesaving mission.
Learn more about the campaign and support the nominees here.