The American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact™ nominees work to advance health and hope for everyone everywhere through community fundraising and philanthropy
The American Heart Association believes that everyone everywhere deserves the opportunity to live a full, healthy life. That’s why six Lehigh Valley and Berks leaders are joining the Association’s Leaders of Impact™ initiative, working to remove barriers to equitable health for the residents in their community by helping raise critical funds and needed awareness. According to the American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of lifesaving service in 2024, health inequities related to uncontrolled high blood pressure rates, tobacco use, lack of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), access to healthy food and life expectancy gaps can impact 80% of health outcomes.
“The American Heart Association is continuing the pursuit of a world free of cardiovascular disease and stroke, through community-based efforts such as Leaders of Impact,” said Marisa Carrodo, development manager and campaign impact lead. “This program allows Lehigh Valley and Berks leaders and stakeholders to be a part of the solution to changing health outcomes and raise the profile of ways that we can create healthier lives right here at home.”
Leaders of Impact, a nationwide initiative, launched in more than 150 cities across the country on Oct. 17. At the beginning of the campaign, hundreds of volunteer nominees nationwide will take part in a seven-week competition to improve their local community health. Participants are challenged with completing tasks throughout the program leveraging 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.
Lehigh Valley and Berks ’s 2024 Leaders of Impact Nominees are:
Dannah Hartman, Chief Marketing Officer, Ben Franklin Technology Partners
Edith Gutierrez, Hawbaker, Founder & Creative Director, Te Lo Juro Collective
Jeremy Estremera, Account Manager, Stryker Medical
Jordan Galasso & Anthony Migliori, Fit AF, Team Mission Nutrition
Katie Santana, President, ASR Media
Meghan Burke, Marketing Director, The Lotus Restaurant Group
On Dec. 4, one nominee will be named the Lehigh Valley and Berks 2024 Leaders of Impact winner. In addition to the local community winners, one changemaker identified from across the country will also be named the National Leaders of Impact Winner.
“At the American Heart Association, our future is about improving yours. We are thrilled that these leaders have joined us in our relentless efforts to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere but especially in our local community” said Justin Keiper, board chair, Lehigh Valley and Berks Board of Directors. “We are committed to removing barriers to equitable health through our work in communities, supporting groundbreaking scientific research and advocating for healthy policies. The Leaders of Impact nominees are playing a pivotal role in driving change and ensuring that all people have the opportunity to live healthier lives”.
For more information on the Leaders of Impact Initiative or to support one of this year’s nominees, visit heart.org/lvberksheartball.