Ten Tri-County community influencers of all ages lead effort Announced

The American Heart Association’s® Woman of Impact™ & Teen of Impact™ nominees champion heart health through fundraising and philanthropy initiatives

To kick off February as American Heart Month, six community leaders and four teens in the Tri-County area are joining the American Heart Association to fight their number one health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD) through the Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact initiatives. The two initiatives support the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, according to a press release.

As the Association celebrates its 100^th birthday, efforts driven by these nominees will be key as the organization enters its second century of saving lives and advancing health and hope for everyone. Nominees participating in Woman of Impact will raise funds and awareness to support the Go Red for Women® movement and women’s health and well-being, and Teen of Impact nominees are working to support equitable health for all people living in the Tri-Countyarea.

Business leaders to spearhead local effort in the fight against heart disease and stroke(Opens in a new browser tab)

The release went on to say, “Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, so it’s vital for people of all ages to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same,” said Courtney Lockshaw, Development Director of the American Heart Association in Northeast Ohio. “While we have made a lot of progress over the last century, there is still a lot of work to be done. I am here to encourage others to raise their voices and make sure the Tri-County community knows how to take steps now to protect our hearts later – and each of the nominees is helping champion that message and bring our work directly to even more people.” 

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact initiatives launch in hundreds of cities across the country on National Wear Red Day, February 2. At the start of the campaign, hundreds of nominees nationwide embark on a nine-week journey to help transform heart health through education and fundraising. Each week, nominees and their team members participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and health equity. Activities may include educational events, learning and spreading the word about CPR, getting active, recruiting friends and family to participate in research, and more.

Tri-County 2024 Woman of Impact Nominees are:

• Julianna Begalla – Farmers National Bank
• Lynn Hart Bilal – Gloris Counseling Services
• Stephanie Gilchrist – City of Youngstown
• Jenn Knight – Daiichi Sankyo
• Shannon Reigrut – NextHome GO30 Realty
• Veronica Crafter Srinivasan – Power Cellular Solutions, LLC

Tri-County 2024 Teen of Impact Nominees are:

• Ellie Davies
• Giada Ezzo
• Liv Reichard
• Anna Vennetti

After the campaign ends on April 4, one nominee from each campaign will be named the Tri-County 2024 Woman of Impact Winner and Tri-County 2024 Teen of Impact Winner. In addition to local market winners, one nominee from each campaign across the country will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner and Teen of Impact Winner.

Parker wins the Live Fierce Award for American Heart Association(Opens in a new browser tab)

“By using their influence, their local networks and their unique experiences, these volunteers are able to make a measurable difference in the Tri-County area and we are so grateful for each of them,” said Lisa Wheeler-Cooper, Executive Director of the American Heart Association in Northeast Ohio. “The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact initiatives truly embody the power of coming together to create important and lasting change for good.”

While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to take the life of 1 in 3 people.