Speaker: Celina Gorre, MPH, MPA, WomenHeart CEO
Celina Gorre, MPH, MPA: Good evening, everyone and welcome to the Heart of Gold Gala. My name is Celina Gorre and I am the CEO of WomenHeart, the National Coalition for Women With Heart Disease. It is such an honor to join you virtually tonight and I wish I could be there in person to celebrate this incredible occasion with you. For those of you who may not be familiar with WomenHeart, we are the nation's leading voice for the millions of women living with or at risk of heart disease. Since 1999, we've been dedicated to advancing women's heart health through education, advocacy and patient support. Our Champions, women who have lived with heart disease and now serve as community leaders and advocates, are key executors of our mission. Tonight, I want to highlight one extraordinary Champion, Kina, as a WomenHeart Champion, Kina has shown immense strength, resilience, and passion. She has turned her personal journey with heart disease into a mission to support other women, and her work with Hearts of Valor is a shining example of how one person can make a profound impact. Kina embodies what it means to be a WomenHeart Champion using her voice, her story and her unwavering commitment to empower and uplift others. We are so grateful to have her as part of the WomenHeart family. Kina, thank you so much for all that you do on behalf of women everywhere. Your leadership, compassion and dedication are nothing short of inspiring. The Heart of Gold Gala is a beautiful reflection of your vision and your heart and it's clear that you are making a difference every single day.
Celina Gorre, MPH, MPA: As I reflect on the mission of WomenHeart and the work that Hearts of Valor is doing, I'm reminded of how vital it is for organizations that care deeply about women's heart health to work together. Our missions are stronger when we collaborate because whether it's providing education, advocating for change or supporting patients, we're united by the shared goal of improving the health and saving lives of women. Hearts of Valor is a shining example of this collaborative spirit through its programming. Kina and her team are addressing the critical needs in the community and creating opportunities for connection, learning and empowerment. One of the standout programs of WomenHeart and Hearts of Valor is its patient support groups. These groups provide a safe and supportive space for women to share their experiences, learn from one another, and realize that they are not alone in their health journeys. At WomenHeart, we know how transformative peer support can be and it's inspiring to see Kina championing this approach through Hearts of Valor as well as in her role as a Champion. Another incredible aspect of the work is their participation in health fairs, bringing vital health education and resources directly into the community. These events make health education accessible and encourage proactive care which can make all the difference in preventing and managing heart disease. And let's not forget the CPR Academy. By providing free CPR training to youths age 10 to 17, Hearts of Valor is equipping the next generation with life saving skills and instilling a sense of responsibility and empowerment at an early age. This program not only saves lives but also builds a foundation of health awareness and community care that will ripple outward for years to come. Kina, the work you and your team are doing is nothing short of extraordinary. You're addressing needs that often go unmet and demonstrating how grassroots efforts can have a profound impact. Your programs are changing lives, indeed, saving them, and it's a privilege to support your efforts and share in this journey with you. To everyone here tonight, I encourage you to continue supporting this incredible organization together. We can amplify our impact and create a healthier future for all. Thank you again for being a very vital part, a special part, of this evening for supporting Kina's vision. I can't wait to see all that Hearts of Valor achieves alongside WomenHeart in the years to come. Have a wonderful rest of your evening.