American Heart Association names 2026 Heart of Cleveland Guiding Values Awards Winners
CLEVELAND – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary organization focused on heart and brain health for all, proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 Greater Cleveland Heart & Stroke Ball Guiding Values Awards.
Kenneth Zahka, MD, Pediatric Cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, was named the winner of the Extending & Improving People’s Lives award, sponsored by The Durham Family
This award recognizes Dr. Kenneth Zahka’s relentless dedication to advocating for every young heart warrior.
Dr. Zahka’s work closely reflects the American Heart Association’s mission to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. He is widely recognized by his peers for advancing the understanding of how genetic mutations impact cardiovascular health, enabling earlier diagnosis and more personalized care for high-risk patients. His work on heart valve conditions and irregular heart rhythms in children has helped clinicians better identify which young patients are at risk and how to prevent serious complications, including sudden cardiac events. His work not only gives families more time with their children, but also improves quality of life for patients around the world.
The impact of Dr. Zahka’s work extends far beyond the exam room. Patients and their families consistently praise his advocacy, compassion, and commitment to care. Parents credit him not only with guiding their child’s medical journey, but also with helping them find strength, navigate uncertainty, and embrace life fully, rather than simply surviving.
Andrei Maiseyeu, PhD, Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University was named the winner of the Bringing Science to Life award, sponsored by Millcraft Paper.
This award recognizes Dr. Andrei Maiseyeu’s dedicated work to turn scientific discoveries into real treatments that can save lives. He embodies the American Heart Association’s mission by working to bridge the gap between basic chemistry and lifesaving cardiovascular therapies.
Dr. Maiseyeu’s work focuses on finding new ways to treat and target inflammation in neurological and cardiovascular diseases. By creating innovative tools that help doctors more precisely target and treat these conditions, he is helping pave the way for more effective care for people living with heart disease and heart failure.
Just as importantly, he is shaping the future of science itself. Dr. Maiseyeu has mentored more than 30 students and researchers, many of whom have gone on to secure their own funding, including American Heart Association fellowships. He has also opened doors for middle and high school students across the Greater Cleveland region, giving them their first glimpse into real-world science and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Jazmin Long, President & CEO of Birthing Beautiful Communities, is the winner of the Live Fierce. Stand for All award, sponsored by The Jacobs Family.
This award recognizes Jazmin Long’s unwavering dedication to maternal health and her commitment to ensuring no one is left behind.
Long is the President and CEO of Birthing Beautiful Communities to address and improve systemic and community factors that contribute to poor birth outcomes, with a focus on culture, advocacy, support and engagement. Through this nonprofit, she has grown a grassroots vision into a statewide model that is transforming what safe, supported motherhood looks like.
Under her leadership, the organization has achieved a 91% full-term birth rate. She also led the development of Ohio’s first Black-led freestanding birth center in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood, creating a place grounded in dignity, trust and community.
Long continues to expand her impact, now reaching more than 2,000 families across Northeast Ohio. By recognizing that maternal health is foundational to heart health and to the well-being of entire communities, Long lives the mission of the American Heart Association in every sense.
"We are proud to honor Dr. Zahka, Dr. Maiseyeu and Jazmin Long for their exceptional contributions to health and well-being in our community," said Shelley Webber, executive director of the American Heart Association, Greater Cleveland. "Their dedication and leadership inspire us all to strive for healthier lives for everyone, everywhere."
The Guiding Values Awards highlight the American Heart Association's commitment to promoting cardiovascular health and advancing research to improve outcomes for individuals and communities. These deserving winners exemplify the organization's values of compassion, innovation and advocacy.
The three recipients were honored during the American Heart Association’s 32nd annual Greater Cleveland Heart & Stroke Ball on Friday, June 12, at Hilton Cleveland Downtown.
For more information about the American Heart Association Greater Cleveland and its initiatives, please visit www.heart.org/ohio.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173
Monique Zappa; Monique.Zappa@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
