ARLINGTON, VA, December 16, 2024 – The American Heart Association (AHA) Eastern States Region celebrated its 2024 Volunteer Award Winners, recognizing individuals and companies for their long-time commitment and dedication to the cause. This year, the Greater Washington Region celebrates five awardees. The American Heart Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all.
"We are thrilled to honor these outstanding volunteers and organizations," said Amry Junaideen, chair of the AHA Greater Washington Region Board of Directors. "Their support is vital to our mission of saving and improving lives in our community and around the world."
Leidos, Corporate Leadership Award
This award recognizes companies that demonstrate exemplary support of the AHA's mission through fundraising, education, volunteer leadership, and employee engagement over five years or more. Leidos received the Corporate Leadership Award for their decade-long support. Since 2014, Leidos has been a major supporter of the Heart Walk raising over $810,000. Their signature purple has become a symbol of unity and community, and this year they had 36 teams and 411 walkers. Key leaders like Vicki Schmanske, President of the Leidos Commercial & International Sector, and Jeff Bosick, Vice President of the Health IT Division, have been pivotal in their efforts.
Jude Maboné, Health Equity Leadership Award
This award recognizes volunteers who advance health equity, diversity, and inclusion. Jude Maboné was honored for her leadership and advocacy. At 16, Jude had her first heart attack, which ignited her passion for helping others. As Miss America DC 2023, she championed the AHA, sharing her story at every opportunity. Maboné became the top fundraiser in the market’s 2023 Leaders of Impact campaign, participated in countless media interviews and speaking engagements, and testified before the DC government for Cardiac Emergency Response plans. She was also the keynote speaker for AHA’s Alaska Fairbanks Go Red luncheon and will head to Anchorage as their Go Red keynote in 2025. Moboné continues her advocacy work while studying at the University of Michigan.
Cynthia Cifuentes and Ameya Kulkarni, MD, Distinguished Achievement Award
This award recognizes significant recent contributions to the region's success. Kaiser Permanente’s Cynthia Cifuentes and Dr. Ameya Kulkarni received this honor for their leadership and dedication. They co-chaired the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk in 2022 and 2023, with Cynthia also leading the event in 2021. Kaiser Permanente has donated $890,000 over the past five years and raised an additional $56,982 through participant contributions. Cifuentes and
Kulkarni have been active in media outreach, with Cifuentes participating in both English and Spanish-language interviews. As a cardiologist, Kulkarni has contributed to community conversations hosted by the AHA and Kaiser Permanente, along with countless interviews and CPR training events.
Andrea Wongsam, Leadership Legacy Award
This award honors exceptional long-term service to the AHA's mission. Andrea Wongsam was recognized for her unwavering dedication since 2009. Wongsam began sharing her inspiring story with the AHA, quickly becoming a beacon of hope and resilience. She was chosen as a National Go Red spokesperson, using her platform to passionately advocate for women's cardiovascular health. Her commitment is evident through her powerful speeches at events, engaging in numerous media interviews, participation in the annual Heart Walk with her team, “I’ve Got Rhythm,” and her volunteer efforts at many AHA events. In 2024, Wongsam was the top fundraiser for the GWR Woman of Impact Campaign. She was also a keynote speaker at Heart’s Delight Wine Tasting & Auction where she helped raise $150,000 and her story brought the crowd to their feet.
The AHA extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees and looks forward to their continued partnership in the fight against heart disease and stroke.
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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.
Media Contact:
Roxana Hoveyda: roxana.hoveyda@heart.org
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