I’m proud to be on a team of changemakers making a real impact on the state of women’s health.
Being the first from a family of blue-collar workers to graduate from college inspires me every day to encourage young students to follow their dreams. My passion from an early age has always been Science and as I progressed through my education my love of scientific research and also my ability to foster and mentor individuals that will eventually pursue careers in various scientific and medical fields grew with each step. I joined HMRI in 2021 to pursue two passions: research on intracellular signaling pathways involved in cardiovascular disease, and training and nurturing the next generation of scientists and doctors. In addition to my role as Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Signaling, I serve as Scientific Director of HMRI’s Postdoctoral, SURF, and STEM Program for high school students in the Pasadena community. I have mentored over 50 trainees, most of which have been from disadvantaged backgrounds at all stages in their careers and I understand the commitment and guidance required to build a foundation for trainees to thrive and reach their goals. Also, as a woman I feel a strong responsibility to promote other women to reach their full potential to become more engaged in their community through volunteerism and leadership.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. The American Heart Association Go Red for Women movement’s Woman of Impact campaign is working to change that. The recent fires in California increase the risk of cardiovascular events significantly, and those with pre-existing heart conditions are most vulnerable. As an educator I am committed to raising funds to make sure that everyone is trained especially young people in CPR and has the resources and knowledge to save a life!
Teaching CPR to young people can have a profound impact, both on the individual and on society as a whole. The benefits of equipping the younger generation with life-saving skills are numerous and far-reaching.
Increased Chances of Survival in Emergencies: When young people are trained in CPR, they are more likely to act in emergency situations when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. Quick intervention, especially within the first few minutes, can significantly improve the likelihood of survival. CPR buys valuable time until medical professionals arrive, making it crucial for everyone, regardless of age, to be prepared.
Empowerment and Confidence: CPR training gives young people the confidence to step up and take action in stressful situations. It empowers them to handle emergencies calmly, knowing they have the skills to help. This sense of competence can extend beyond emergency scenarios, helping them build resilience and problem-solving abilities in other areas of their lives.
Promotion of Health Awareness: Learning CPR often goes hand in hand with gaining a greater understanding of cardiovascular health, which can inspire young people to lead healthier lifestyles. When they know the importance of heart health and what to do in case of emergencies, they are more likely to advocate for their own well-being and that of others.
Community Impact: In communities where young people are trained in CPR, the overall level of preparedness and awareness increases. Schools, clubs, and other youth organizations can become hubs of life-saving knowledge, leading to more people being equipped to handle emergencies. A young person with CPR training can become a valuable resource to their family, friends, and community.
Lifelong Skill: CPR training is a skill that stays with individuals for life. Since cardiac arrest can happen at any time and in any place, the ability to administer CPR remains relevant long after the training. Teaching it to young people ensures that there is a higher chance that this skill will be used when needed.
Developing a Culture of Safety and Responsibility: Introducing CPR in schools and youth programs cultivates a culture where safety and responsibility are prioritized. It encourages young people to think critically, act responsibly, and take care of one another. In a world where emergencies can happen unexpectedly, these values are incredibly important.
It’s not just about wearing red. It’s not just about sharing heart health facts. It’s about all women connecting and committing to stand together against our greatest health threat. Your donation will directly help support CPR education in the Pasadena Unified School District that has been impacted by the recent wildfires. Help me save a life!!!
The time is now. Are you with me? To support my campaign, click the Donate button.