Why do I spend so much time on a cause like raising money for the American Heart Association?

Good Question. I’m glad you asked.

For me, it comes down to leadership—both professionally and personally.

Professionally, I choose to stand alongside influential leaders in our community because real impact requires all of us. We influence peers. We set the tone. We raise our hands first. As Heart Coaches, we lead because this cause affects our workplaces, our employees, and our industries—and we believe in it.

In the utility industry, this couldn’t be more real:
In the U.S., 1 in 25 construction workers has already been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. (hardhats.heart.org)
That statistic represents the people behind the hard hats—the ones who keep our systems running and our communities powered. Leadership means stepping up for them.

Personally, I lead this effort for my family. Four and a half years ago, I received a phone call from my mom saying she was taking my dad to the emergency room. I heard the words no daughter wants to hear: “He’s having a heart attack. They’ll need to transfer him to Evansville.” Within 24 hours, he was at Deaconess Gateway undergoing open‑heart surgery.
At the time, I was the only daughter—and a new mom myself, with a five‑month‑old baby. Instinctively, I went into planning mode. My dad is strong—anyone who knows him knows that. But was my mom okay? Who needed to be informed? What did everyone need? How could I stay grounded enough to lead my family through the unknown?
The most important thing I realized in that moment was this: I needed to stay strong so my mom could rest. That’s leadership too.

That’s why I’m making the ask today.

Donating is one of the easiest things we can do.

We spend money every day on items far less impactful than what this donation can mean—saving time, funding research, educating workers, and giving families more moments together.

So today, as a leader, I’m asking my fellow leaders to step in.
There are three ways to participate:
1.) Join my team and walk
2.) Donate personally
3.) Donate as a business
(And if you’re compelled to do all three—lots of points in my leadership book.)

It doesn’t take long. But the impact lasts for years.
Thank you to everyone who chooses to lead through action.
You are truly a Heart Leader.
Jenna