Devon Mitchell, an American Heart Association local volunteer and franchise owner at Anytime Fitness in Delaware, is the 2023 National Leaders of Impact™ Winner. Mitchell, one of the 295 leaders in cities across the country, worked to improve heart health in his community while raising funds to fuel the mission of the Association. The Leaders of Impact campaign pairs community leaders in a head-to-head competition to support the health equity work of the American Heart Association by combatting the social determinants of health - including structural racism, lack of access to quality healthcare and scarcity of healthy food options. These factors can directly impact life expectancy which can vary by up to 20 years depending on where someone lives.[1]
Mitchell earned this prestigious recognition for his support of the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all. Funds raised through Leaders of Impact will support the Association's efforts to advance cardiovascular health for all which includes identifying and improving health equity by advocating for healthy policies and driving system and environmental changes. As the national winner, Mitchell will be recognized across the country and will be celebrated locally at the 67th annual Heart of Philadelphia Heart Ball on March 23 at the National Constitution Center.
"The community leaders that participated in this campaign represent trailblazers in cities across the country that are dedicated to making a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of future generations," said Marsha E. Jones, volunteer chairperson of the board of the American Heart Association. "Devon's hard work and commitment, along with all nominees, will only help amplify our mission and fuel our critical work."
Mitchell is a franchise owner and coach with a passion for improving health and wellness within the Philadelphia community. His inspiring journey began with a phone call from his best friend who had suffered a heart attack during a triathlon. Mitchell wants the care and treatment his friend received to be available to everyone, everywhere.
"Embracing this opportunity was a natural choice," Mitchell said. "As a gym franchise owner, I recognize my distinctive position, allowing me to channel my profound passion into meaningful action to improve the health and wellness within my community. I am not merely a business owner; I am a steward of well-being entrusted with the responsibility to cultivate a positive impact."
This year the annual Leaders of Impact campaign launched on Sept. 29, World Heart Day, and culminated on Nov. 15, National Philanthropy Day. Participants were nominated by the Association's peer volunteers to participate in the seven-week initiative where they worked to raise awareness for heart disease and stroke, drive action to improve health and fund the mission of the American Heart Association.
