ARLINGTON, Dec. 11, 2025 --The American Heart Association Eastern States Region proudly celebrated its 2025 Volunteer Award Winners, recognizing three extraordinary honorees whose leadership and advocacy are transforming lives. The Association is the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all.
The Distinguished Achievement Award
This award recognizes significant recent contributions to the region's success. Amry Junaideen, immediate past-chair of the Greater Washington Region Board of Directors, was honored for his visionary leadership and measurable impact. Since joining the Board in 2021, Junaideen has strengthened volunteer engagement, championed CPR education and advanced initiatives addressing hypertension, nutrition security and equitable access to care.
Junaideen’s collaborative leadership style strengthened the Board, inspired deeper volunteer commitment, and cultivated partnerships that elevated the market’s reach and influence. His legacy is one of stronger partnerships, and mission-driven results.
The Young Hearts Award
The Young Hearts Award recognizes the Association’s young volunteers within the region for their exceptionally outstanding contribution to the mission and goals.
Kennedy Shivers and Aubrey Spiess are extraordinary young leaders whose courage and compassion make them ideal recipients of this honor. Both were born with complex congenital heart defects and have turned their experiences into powerful advocacy for heart health.
As Youth Heart Ambassadors at Bristow Run Elementary in Prince William County, Virginia, they’ve been top fundraisers for the school’s Kids Heart Challenge, raising over $15,000 and inspiring hundreds of classmates. They’ve bravely shared their stories during school assemblies, encouraging others to learn CPR and support the American Heart Association.
Their impact extends beyond the classroom as they’ve participated in news interviews and created inspiring videos uplifting other heart warriors and their families. At the 2025 Heart Ball, Shivers and Speiss were featured as the Open Your Heart honorees, moving the audience to tears and helping raise more than $1.3 million for lifesaving research and programs.
“We are honored to celebrate these extraordinary individuals whose passion and commitment drive our mission forward,” said Soula Antoniou, executive director of the American Heart Association. “Their efforts remind us that together, we can create a world of longer, healthier lives.”
The American Heart Association extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the honorees and invites the community to join us in advancing health and hope. Learn more about our mission and how you can get involved at www.heart.org/dc.
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About 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:
Roxana Hoveyda, 703-248-1712, roxana.hoveyda@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 800-AMERICAN HEART
ASSOCIATION-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org
