HOLLYWOOD, Fla., November 19, 2025– Ashley Chacko, senior vice president at HOPCo has been named the American Heart Association Broward 2025 Leaders of Impact™ winner for her work supporting the Heart Association’s mission of creating a world of longer, healthier lives for all.

“Ashley and every Leaders of Impact nominee have shown remarkable dedication over the last seven weeks,” said Milena Robison, development director, American Heart Association. “From funding lifesaving research to spreading CPR awareness and advocating for health for everyone, everywhere, their work strengthens our community and supports the American Heart Association’s vision of longer, healthier lives for all.”

In the fight against heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.,[1] the American Heart Association trains and certifies millions in CPR, equipping everyday people with the skills to save lives. Through relationships with food banks and community organizations, the Heart Association connects people with healthy food to improve the health of families at home. Research funded through the Heart Association has helped countless people survive heart disease and stroke, while supporting the next generation of scientific talent.

“Being part of Leaders of Impact means a lot to me personally because raising awareness about heart disease in Broward is so important,” said Chacko. “I believe that even small, consistent efforts can build up to make a big, lasting difference over time. Our goal is to help everyone in our community have the chance to live a long, healthy life. I’m dedicated to making a real, lasting impact on the health and well-being of Broward County.”

For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has led the charge to improve health and access to care for all—investing in groundbreaking research, educating healthcare professionals and patients, and advocating for policies that save lives. In Broward, the Association is focused on equipping our community with the knowledge and resources to respond in a cardiac emergency, improving blood pressure and diabetes management, and ensuring new mothers have access to essential maternal health resources.

Leaders of Impact launched on Sept. 18 in hundreds of cities across the nation and culminated on Nov. 5. Each nominee’s participation was focused on opportunities to be a changemaker with a shared purpose to raise critical awareness and fund the mission of the American Heart Association.

Other local nominees included: 

  • Macy Sedlacek, Terra Buckley Group
  • Wayne Boulier, Broward College

For more information about Leaders of Impact and a list of all the 2025 nominees, please visit leadersofimpact.heart.org.

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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.   

For Media Inquiries:

Melissa Solis, Melissa.Solis@heart.org

Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org