Advocate Spotlight: Julia Dangerfield

Meet Julia Dangerfield, Corporate Events Director for AHA. Julia covers the Grand Forks, ND; Fargo, ND; and Detroit Lakes, MN, markets. Find out why she joined AHA and what motivates her to advocate for others.

What brought you to be an advocate for the American Heart Association?

I wanted to continue my career in nonprofit work and move closer to my home community of Crookston, MN after living out of the area for the past 11 years. The Corporate Events Director position with the American Heart Association was a perfect fit as I oversee communities that are very familiar to me. Combining my passion for nonprofit work with my desire to be closer to home, family and friends was an amazing opportunity. I am having a blast promoting heart health, meeting community partners and hosting fundraising events so close to home!

What issues or policies are you most passionate about and why?

The current healthcare situation is a concern to a lot of American’s who don’t have access to affordable health care. Having worked with low income individuals for the past 5 years, I truly hope that Congress will develop a plan that provides affordable, accessible and adequate health care for our nation.

What is your favorite advocacy memory or experience so far and what made it great?

When I decided to move back “up north”, it was a big decision with a lot of uncertainty but fortunately, there have been a lot of signs that I am where I am supposed to be. My neighbor, Jaxon, is a survivor of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. At only 4 years old he’s had several open-heart surgeries and even though he doesn’t like to show off his scars anymore, he did show me one night when I was hanging out at their house. I love getting to see him play outside with his dog, be an amazing big brother and he’s probably the cutest MN Wild fan around! I know how blessed I am to be living next door to such an amazing family who welcomed me with open arms.

What is your favorite way to be active?

Swimming, yoga, kayaking and canoeing. I may take a stab at paddle boarding this summer too, stay tuned!

What is your favorite fruit or vegetable and any tips for how you serve or prepare it?

I am obsessed with vegetables but my favorite is probably a whole tomato with a little bit of sea salt on it (eat it like an apple). I do actually cook sometimes too and always look forward to kohlrabi in the summer. I skin it, slice it and cook it in a pan with a little EVOO and some sea salt, yummy!