Advocate Spotlight - Liz Jirschele

Meet Liz Jirschele! Our New Madison WI Communications Coordinator!

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

My maternal grandparents passed away from stoke when my mom was only 13 and 14 years old. Then, when I was 16 years old my mom had a mini-stroke/TIA. Realizing this was a genetic issue, my mom along with the rest of my family made a change towards healthier lifestyles in order to prevent another stroke. The AHA provides incredible educational resources to families on how to cut down on salt/sugar in the diet, as well as how to stay active.

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

This is a hard one. I am passionate about so many things the AHA does and stands for. From physical education in schools, to CPR training being expanded, to healthy food access- there are so many issues that are easy to get behind and be passionate about.

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

In my past work with AHA, I was a campaign manager for physical activity initiatives in Northwest Wisconsin. I worked with a gentleman that was just a “normal” community member that was concerned about bike trails in his town. To experience his passion and tenacity for physical activity in his community was so liberating. He stood up to some large organizations and fought for his community. It really emphasized the importance of us (AHA) building up community members to become advocates in their local areas. Everyone has a story!

What is your favorite way to be active?

I love to do things in team atmospheres. Whether that is a boot camp, basketball pick-up game, sand volleyball, etc. I love to mix it up!

What is your favorite fruit or vegetable?

How do I pick!? Top 5 in no particular order: strawberries, watermelon, asparagus, brussel sprouts, red peppers