Tiffany Dickerson, Baton Rouge

Our state advocacy committee is composed of individuals from across the state with different occupations, and a great interest in advocating for policy change for heart health issues. Today, we'd like you to meet Tiffany Dickerson of Baton Rouge. She has been an active volunteer for the American Heart Association since 2003 and looks forward to continuing in this leadership role for policy change in Louisiana.

Occupation: Executive Management Officer by day, comedian by night, small business owner and the former reigning Mrs. Baton Rouge 2016-2017.

Everyone has a reason to live a longer, healthier life. What’s yours? What is your WHY? I have two young, bright and beautiful kids who deserve to see me around until I’m at least 107 years young. We only have one life to live and one chance to get it right, which is why I try so hard to live a healthy, productive, spiritually, and mentally wholesome lifestyle.

Many people choose to volunteer for the American Heart Association because they’ve been impacted by heart disease or stroke. Do you have a personal connection to our nation’s No. 1 and 5 killers? In 2010, I had my only personal scare with heart pain, which was actually stress. I realized then that I needed to take inventory of my life and health. I also realized that I needed to pursue my dreams. I believe and support the efforts of the American Heart Association because I lost my maternal grandfather and grandmother, respectively to a heart attack and a stroke. Growing up these two individuals played an important role in my life because my mother died early of cancer and my father also was impacted by cancer. As a child, having grown up with both sets of my grandparents and even a pair of great-grandparents, was an amazing feeling that many kids do not experience. However, my children never had the chance to meet my grandparents. I often wonder if my grandparents' life expectancy would have been different had they known the warning signs and had more preventative care. I love outreach and educating others on how to live the best and healthiest life possible. 

How long have you been volunteering for the American Heart Association? Since 2003

What interests you about advocating for policies that help create healthier communities and protect heart disease and stroke patients? We can all talk a good talk but the real work to impact long lasting change takes place in government, Capitol Hill with legislative officials who want to be change agents through legislation and policies.

What health issues are you most passionate about? Cancer, heart disease/stroke and diabetes.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I really don’t have a lot of spare time, but when I can squeeze it in, I truly enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband and two children, mentoring young business women, and researching potential financial investments.

What does your perfect day look like? My perfect day would look like me not making any decisions or responding to calls, emails and texts. I would pamper myself, enjoy a delicious and healthy meal, and simply relax, which is a luxury for me.