Meet Kendra Krueger, Advocacy Project Coordinator, who is located in Jamestown, ND. Kendra helps support Government Relations and Grassroots work for North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska.
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thumbnail_alt_text===Photo of Kendra Krueger, Project Coordinator hiking
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What brought you work for the American Heart Association?
As I was looking for my next career opportunity nearly 4 years ago I found an opening at the American Heart Association. I realized quickly that this position would fuel my passion for advocacy while helping Advocates to gain their voice to improve their lives and others. My belief in AHA’s mission began with my family. My mom was diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Defect at the age of 38. After having her heart converted 5 times over the last 12 years the importance of the medical research, early detection, and a healthy lifestyle have become even more real to me. With other family members and friends battling COPD, blood clotting disorders, and a pacemaker implant, the work that is done by the American Heart Association affects many people dear to my own heart. This is why I feel so honored to work with all advocates and AHA staff to continue this incredibly important work in allowing more lives free of heart disease and strokes.
What issues or policies are you most passionate about and why?
There are so many policies that we have and are currently working on that I am passionate about including Systems of Care funding to ensure we have a strong chain of survival established, CPR in Schools legislation, and acknowledgement of Cardiac Ready Communities Grant program. All of these, and many others, have blessed me with opportunities to talk to legislators as well as work with Advocates across the states to get our message heard. There truly has been some great Advocacy wins in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska in the last 4 years!
What is your favorite advocacy memory or experience so far and what made it great?
I have truly enjoyed getting out in the field and holding Advocacy Summits and Lobby Day events. Educating our advocates on the lifesaving work we are doing and then see them be confident in talking to legislators is extremely rewarding to me.
What is your favorite way to be active?
When summer comes around I really enjoy going kayaking with my sister. There are great little lakes all across North Dakota that offer opportunities to enjoy the tranquil water.
What is your favorite fruit or vegetable and any tips for how you serve or prepare it?
I really enjoy many fruits and vegetables! My favorite roasted veggie blend to make at home is yellow squash, zucchini, radishes, and green beans. I like to cut them in different shapes to make even more appealing and allow for more even cooking. Then in a bowl I toss 1 tablespoon of melted ghee or butternut squash oil, 2 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp onion powder, and freshly ground pepper with the veggies. I then spread them out into a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 425 Degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes flipping once or twice to brown all sides. To make them even more irresistible I put unsalted, dry roasted almonds or cashews on top. So Yummy!!!
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