Lolita Bolden, Terry

Our 2017-18 Mississippi Advocacy Committee is composed of individuals from across the state with different occupations, who have a great interest in advocating for policy change for heart-health issues. Throughout the year, we will introduce some of our members. Today, we'd like you to meet Lolita Bolden of Terry.

Occupation: Program Director at One Voice

Everyone has a reason to live a longer, healthier life. What’s yours? What is your WHY? To make a positive difference in the lives of my family members and others.  I now have an 8-month old grandson, Jace, whom I desire to see grow up to do great things.  To be able to assist him with serving others is an added bonus.

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? My grandmother transitioned at 62 years of age and grandfather transitioned at age 82 from heart disease and kidney failure.  Further, my husband had his first stroke at age 47 and his second stroke at age 49.  He is a healthy man who exercised regularly and served in the military for many years.  We have become champions for talking to others about what we have learned through these processes.

How long have you been volunteering for the American Heart Association? 2 years serving on the state advocacy committee, and I have enjoyed every moment of it.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Spending time with family and working in communities around the state.  I believe that the best way to make sustainable change is by listening to the voices of the people and creating opportunities for those transformations to take place.  The most rewarding thing for me is being in a position to be a catalyst for that change.

What does your perfect day look like? Early morning meditation, stretching, quiet drive into work, not so stressful day of work, family dinner and discussion, long bath, and early bedtime.