Beverly Grant
Originally from a small town outside of Memphis, Tennessee, Beverly Grant grew up as the youngest of ten children in a family that valued generosity and close-knit bonds. Her family lived on a farm, where giving to neighbors was second nature. However, she also witnessed the stark absence of health resources and preventive education in her rural surroundings. Many community members refrained from seeking medical care due to a lack of insurance. Sadly, her father's passing when she was just ten years old left her mother to single-handedly raise the family.
Driven by a commitment to education, Beverly pursued a degree in Marketing and earned her MA, embarking on a successful career in sales and marketing spanning over three decades. Beverly began her charitable efforts at the age of 27, becoming known for her unwavering generosity and dedication to social causes.
Beverly's journey with the American Heart Association (AHA) began with her own health challenges. Diagnosed with a severe heart murmur during a routine physical in her twenties, she discovered the vital work and mission of the AHA through her doctor. Beverly's commitment to the organization's mission quickly deepened as she became involved with the AHA's initiatives during her treatment. "I feel honored to be a volunteer. There's not enough good things I could say about being involved with the American Heart Association," said Beverly. Now based in Cincinnati, Beverly recently made a significant contribution to the AHA, supporting an initiative focused on providing heart health education to Black women and historically underserved communities.
Named the “Beverly A. Grant Fund” and the “Inspiring Hope Fund,” her donations aim to advance health equity by offering best-practice education, such as providing blood pressure monitoring kits through accessible community health facilities and more to focus on prevention efforts. Education stands at the forefront of her goals, and Beverly feels this initiative would have been something that her mom would have benefitted from if she had had access to life-saving information and resources such as these earlier in life. Motivated by her firsthand experiences and the desire to honor her mother's memory, Beverly is determined to support initiatives that bridge gaps in healthcare access and awareness. Beverly said, "Health equity is so critically important. If I can share my story and it helps someone to see themselves, that’s important.”
As a devoted mother and grandmother, Beverly's dedication to heart health extends to her family —it's a legacy she hopes to pass down to future generations. She cherishes every moment spent with her four grandchildren and uses creative strategies like dance parties as a playful approach to encourage healthy habits at an early age. “I love the opportunity to talk to my grandkids about healthy eating,” she said. “That’s why we have dance parties. They don’t know it’s to keep my body moving and their body moving. They just think Nana is silly and we’re having a great time." She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health and longevity because she realizes the strong impact that setting a positive example can have. "I want my grandchildren to have the joys of life living with a healthy, vibrant grandma," she said. By nurturing healthy habits and fostering open conversations about wellness, she empowers her family to prioritize their health and thrive. Beverly's determination to pass on healthy habits to her family serves as an inspiring example for a healthier future.
Philanthropy is also a family affair for Beverly. Her children are deeply involved in assisting in managing both the Beverly A. Grant Fund and the “Inspiring Hope Fund” at the AHA, ensuring that her legacy and impact transcend generations. Additionally, she supports other various charitable organizations, including the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Holocaust and Humanity Center, reflecting her dedication to education and community empowerment.
Beverly's advocacy for heart health and wellness is driven by a profound desire to see everyone live longer, healthier lives. Her wish is for every individual to embrace a heart-healthy lifestyle, rooted in nutritious eating and regular exercise. Through her dedication and compassionate leadership, Beverly Grant continues to inspire positive change, one heartbeat at a time. "The goal for me in sharing is I want everyone – every woman, every man, every child – to live their very best life. And taking care of your heart and your health is the key to doing that."
