Anita Prendergast, CEO of the Novant Health Rehabilitation Hospital, an affiliate of Encompass Health, is honored to serve as the American Heart Association’s 2023 Triad Heart Ball chairperson. She is excited to spark awareness in the community about heart disease and stroke, emphasize the value of research and ignite enthusiasm for prevention through exercise, nutrition and blood pressure screenings. Like many, heart disease has impacted both her professional and personal life. She has enjoyed a 33-year career as a physical therapist, serving as healthcare leader for 25 of those years. During that time, she has helped patients regain function after suffering the effects of cardiac disease, such as a stroke, and has witnessed impressive medical advancements since the start of her career. Anita encourages everyone to add the Triad Heart Ball event to their social calendars for Friday, April 21st. For all the details, visit heart.org/triad. On a personal note, Anita is a “buckeye” with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Ohio State University and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Central Michigan University. Anita spends her spare time with her husband, Peter, who is a retired physician with numerous hobbies, astronomy, ham radio, weight lifting, so she jokes that her hobby is helping Peter with his hobbies. She also enjoys running 5Ks, reading and cooking.
Leah Hazelwood, Vice President of Go-Forth Pest Control, is the chairperson for the American Heart Association’s 2023 Triad Go Red for Women Campaign. Her campaign is focusing on the importance of women making their health and wellness a priority, with an emphasis on awareness, education, prevention and management of high blood pressure among women in the Triad. “In a matter of seven years, I lost my father and several grandparents, prematurely, due to heart conditions. This makes me personally passionate about educating our community about the power we have to live longer, healthier lives with preventative lifestyle choices. My goal is that women in our community one day know their blood pressure numbers as confidently as they may know their weight,” said Leah. Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association’s year-round movement focused on awareness, prevention education, risk factor reduction, healthy behavioral changes and women’s heart health research. Go-Forth Pest Control, also a Platform Sponsor for Go Red for Women, has eight locations, including the Triad, Triangle, Lake Norman and Charlotte in North Carolina, with three additional locations in northern VA and one in Columbia, SC. Leah encourages everyone to Go Red this February for American Heart Month and to take care of the hearts of the women you love. To support her campaign or learn how you can Go Red for yourself and your family, visit TriadGoRed.Heart.org for more information.
Kyla Sapp is a public relations specialist, covering North and South America, for machining solutions industry leader Sandvik Coromant with a decade of experience in various marketing and communications roles. She is an Indiana University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in marketing management who moved to North Carolina in 2017. Kyla specializes in developing international marketing strategies and public relations work and is always seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge and expertise by participating in LinkedIn Learnings and staying abreast of the latest marketing trends. A strong believer in the power of a positive workplace, Kyla regularly participates in and encourages team building activities such as chocolate tastings and team yoga sessions which are hosted by her Swedish colleagues via Microsoft Teams. Kyla is also the reigning 2022 Mrs. North Carolina American and recently competed at Mrs. American in Las Vegas, Nevada in August of 2022. She has been competing in pageants since 2006 and has devoted countless hours to volunteering with the Epilepsy Foundation of Indiana where she received the Inspirational Youth award in 2016 and was an active member of the Epilepsy Advisory Board. In her spare time, Kyla enjoys reading and running and, on the weekends, can be found hiking around Hanging Rock with her husband, Spencer, and their 1.5-year-old daughter, Charlotte.
Phyllis Westerlund is a co-owner of The Curvy Fox Boutique. She opened the shop along with her business partner, Coral, a year ago. It serves as a place for plus-sized women to feel fabulous and beautiful in their skin. In the beginning of the business, the shop was operated out of Phyllis’ garage until the perfect location became available at 1551 Hanes Mall Boulevard in Winston-Salem. The goal is to provide plus-sized women with stylish, affordable options and to make sure everyone feels amazing while shopping. She also teaches school at North Hills Elementary, and, in her free time, she leads a girl scout troop that she adores. She has two teenagers who she works hard to set an example for.
Ana Wilsonis an account director for The Origins Agency. She attended the University of South Carolina from 2016-2019. “I started my agency and have scaled steadily and consistently,” said Ana. “I just made my first round of hiring! I’ve grown my client base extensively and now offer full service white glove digital marketing – SEO, site development, e-mail, socials and event speaking. I’m blown away and feel grateful every single day.” Working remotely is wonderful for Ana because it gives her more time and flexibility with her three-year-old daughter, Charlotte. She is dedicated to supporting local gyms and gym classes through yoga, HIIT and spin. In her spare time, Ana enjoys reading, listening to podcasts and cooking with her daughter.
Kira Arrington is the CEO and social media manager of Enterprise of Kira. She is a full-time nanny, social media micro-influencer and recently married the love of her life, Edwin. She is hoping to start another business in 2023. She also recently closed her first contract with a Forbes 30 Under 30 Recipient. “I love being a nanny so much because the little one I care for is such a joy, but also, I get to make an impact in a young life that will hopefully last their whole life,” said Kira. She was adopted at 18 months old and understands the difference a strong caregiver can have on the life of a child. She is a luxury lifestyle creator and travel creator with her husband. She also loves managing social media, cooking with new recipes and the performing arts.
