Our Mission

Guardians of the Heart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing accessible cardiovascular health education and heart disease prevention for youth. Through interactive workshops, CPR training, community screenings, and engaging educational events, we empower young people to understand the importance of heart health and early prevention. Our youth-centered approach fuels our mission to inspire the next generation to take an active role in their wellness and become advocates for healthy living. Together, we work towards a future where heart disease is prevented before it has a chance to begin.

“While we cannot bring back those we have lost, we can keep working to make sure that fewer lives are lost needlessly.”

— Alina Yang, Founder & President

Calm river at sunset reflecting purple and pink clouds with green forest on both sides
Medical stethoscope resting on an electrocardiogram paper with a red heart in the background.

Our Vision

We envision a generation of youth who grow up heart-healthy, informed, and empowered to take ownership of their well-being and lead change in their communities to address the leading cause of death in the United States and globally. By establishing lifelong wellness habits early and supporting a culture of preventive care, we aim to transform communities into vibrant networks of health, equity, and resilience, where every young person has the opportunity to thrive with a strong heart and a stronger future.

Our Core Values

These five core values guide every heartbeat of our mission. They reflect our commitment to youth leadership, bold prevention, and building healthier communities—grounded in science, powered by equity, and led by the next generation.

  • Youth Empowerment

    Young people are the future, and it is up to them to envision the kind of world they want to live in and take action to make that vision a reality. At Guardians of the Heart, we champion youth leadership, amplify youth voices, and give youth advocates the tools to take charge of their health and their communities.

  • Prevention

    We shift the focus from treatment to prevention, and from being reactive to being proactive. It is never too early to start building heart-healthy habits and awareness.

  • Community Well-Being

    A healthy heart starts with a healthy community. We build local engagement, prioritize emotional and physical wellness, and create spaces where youth and families can learn, connect, and not just survive but thrive together.

  • Science-Based Impact

    Our programs and resources are rooted in evidence and informed by the latest cardiovascular research. We turn trusted science into accessible, actionable education that empowers everyday choices and lifelong wellness.

  • Health Equity

    Cardiovascular healthcare should be accessible to all, regardless of background or location. We strive to close gaps in access by developing and promoting inclusive, culturally tailored resources and programs that reach and uplift historically underserved youth.

We Are the Future

Four young women sitting at a table, smiling and raising their fists, in a busy indoor event space with booths and people in the background.
Three young women sitting at a table with informational materials, each raising a fist with red ribbon wristbands, advocating for health awareness, with a sign reading 'Guardian of the Heart' on the table.