Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Queen Lucombe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Queen, appreciate you joining us today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?

One of the most meaningful moments in my journey happened recently at a community health fair.

A woman came up to us and shared that she had attended a previous event where she received a blood pressure screening. After learning her numbers were high, she followed up with her doctor, made lifestyle changes, and committed to improving her health.

She returned to tell us that her blood pressure is now going down and that her doctor believes she may be able to come off of her medication if she continues.

That moment reminded me that this work is not just about grandiose events or advocacy metrics. It’s about showing up for our local community on an individual level. A simple screening and conversation can truly change someone’s health trajectory.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am Queen Lucombe, Vice President of Hearts of Valor Inc., and at 25 years old, I am proud to be part of a new generation of leaders in the cardiovascular health space.

My passion for heart health is personal. I have seen firsthand how heart disease impacts families and communities. I knew early on that I wanted to be part of changing that narrative, especially for younger populations who often don’t see themselves reflected in traditional health messaging.

At Hearts of Valor Inc., we work at the intersection of prevention, advocacy, and community engagement. Our organization provides

• Community based heart health screenings
• Cardiac Emergencies and Know Your Numbers initiatives
• Youth engagement and prevention education
• CPR training through our Heartsavers Academy
• Policy advocacy at the state and federal level
• HEARTLinks Access Kits to reduce barriers to care
• Health fairs, wellness activities, and culturally relevant outreach events

What I am most proud of is helping make heart health education feel engaging, relevant, and culturally connected. Prevention does not have to feel clinical or intimidating. It can be empowering. It can be visible. It can meet people where they are in fitness spaces, lifestyle events, and community gatherings.

As a young leader in this sector, I am committed to shifting the perception that heart health is only a concern later in life. Prevention starts now. Awareness starts now. Advocacy starts now.

I want people to know that Hearts of Valor Inc. is not just hosting events. We are building a movement centered on access, equity, and modern prevention

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I honestly feel like I am living in my resilience chapter right now.

I work full time as a behavior analyst, specializing in early intervention for children with developmental disabilities. At the same time, I am pursuing my doctorate in special education. Then, alongside both of those commitments, I am deeply involved in heart health advocacy and leadership with Hearts of Valor Inc.

Balancing these roles is not easy. There are long days, early mornings, and moments where I have to push through fatigue. What keeps me grounded is knowing that each area of my life is rooted in the same purpose. Whether I am supporting a child and their family, conducting research, or advocating for cardiovascular prevention, I am working toward improving quality of life and access to care.

Resilience for me does not look like dramatic setbacks or one defining obstacle. It looks like discipline, sacrifice, staying committed to the mission even when it would be easier to slow down. I am building capacity in real time and I think that is what resilience truly is. Continuing to show up, especially when your plate is full, because the work matters.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, I think empathy is everything in this field.

Heart disease does not discriminate. It affects people across every background, income level, belief system, and life experience. If you are going to work in advocacy, you have to be able to meet people where they are without judgment.

One of my core philosophies is that everyone’s heart matters. Whether someone is informed or misinformed, kind or difficult, aligned with my beliefs or not, they still deserve access to quality cardiovascular care and prevention resources.

To be effective in this space, you have to believe that access to health education and care is not earned by behavior or background. It is a basic right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.heartsofvalorinc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartsofvalorinc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CCsVK3MPh/?mibextid=wwXIfr