2012 Go Red for Women Chair: Debi Barnes
Debi Barnes has over 24 years of experience in banking and marketing and currently serves as a Principal with DD&F Consulting Group in Little Rock. In this position she provides marketing expertise to DD&F bank clients across the U.S.
Debi has always been interested in wellness and living an active, healthy lifestyle. As a result, prior to working with DD&F she took a 7 year leave from her banking career to follow her dream and found Turtle Cove Spa on Lake Ouachita at Mountain Harbor Resort. Through that experience she learned how to take better care of herself and was able to help other women do the same. It is also during that time that she had the privilege of meeting Sheila Cluff, the keynote speaker for this event. Sheila became her friend and mentor, and continues to inspire Debi with her outlook on life and the healthy example she sets for all women of all ages.
Debi is a charter member of the Circle of Red and as Chairman of as this year’s Go Red for Women initiative, it is her mission to educate herself, her business colleagues, friends and family about the danger signs and risks of heart disease in women. With heart disease and stroke on both sides of her family, she knows that it will be up to her to make responsible and heart healthy choices in her life to offset the statistics of family heredity and gender, and she hopes that her involvement in Go Red will encourage other women to do so as well.
In addition to Go Red, Debi serves on the Boards of Our House and the Sheriff’s Ranch and is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She is a graduate of Hendrix College with a B.A. in mathematics, and the Graduate School of Bank Marketing at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado.
Debi resides in West Little Rock with her golden retriever Honey B, and she enjoys biking and hiking with friends (She hiked the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim at age 55), playing the piano, and being with her three grandchildren Allison, Austin, and Julia, when they are in town.
Message From Nancy Brown
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 2012 Go Red for Wowen! We’re delighted you are here and appreciate your interest in learning how you can advance health, stop heart disease and save women’s lives. That’s what the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® movement is all about.
Heart disease isn’t just a man’s problem. It’s a woman’s problem, too. In fact, it’s the No. 1 killer of women. And, tragically, far too few women realize their risk from this preventable disease. We need to raise women’s awareness of their risk and protect our mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and ourselves.
You can help, starting today. Here’s how:
First, take charge of your own heart health. Visit your doctor. Know your numbers (learn more at www.GoRedForWomen.org). You can improve your blood pressure, cholesterol and other numbers by making lifestyle changes. You’ll be healthier and look and feel better, too.
Second, join the American Heart Association in making it your mission to fight heart disease in women. Help spread the word that heart disease is women’s No. 1 killer. Share what you learn today with your family and members of your community. Tell five women you want them to live and we can help stop heart disease in our lifetime.
Third and last, consider making a contribution. Your donation today will make a difference in the lives of women here and across the country. You can help fund local and national Go Red activities that support awareness, research, education and community programs that benefit women.
Thank you again for being here. My hope is that you won’t leave today without committing to making a difference by joining the Go Red For Women movement — women everywhere need your help. Only one in five women believes that heart disease is her greatest health threat. We believe reducing risk and preventing heart disease starts with education — and you. There’s so much to do, and so much at stake.
With your commitment, we can help women and their families live longer, stronger lives. Thank you for your generous support.
Warm regards,
Nancy Brown
Chief Executive Officer
American Heart Association
