CKI members know that real impact comes when we lead and serve with compassion and confidence, motivated by care for our communities. That’s the driving force behind the 2025-26 Governor’s Project in the Ohio District. The district’s governor, Ella Powell, is leading the charge to support cardiovascular health and education — but this mission goes far beyond state lines.

Heart health is personal for Powell, who is a pre-physical therapy student certified in basic life support. Last year, she faced a medical emergency where, despite being certified and trained, she wasn’t taken seriously.

“I knew what to do medically, but no one was listening,” she recalls.

That experience shaped her mission to educate others in lifesaving skills such as CPR, and to empower them with self-assurance to act boldly and knowledgeably when it counts.

“Just like in CKI, I want to make sure people are confident in themselves to know they have the qualifications to lead,” she says. 

This year, the Ohio District is raising money for the American Heart Association and offering heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol readings at their events. Powell plans to bring a CPR mannequin to district events, as well as CKI and Kiwanis club visits, so she can teach hands-only CPR. Participants can sign the mannequin as a symbol of their commitment to being lifesavers.

Get involved!

Heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions can affect communities everywhere. CKI clubs have the platform to educate and empower communities on campus and beyond. As Powell says, CKI members are serving with their hearts because volunteers are the heartbeat of service.

In just over two months, for example, the Ohio District reached its initial fundraising goal of US$1,000 — so the goal has increased to $5,000 for the year.

To get involved through your club and district, learn more about the American Heart Association and World Heart Federation. And become CPR/BLS-certified in the U.S. or beyond.