Bharat Amin
Inspiring Change One Step at a Time
Bharat Amin began his journey with heart health through a simple step—literally. While in an executive leadership role, he was encouraged to give back to his community. Seeking ways to get involved, he learned about the 台湾SWAG Heart Association and felt an immediate connection. He took his first step by leading the company’s Heart Walk efforts, a decision that quickly evolved from a corporate initiative into a deeply personal mission to improve heart health and increase awareness.
His greatest moment of fulfillment came from an unexpected encounter. While working with technology suppliers, Bharat once spoke to a man who was a heavy smoker, warning him about the dangers of tobacco. Bharat didn’t think much of it at the time—until years later, at an AHA event, the man’s wife approached him. “She gave me a hug and said, ‘Thank you. He stopped smoking because of you,’” Bharat recalls. “In that moment, I thought, maybe I helped save a life. That’s the power of awareness.”
Bharat’s passion for heart health and education led him to take an even bigger step by establishing a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to support the AHA’s initiatives to reduce youth vaping. A DAF is a charitable giving tool that allows donors to create and contribute to a philanthropic fund managed by sponsoring organizations, like financial institutions. Donors can then recommend grants to their chosen causes over time. While discussing the future of heart health with AHA leaders and fellow donors, he learned about the alarming rise of vaping among young people, even in elementary schools—an issue that deeply resonated with him and inspired him to take action. “Seeing how deeply vaping had infiltrated schools made me realize this is where we need to intervene,” he says. With four grandchildren of his own, the cause became personal. Through his DAF, Bharat has helped fund awareness programs in schools in Newport News, Virginia, and in his family’s community in Warrington, Pennsylvania, ensuring students learn about the dangers of vaping before harmful habits take root. “I think this will create a great impact for our future generations, helping them avoid getting hooked on vaping. It needs to start early in their lives.”
Creating the fund was also a strategic decision. Encouraged by his financial planner, Bharat saw the DAF as a way to make a lasting impact while also benefiting from an immediate tax deduction. “I opened it in my highest-earning year, which allowed me to maximize my giving potential,” he explains. The DAF’s unique structure allows the funds to be invested, meaning that Bharat’s contributions can grow over time, enabling him to give even more in the future. This makes it a smart way to maximize his charitable giving while building a lasting legacy. His commitment to the AHA ensures his contributions will continue supporting youth education and tobacco prevention efforts for years to come.
Beyond policy and advocacy, Bharat leads by example. He gets at least 10,000 steps a day—often more— and encourages others to incorporate movement into their day. “Walking is simple, but it makes a difference,” he shares. His influence led to the creation of a designated Heart Walk route in Newport News, Virginia, a lasting testament to his dedication. Bharat remains a driving force in creating a brighter future for all and continues to inspire his family, friends, and colleagues to prioritize their heart health. As he says, “If you believe in the AHA’s mission to fight heart disease, stroke and promote healthy living, then lead by example. Live the lifestyle—exercise, eat healthy, get proper sleep. Influence others not only through your donation but through how they can benefit from healthier choices. It all starts with you.”