SCOM alumna Lisa Primiani White (BS ’10) has been honored with the American Heart Association’s Star of Excellence Award, a distinction recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment and impact in their roles.

“It was deeply meaningful to be recognized for work that I’ve poured my heart into—no pun intended,” she said.

The Star of Excellence Award is presented by AHA’s Mission Advancement department, which partners with donors and foundations to advance philanthropic strategies and amplify the organization’s lifesaving mission.

For nearly a decade, White has played a key role in shaping those partnerships. Her work has helped secure support for initiatives such as expanding CPR access in youth sports across the Southeast, advancing anti-tobacco advocacy, and funding groundbreaking cardiovascular research.

“I work with individual donors and foundations to create lasting impact through the American Heart Association’s mission,” White said. “The AHA sets bold goals, and I’ve always held myself to that same standard—that’s part of why I’ve been here for nearly ten years.”

Her commitment was tested in October 2024, when Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida on the very day she was scheduled to return from maternity leave. “It was a scary and chaotic experience,” White recalled. “But the AHA showed such grace and compassion as I navigated those first few days back.”

Since then, White has learned to balance her professional responsibilities with the realities of new motherhood—an evolution that has shaped both her outlook and her approach to leadership. “Becoming a parent has shifted my perspective,” she said. “I’ve learned to approach both work and life with more intention and balance,” a lesson she credits to a fellow AHA colleague and FSU alumna, Allisson Yu (BS ‘00).

“That shift has made me more present and authentic in my relationships with donors,” she added, “which, in turn, has led to even greater success this year.”

Looking back, White credits her time at Florida State University for laying the foundation for her career. “The teamwork, communication, and collaboration required in CCI group projects mirror the professional environment so closely,” she reflected. “Learning how to navigate personalities, build consensus, and contribute meaningfully to a team is just as important—if not more—than the work itself.”

During her senior year, she served as a research assistant for Dr. Jennifer Proffitt, an experience that strengthened her research and writing skills and helped distinguish her as a graduate school candidate. She also found mentorship in Professor Neil Franks of the College of Education, who encouraged her to continue her academic journey and pursue a master’s degree.

White’s advice to current students is to fully engage in the opportunities FSU offers. “Get involved,” she said. “Every organization you join can help you discover what brings you purpose. Impact takes many forms—find what you’re passionate about and chase it.”