Jill Hardy Heath: Leading Heart of America to Build Brighter Futures

Jill Hardy Heath has spent her career creating opportunities where students, educators, and communities can see what is possible when learning spaces inspire rather than restrict. The shift from managing Target’s philanthropic portfolio to leading a national education nonprofit might seem unexpected, but for her, it was a natural progression driven by purpose. As President and CEO of Heart of America (HOA), she oversees the organization’s work across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Navajo Nation, delivering resources and hope to schools while touching the lives of over 200,000 students through educational equity initiatives.

The Path to Purpose

Jill's story with Heart of America began during her seven years at Target Corporation, where she managed the retailer's School Library Makeover Program and led their East Coast philanthropy portfolio. Working with dozens of education grantees, she helped create and scale a program that transformed over 200 school libraries from floor to ceiling, complete with new furniture, thousands of books, vibrant decor, and technology.

"I realized very quickly Heart of America was an organization that was truly best in class," Jill reflects on her time as a grantor. The experience at Target gave her what she calls a "mini MBA," teaching her how to identify nonprofits with great ideas and portfolios that just needed support to scale. But her heart remained in the field.

When HOA's founders decided to retire, they approached Jill about leading the organization. The opportunity came with a unique challenge: the position was based in Washington, DC, while Jill's family and life were rooted in the Twin Cities, where her husband had his dream job. Rather than walk away, she proposed something different.

"In all searches and interviews, there's an opportunity to show folks how to do things differently," she explains. "I shared how I could lead this organization as a remote president." Having managed regional and international teams at Target, including groups in China and India, she had the experience to make it work.

Building Beyond Boundaries

When Jill stepped into the role of president, Heart of America employed 11 people. Today, that number has grown to 50, with three main hubs: the original DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia), the Twin Cities, and Salt Lake City, where HOA focuses extensively on indigenous populations.

Under her leadership, HOA has evolved from its literacy and library roots into a comprehensive education equity organization. The nonprofit now addresses the full spectrum of educational needs through four key focus areas: library and literacy; health and wellness (including everything from athletic spaces to meditation rooms and organic gardens); STEM and STEAM programs; and career and college readiness initiatives.

"We focus on making sure that every student, no matter where they live, what zip code they're in, has access to high-quality state of the art resources, as well as spaces," Jill explains. The emphasis on physical spaces reflects a deep understanding of how environment shapes learning.

The Reality of Educational Inequity

The challenge HOA addresses is stark. Most of America's public school infrastructure dates back to the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, built for a different era of education when teachers stood at the front of rows of desks. Today's collaborative, technology-integrated learning requires flexible spaces that many schools simply cannot afford to create.

"There are schools that you walk into and unfortunately you can't imagine being there for eight hours," Jill says candidly. "It's not the fault of the teachers or even the district at times, because there's not enough money right now in education to modernize schools in an equitable way across the country."

The funding structure itself perpetuates inequality. Since education funding comes primarily from local taxes, schools in communities without a strong tax base receive less funding. Some schools have had to cut janitorial services to the point where only bathrooms and cafeterias receive daily cleaning.

Creating Spaces That Inspire

Heart of America operates as what Jill calls a "one stop shop." The organization matches funders with schools, designs spaces with an in-house team, procures materials, manages construction to 90 percent completion, then brings in volunteers for finishing touches and celebration. Corporate partners range from Verizon to professional sports teams like the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens.

One standout initiative involves Verizon Innovative Learning Labs in middle schools, featuring AR, VR, 3D printing, and technology more advanced than some college facilities. These labs target middle schoolers specifically because that's when students begin dreaming about their futures.

"We've had students help design prosthetics for their classmates that may not have a fully functioning arm," Jill shares. "The stories coming out of these spaces are amazing. Again, it's because they have access. They start to believe they can."

Beyond School Walls

HOA's vision extends past individual schools to entire communities. Schools become hubs offering food pantries, clothing resources, laundry facilities, health clinics, and meeting spaces for community organizations. This ecosystem approach recognizes that educational success requires addressing family needs holistically.

During COVID-19, this comprehensive approach proved vital, particularly for indigenous communities. With 40 percent of Navajo Nation homes lacking running water and electricity, remote learning was impossible for many students. HOA collaborated with diverse partners to create 15,000 education kits, flying them into tribal lands when the Nation was closed to outsiders. The organization has since powered over 300 homes with solar systems.

"People often ask me, how is that education?" Jill notes. "It's education because it's a basic resource. If kids can't power their Chromebook or connect to the internet, they can't continue learning once they're out of school."

The Human Impact

For Jill, the most meaningful moments come during school unveilings, when students see their transformed spaces for the first time. She recalls students gravitating toward her, holding her hand, sharing their stories. "When kids know there are volunteers in their school, no matter where they're from, they feel so special."

The impact extends beyond individual students. Schools report increased enrollment and attendance, decreased disciplinary issues, and renewed pride in their communities. Teachers no longer spend thousands of their own dollars trying to make uninspiring classrooms feel welcoming. Students don't want to leave spaces designed with their input and dreams in mind.

Looking Forward

Heart of America is currently developing a new strategic plan to address education inequity in every corner of the country. While long-range planning has compressed from five years to one to three years due to rapid change, Jill's vision remains expansive.

"I would love for Heart of America to work itself out of the job," she admits. "That would mean we would solve education equity in terms of resources and modern learning spaces. Do I think it's ever going to happen? Maybe not in my lifetime, unfortunately, but we've got to try."

She views education as a national security issue, essential for America's future. "We are only as good as our weakest level. Those are the families that struggle. We've got to figure out how to elevate."

Building Tomorrow's Leaders Today

Jill Hardy Heath’s work is rooted in the belief that the right space, equipped with the right resources, can transform how a child sees their own potential. Whether it is a library filled with books and technology, a STEM lab where a student designs a prosthetic for a classmate, or a schoolyard where pride replaces neglect, these transformations create ripples that reach far beyond the classroom. Under her leadership, Heart of America continues to expand that reach, carrying the message to students, families, and communities that their future is worth investing in.

As Heart of America looks ahead to its next chapter, Jill’s focus stays on what has guided her from the start. She works to make sure every child has a place that sparks learning and possibility. Her path from corporate philanthropy to leading a national nonprofit reflects a deep belief that change happens when people commit their skills and energy to a cause they care about. She sees schools as places where students feel supported, teachers can do their best work, and communities feel proud to gather. Every project completed brings that vision closer, giving more children the chance to imagine a future filled with options and purpose.