Chicago, IL - Feb. 14, 2024 - February is American Heart Month so it’s fitting that nine Chicagoland women are joining the American Heart Association to fight their number one health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD) through the Woman of Impact initiative. Woman of Impact is an extension of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, a campaign launched  more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. This year’s Woman of Impact class will work from February 2 to April 4 to raise funds to support research and education to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.

Women’s unique life stages can increase their risk of developing CVD over the course of their lifetimes. In fact, CVD is the number one killer of new moms as the leading cause of maternal mortality.[1] The good news is, the majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented with lifestyle changes and education, the foundation of the Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

“This year, we’re encouraging women to Go Red for each other and for the people in their communities who matter most to them. Our impact campaigns are crucial for the funds they raise, but they also demonstrate the truth of Go Red for Women’s message – that there is power in connection and when it comes to heart health, no woman should feel or be alone,” said Brittany Walsh, executive director at the American Heart Association, Chicago.

Woman of Impact, a nationwide initiative, launched in more than 100 cities across the country on National Wear Red Day, February 2. At the start of the campaign, hundreds of nominees nationwide embark on a nine-week journey to help transform the health of women through education and fundraising. Each week, nominees participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and advance health equity. Activities may include educational events, learning and spreading the word about CPR, getting physically active, recruiting women to participate in research and more. Nominees also raise critical funds for the Chicago American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

Chicago’s 2024 Woman of Impact Nominees are:

  • Emily Bateman, associate vice president, project manager – Cannon Design
  • Heather Bardeleben, director, legal department operations – CDW
  • Jen Akhter, head of strategic initiatives – AON
  • Mary Ann Korenic, chief executive officer, The Chicago Trust Company, N.A. – Wintrust
  • Megan Thibert-Ind, health care litigation partner - Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
  • Nikita Sharma, vice president, marketing & growth strategy – Innovaccer
  • Samantha Evers, vice president & general manager, cardiology care pathways – GE Healthcare
  • Sherri Hoke, vice president, sales – Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty
  • Shreya Akkala, application & program analyst – Deloitte

On April 4, one nominee will be named the Chicago 2024 Woman of Impact Winner. In addition to local market winners, one nominee from across the country will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner. Last year, Katie Rauh was named the 2023 Woman of Impact winner after her team raised more than $75,000 during her campaign.

"The Chicagoland Go Red for Women mission to combat the disparities in healthcare and eradicate the No. 1 killer of women caught my attention 20 years ago. I believe women need to be heard and need to support one another personally, professionally and globally,” said 2023 Woman of Impact winner Katie Rauh. “The American Heart Association’s priorities of education, prevention and research align with my values as a mother, nurse and Chicago Woman of impact. I am grateful to know so many generous women who step up to care for others. Chicago is truly the best big city in the U.S."

While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to take the life of 1 in 3 women. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the state saw more than 26,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease. The IDPH also notes that deaths due to heart disease and stroke combined represented almost 27% of all deaths in Illinois in 2021[2].

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Chicago, visit http://www2.heart.org/ChicagoWOI.

 

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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About Go Red for Women®  
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).  

  

For Media Inquiries:
Jorie Goins: Jorie.Goins@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org

 

[1] Centers for Disease Control Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System Table: Causes of Pregnancy-Related Deaths

[2] Illinois Department of Public Health, “Heart Disease & Stroke,” Heart & Stroke (illinois.gov)