LITTLE ROCK, Ark., April 22, 2026 — Sam Kamran has been named the Central Arkansas 2026 Woman of Impact, leading a group of local changemakers who raised awareness and critical funds to help end heart disease and stroke, the leading cause of death in women. She is a digital marketing consultant for The Marketing Broker.

Kamran earned the title through the American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact™ initiative, a nine-week, high-energy campaign aligned with the national Go Red for Women® movement. The initiative challenges participants to mobilize their networks, champion women’s heart health and drive measurable impact through fundraising, education and community engagement.

“Sam Kamran and every one of our Woman of Impact nominees showed what’s possible when passionate leaders step forward for women’s health,” said Nikki Smith, executive director of the American Heart Association-Central Arkansas. “Women’s heart health has been underrecognized for too long. These leaders are accelerating change by funding research, expanding education and bringing women’s heart health to the forefront.”

Campaigns officially launched on National Wear Red Day®, Feb. 6,. Nominees competed locally and nationally to generate the greatest support for the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere. The campaign concluded April 9. The top fundraiser nationwide will be named the National Woman of Impact later this year.

Other nominees from Central Arkansas were:

  • Tina Bailey
  • Whitney Baldwin
  • Tonia Grant
  • Monica Hale
  • Dr. Hannah Hunt
  • Kimberly Mouton
  • Ashley Wilson

Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of 1 in 3 women, yet it remains largely misunderstood and underrecognized as a women’s health issue. Nearly 45% of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, even though more than 80% of heart events are preventable with lifestyle changes, early detection and education.

Throughout the nine-week challenge, nominees hosted events, shared lifesaving information and encouraged preventive care — from knowing blood pressure numbers to recognizing the warning signs of heart attack and stroke — all while raising funds to support cardiovascular research, education and community programs.

To follow the Central Arkansas campaign or support a nominee, go to www.heart.org/CentralARGoRed

###

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than 100 years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook or X by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.  

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org