Fairbanks, Alaska, December 1, 2023 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Jenny Gilbertson and Stephanie Woodard, founding coaches of The PWR House, as the community volunteer chairpersons of the 2024 Fairbanks Go Red for Women movement. Go Red for Women is an initiative of the American Heart Association designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women. 

Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women in the United States and affects nearly 45% of women ages of 20 or older. In Alaska, heart attack and stroke continue to be among the top causes of death, however, research has shown that the majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented through increased awareness and lifestyle changes. 

“I’m honored for the opportunity to bring my passion for health, fitness and community to the Go Red for Women movement in Fairbanks,” said Gilbertson. “I’m excited to encourage the Fairbanks community to become powerhouses for positive change, helping the women of my hometown lead full, healthy lives.” 

"I believe good health isn't just about telling people how to be healthy – it’s about providing them with the tools to achieve a sustainably healthy lifestyle,” said Woodard. “We’re eager to bring our PWR House motto ‘we never give up, we never give in’ to the Go Red for Women movement. Alongside the American Heart Association and our tenacious community here in Fairbanks, I believe we can boost awareness about heart health and help ensure even more women have access to the tools they need to achieve long-term health.” 

Serving alongside Gilbertson and Woodard is a group of dedicated Go Red for Women volunteer leaders including:

  • Nicole Akers, mortgage loan officer, Residential Mortgage
  • Meadow Bailey, director of external affairs and public relations, Golden Valley Electric Association
  • Paige Best, accountant, RJG Accounting
  • Randi Carnahan, real estate broker associate, Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group
  • Audrey Fitzgerald, owner, Interior Autobody
  • Nikki Haskin, dentist, Fairbanks Family Dental
  • Ivory Illgenfritz, executive director of human resources, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
  • Mechelle Nash, human resources coordinator, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
  • Karolina Priebe, owner, Revive Medical Spa
  • Kayla Smith, community relations liaison, Black Gold Transport
  • Claire Stoltz, physician, Tanana Valley Clinic
  • McKenzie Syverson, office manager, RJG Accounting 

"We're thrilled to have Stephanie, Jenny and this incredible group of business leaders from the Fairbanks community supporting this year’s Go Red for Women movement. Together, with their shared passion and deep ties to Fairbanks, we’re eager to make a meaningful impact on the lives of women and the families they support,” said Kristin George, executive director, American Heart Association, Alaska. 

In 2024, Go Red for Women will mark two decades of making an impact by advancing equitable research and care, advocating for inclusive health policies, and raising awareness of women’s health issues. Local achievements will be celebrated on March 1 at the 2024 Fairbanks Go Red for Women Luncheon, sponsored nationally by CVS Health. For more information about the Fairbanks Go Red for Women Luncheon or to purchase tickets or a table, visit heart.org/fairbanksgored. 

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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 20 years, 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).   

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Connect with the American Heart Association in Alaska on heart.org/Alaska, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

For media inquiries:

Lily Gordon, lily.gordon@heart.org  

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

heart.org and stroke.org