CHICAGO, May 3, 2024 — Megan Thibert-Ind, has been named the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Chicago 2024 Woman of Impact Winner for her work to raise funds and spread awareness in the fight against heart disease and stroke in women. In the United States, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women.
Over the course of nine-weeks, Thibert-Ind, a partner at Manatt, Phelps and Phillips LLP, along with a team of friends and colleagues, competed for the Woman of Impact title by participating in various community awareness and fundraising activities. After raising more than $65,000 in critical funds and driving women’s health education initiatives, Thibert-Ind was named this year’s winner, while her impact team received “Changemaker” status nationally. The Woman of Impact campaign is part of the American Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform designed 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.
“Throughout my career, I’ve been focused on finding and pushing for solutions to some of our country’s most pressing health care issues,” said Thibert-Ind. “I am honored to have received this recognition. Chicago continues to lead the charge in advancing health care outcomes for women. As heart disease continues to be the No. 1 health threat to Americans – especially women, leadership and innovation matters if we want continued progress and greater survival rates.”
The Woman of Impact campaign launched in over 100 cities on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 2. In Chicago, eight community leaders were nominated to participate. Collectively, this year’s Chicago nominees provided critical education, increased the visibility of the American Heart Association’s mission and raised more than $136,000 for the Chicago American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.
Other local nominees included:
- 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
- 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
“Women play a huge role in the health of their communities across the country. We need them alive, and we need them well,” said Samantha Netluch, development director of impact campaigns for the American Heart Association, Chicago. “Our theme this year revolved around ‘going red’ for the women you love. Over the last nine weeks, Megan and our other nominees have gone red in a big way for the city of Chicago. We are so proud of them and grateful for their dedication to our mission.”
Women experience unique life stages that increase their risk of developing cardiovascular disease over the course of their lifetimes. While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. The nominees involved in Woman of Impact are paving the way for the future of women’s heart health and enabling more women to live longer and healthier lives.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact campaign or to nominate a local woman, please visit: https://womanofimpact.heart.org.
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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: 214-706-1173
Jorie Goins: (312) 298-9335; Jorie.Goins@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org