Local fashion entrepreneur raises awareness and funds to end women’s No. 1 health threat

SAN ANTONIO, April 24, 2026 — While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death in women.[1] In recognition of her energy and passion to fight back against women’s greatest health threat, Mayra Farret is the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® San Antonio Woman of Impact™ winner for 2026.  She won the local competition by raising funds and awareness of heart disease and stroke, and inspiring other women to take action to improve their health.

Five nominees participated in the 2026 San Antonio Woman of Impact competition. Over nine weeks, participants used their collective influence to raise critical dollars to help fund lifesaving research, education and programs to support the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all. They educated women on their CVD risks, shared the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR and each made a direct impact in their community. The campaigns raised a combined $40,759, to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.

“Thanks to the efforts of incredible leaders like Mayra and all of our nominees, we’re making strides to help all women in San Antonio feel seen and heard when it comes to their health,” said Vincent Real, volunteer board chair of American Heart Association – San Antonio and president and chief executive officer of Big State Electric. “Together, we have the power to ensure more women are represented in research, have the information they need for heart health through every stage of life and receive quality and timely care. The power of our community coming together creates better health outcomes for all of us.”

Women experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of cardiovascular disease. Still, many instances of heart disease and stroke are preventable. The Woman of Impact campaign is part of the Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform that has been increasing women’s heart health awareness and meeting the evolving health needs of women globally for more than two decades.

“It was important for me to participate in Woman of Impact because so many women don’t recognize the symptoms, don’t get screened early enough, or don’t realize they are at risk until it’s too late. This is about protecting the women we love.” said Farret. “I am honored to have received this recognition and am excited to continue working alongside the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women to help more women know their risk factors and get the support they need to live longer, healthier lives.”

Mayra is now one of 102 community-level Women of Impact winners from across the country eligible for national recognition. The national winner will be announced through TIME Magazine on May 20, 2026.

The Woman of Impact campaign launched on National Wear Red Day®, Feb. 6. Collectively, this year’s San Antonio nominees empowered women to take charge of their heart health.

Other local nominees included:

• Tiffany Galvan, Coach TMG
• Nichole Mariakis, Mary Kay and BNI
• Summer Reyes, Texas Regional Bank
• Kristy Ward, Menopause Mijas

Over 44% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD.[2] Community leaders 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 Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in San Antonio, visit heart.org/sanantoniogored. 

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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 a hundred 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, 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:

Reyna Caraveo: reyna.caraveo@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org