MINNEAPOLIS, April 25, 2023 – Jen Swanson, CEO and principal advisor of Tuckpoint Advisory Group, has been named the 2023 Minnesota Woman of Impact Award Winner for her work advancing women’s health equity. The recognition by the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, is awarded annually to the Woman of Impact nominee who earns the most impact points during a 9-week fundraising and heart health education drive.
Swanson earned the award, part of the American Heart Association’s long-standing Go Red for Women® movement, for leading her team to raise nearly 40,000 impact points through funds raised and mission-impact activities. In addition to coordinating exercise classes to get women’s hearts pumping, Swanson sent out weekly communications educating her network on heart disease risks and prevention tips.
“Heart disease and stroke have never just been men’s diseases, but women are consistently left out of studies and left behind in care,” Swanson said. “I joined the Minnesota Woman of Impact campaign to help raise awareness of this issue and help the American Heart Association continue its work to close the gender gap.”
Each year, a group of Minnesota women are nominated by their peers to embark on a journey starting on National Wear Red Day in February and culminating on April 6 to earn the local title. In addition to Swanson, the nominees this year included Kelly Grady of Long Lake, Meghan Kelsey of Sartell, and Julia Schumacher and Emily Schumacher of Mankato.
Collectively, this year’s Minnesota nominees and their Impact Teams made up of friends, family and personal connections trained over 360 people in Hands-Only CPR and raised more than $55,000 for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Minnesota.
“We are so grateful to Jen and to all of our nominees for their work elevating the Go Red for Women message and raising critical funds in support of our local mission,” said Stacy Beske, vice president integration business leader at Medtronic and chairperson of the 2023 Twin Cities Go Red for Women campaign. “While our work is far from finished, we’ve made considerable progress in women’s heart health awareness. With advocates like Jen and our other Woman of Impact nominees leading the way, our state is stronger and our future is brighter.”
While a large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, taking the life of 1 in 3 women. Research published by the American Heart Association shows that younger women, particularly Millennials and Gen Z may not be aware of their risk for heart disease and stroke. 1 For more information or to get involved visit Heart.org/TwinCitiesGoRedEvents.
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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 19 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 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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Local Media Inquiries:
Lisa Cole, lisa.cole@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org