BALTIMORE, May 5, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer in the United States, but according to the American Heart Association, approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Two area individuals have successfully channeled their energy and passion to build a healthier Maryland and raise critical dollars to help fund the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, earning them recognition from the organization.

Leah Davidge is the 2026 Greater Maryland Woman of Impact winner, and Clara Putnam has been named the 2026 Greater Maryland Teen of Impact winner. The Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is celebrating changemakers in over 160 communities across the nation. These leaders used their campaigns to make the greatest impact in their communities by raising awareness for heart health and funds for lifesaving research, advocacy and education.

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact campaigns launched on National Wear Red Day®, Friday, Feb. 6. Collectively, this year’s Greater Maryland nominees and their teammates learned the lifesaving skill of Hands-only CPR; shared the importance of both mental and physical health with over 1,000 people; and raised more than $145,000 to support the vital work of the American Heart Association.

Davidge, the Director of Gas System Operations at BGE, lost her mother to heart disease when she was just 11 years old.

“It was important for me to participate in Woman of Impact because no child should have to grow up without a parent, and no family should have to face a loss that could be prevented,” Davidge said. “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.”

Clara, a freshman at Mercy High School in Baltimore, is herself a survivor of heart disease, having been born with two congenital heart defects and a rare condition called heterotaxy. She endured open heart surgery at just 9 months old.

“I am so honored to be named the Greater Maryland Teen of Impact winner and thankful for the opportunities this campaign has given me,” Clara said. “My work with the American Heart Association will not stop here. I’m passionate about ensuring my friends and family are inspired to live heart healthy.”

More than a dozen nominees competed in the Heart Association’s Woman of Impact™ and Teen of Impact™ campaigns in Maryland. Each nominee supported the Heart Association in its fight against the nation’s No. 1 health threat, CVD. The Woman of Impact campaign, part of the Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, specifically focuses on improving women’s health, while Teen of Impact focuses on empowering the next generation to change the trajectory of heart health for their generation.

Leah and Clara are two of more than 160 other community-level Women and Teen of Impact winners from across the country who participated in the campaigns. Both Leah and Clara, as well as other local nominees were recognized at the 2026 Greater Maryland Go Red for Women experience on April 24 in Baltimore.

“Changemakers like Leah and Clara, and all of our nominees, are making a lasting impact in Baltimore and Greater Maryland,” said Christine D. Aspell, volunteer chair of the 2026 Greater Maryland Go Red for Women campaign, and retired office managing partner of KPMG in Baltimore.

“Together, we have the power to fund more lifesaving research and educate women and teens on how they can take steps now to protect their hearts to help create a future of longer, healthier lives for all.”

Greater Maryland’s 2026 Woman of Impact nominees:

  • Katie Graham, Under Armour
  • Amy Hardesty, KPMG LLP
  • Suzie Jeffreys, Living Fitness Rx LLC
  • Kristen LaDuca, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
  • Tanya Lewis, Cummings & Co.
  • Diane Marsh, Hatzel & Buehler, Inc.
  • Carrie O’Connor, Smyth Jewelers

Greater Maryland’s 2026 Teen of Impact nominees:

  • Lucilia Barretta, Westfield High School
  • Zena Levy, Centennial High School
  • Lauryn Lindo, Marriotts Ridge High School
  • Savannah Neas, Westfield High School
  • Makenzie Spear, Delmar Middle School

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s work in Baltimore and Greater Maryland, visit www.heart.org/maryland

###

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 one 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:

Wayne Carter, wayne.carter@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org