CHICAGO, April 16, 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 Windy City and raise critical dollars to help fund the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, earning them recognition from the organization. Amber Schmillen is the 2026 Chicago Woman of Impact winner. Liam Seymour has been named this year’s 2026 Chicago 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 Chicago nominees raised critical funds and hosted events to train thousands of Chicagoans in CPR and emphasize the importance of heart and brain health and raised more than $280,000 to support the vital work of the American Heart Association.

Amber Schmillen is vice president of business development and physician relations at UChicago Medicine. Her campaign was inspired, not just by her work at UChicago Medicine, but also by her own experience. At just 39 years old, with no family history of heart disease or prior illness of her own, Schmillen suffered sudden cardiac arrest during a Zoom call at work. Her colleague noticed something wasn’t right and called 911, staying on the call with her until help arrived.

“I’m alive today because someone spoke up, I pushed for care, and a medical team acted quickly,” Schmillen 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.”

The 2026 Teen of Impact campaign winner, Liam Seymour, is a student at Prospect High School. Liam was driven by a desire to make a difference in his community after seeing firsthand how heart disease impacts families through his mom’s health journey.  He joined the campaign to raise awareness about heart health, inspire others his age to get involved, and help bring education and support to those affected by cardiovascular disease.

“Watching my mom’s journey with heart disease showed me how important awareness, education, and support can be for families,” Seymour said.  “I joined Teen of Impact because I wanted to turn that experience into something positive and help bring my community together around a cause that means so much to me.  I am honored to be named the Chicago winner and thankful for the opportunities this campaign has given me.

 More than 10 nominees competed in the Heart Association’s Woman of Impact™ and Teen of Impact™ campaigns in Chicago. 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.

Amber and Liam are two of more than 160 other community-level Women and Teen of Impact winners from across the country now eligible for national recognition. The national winners from each campaign will be named on May 20, 2026.

“Changemakers like Amber, Liam and all of our nominees are making a lasting impact in Chicago,” said Brittany Walsh, executive director of the American Heart Association, Chicago. “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.”

Local Woman of Impact nominees included:

  • Dr. Heather Baker, Principal, Winnebago CUSD 323 School District
  • Lindsey Jordan, Co-founder, COO, PromoShare
  • Jennifer Prindle, Digital Leader
  • Monica Scott-Smith, Cardiac/Telemetry Nurse, Advocate Health Care
  • Manshi Shah, Private Wealth Advisor, Vice President, BMO Wealth Management
  • Aarathi Singh, CEO, MedGyn Products

Local Teen of Impact nominees included:

  • Toni Alao, Plainfield North High School
  • Mikaela Ellis, Downers Grove North High School
  • Enzo Mannucci, St. Francis High School
  • Alexis McCullough, Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School
  • Ellie Moise, Stevenson High School
  • Gabrielle Primus, Kenwood Academy High School
  • Shaili Shah, Carl Sandburg High School

To learn more about the Heart Association in Chicago, visit www.Heart.org/Illinois. 

 

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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 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:
Jorie Goins: Jorie.Goins@Heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org