MINNEAPOLIS, Mn, April 21, 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 Minnesota and raise critical dollars to help fund the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, earning them recognition from the organization.  Meghan Holmes is the 2026 Minnesota Woman of Impact winner, while Kate Szafranski has been named this year’s 2026 Minnesota Teen of Impact winner. The Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is celebrating changemakers in 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 Minnesota nominees hosted CPR demonstrations, tabled at sporting events where they passed out information on stroke and heart health, hosted panels with medical experts and survivors, and hosted Wear Red Day events within their schools and businesses. Together, the nominees raised $80,000 to support the vital work of the American Heart Association.

Meghan, a mom of two and heart survivor, engaged the community throughout her campaign by hosting panels with medical professionals and survivors, amplifying patient voices and raising awareness about the importance of heart health. She also volunteers as a cardiovascular peer visitor for Allina Health, serves as a patient ambassador for Heart Valve Voice US in hospitals and is a board member of Artistry.

“Participating in Woman of Impact was deeply personal for me as a heart survivor and a mom of two,” Holmes said. “Heart disease affects so many women and families, often in ways we don’t expect. I’m honored to receive this recognition and excited to continue working alongside the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women to help more women understand their risk, feel seen, and get the support they need to live longer, healthier lives.”

The 2026 Teen of Impact campaign winner, Kate Szafranski, sophomore at De La Salle High School, hosted events throughout her campaign, including a Wear Red Day event that her entire school participated in. In addition to the students wearing red, it also served as an informational day about heart disease and stroke.

“I chose to participate in Teen of Impact because heart health has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Szafranski said. “My little brother was born with Wolff‑Parkinson‑White syndrome and growing up alongside his heart journey showed me how important awareness and education truly are. I’m so honored to be named the Minnesota Teen of Impact winner and grateful for the opportunities this campaign has given me. My work with the American Heart Association won’t stop here. I’m passionate about helping my friends, family, and community understand heart health and feel empowered to protect it.”

11 nominees competed in the Heart Association’s Woman of Impact™ and Teen of Impact™ campaigns in Minnesota. 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.

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

“Changemakers like Meghan and Kate and all of our nominees are making a lasting impact in the Twin Cities and across Minnesota,” said Krista Moffett, executive director of the American Heart Association - Minnesota. “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:

  • Autumn Pease, Professional Athlete
  • Hailey Lamers, Student, Alpha Phi
  • Kate France, Pharmacist, Founder of Smyle LLC

Local Teen of Impact nominees included:

  • Addison Bergstrom
  • Finley Roemer
  • Jillian Bain
  • Julia Janasko
  • Nahum Yilma
  • Reagan McCarthy

To learn more about the Heart Association in Minnesota, visit Heart.org/Minnesota.

Additional links:

https://womanofimpact.heart.org/
https://teenofimpact.heart.org/
https://www.goredforwomen.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. 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:
Olivia LaVoy; Olivia.lavoy@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org