15 Chicago changemakers join effort to eliminate cardiovascular disease
CHICAGO — Feb. 23, 2026 — More than 60% of U.S. adults will have cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050 according to recent data.[1] Now through spring, 15 woman and teen leaders in Chicago are joining the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, to overcome the No. 1 health threat, cardiovascular disease.
By age 18, many adolescents have already developed heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol or Type 2 diabetes, and a growing number of younger adults are experiencing adverse cardiovascular events.[2] That’s why eight Chicago teens are participating in the American Heart Association’s Teen of Impact™ campaign, a nine-week competition that challenges nominated teens to lead with purpose and create meaningful change in their communities. Nominees will compete to build a healthier community by spreading education on heart and brain health while raising critical funds that help in the fight against CVD.
The Heart Association’s Woman of Impact™ program is rallying seven local changemakers through the Go Red for Women® movement to improve women’s heart health, address clinical care gaps and raise funds for cardiovascular research and education. Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of CVD. Woman of Impact nominees will raise funds and awareness to improve women’s heart health and address clinical care gaps.
“When we come together, we are stronger than the leading cause of death, cardiovascular disease,” said Brittany Walsh, executive director of the American Heart Association, Chicago. “Each of the teens and women participating will use their time, talent and influence to educate the community about their risk, encourage them to take action to improve their health, and raise critical funds to continue the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.”
The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nationwide initiatives launch on National Wear Red Day®, Friday, Feb. 6, in cities across the country. Hundreds of nominees will embark on a nine-week competition to help transform heart health. Each week, nominees and their team members participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness. Activities may include learning CPR and sharing the importance of getting active, recruiting friends and family to participate in research or advocacy, and more.
Chicago’s 2026 Woman of Impact Nominees are:
- Dr. Heather Baker, Principal, Winnebago CUSD 323 School District
- Lindsey Jordan, Co-founder, COO, PromoShare
- Jennifer Prindle, Digital Leader
- Amber Schmillen, Vice President of Business Development & Physician Relations, UChicago Medicine
- Monica Scott-Smith, Cardiac/Telemetry Nurse, Advocate Health Care
- Manshi Shah, Private Wealth Advisor, Vice President, BMO Wealth Management
- Aarathi Singh, CEO, MedGyn Products
Chicago’s 2026 Teen of Impact Nominees are:
- 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
- Liam Seymour, Prospect High School
- Shaili Shah, Carl Sandburg High School
After nine weeks of driving impact, the competition will culminate on April 9. The nominee from each campaign who raises the most lifesaving funds will be named the Chicago 2026 Woman of Impact Winner and Chicago 2026 Teen of Impact Winner. In addition to local market winners, the woman and teen nominee who raised the most nationwide, will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner and Teen of Impact Winner.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s work in Chicago, visit: our 2026 Chicago Woman of Impact page and our 2026 Chicago Teen of Impact page.
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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
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
