Executive director of heart and vascular care center named Go Red for Women’s Chicago Woman of Impact Winner

CHICAGO, IL April 21, 2025 — Colleen LaBuhn, executive director of the Heart and Vascular Center at the University of Chicago Medicine, is the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Chicago Woman of Impact Winner for 2025. She won the local competition by raising funds and increasing awareness to combat heart disease and stroke in women while improving overall well-being in the community. According to the American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S. It claims the lives of 1 in 3 women disproportionately affecting women of color.

“Thanks to the efforts of incredible leaders like Colleen and all of our nominees, we’re making strides to ensure all women in Chicago are seen, heard and counted when it comes to their health,” said Brittany Walsh, executive director of the American Heart Association, Chicago. “Together, we have the power to help ensure more women are represented in research, have the information they need for heart health through every stage of life and receive quality and timely care. The power of our community coming together creates better health outcomes for all of us.”

Over the course of nine weeks, LaBuhn, along with a team of family, friends and colleagues, competed for the Woman of Impact title by participating in various community awareness and fundraising activities. After raising critical funds and driving women’s health education initiatives, LaBuhn was named this year’s winner, raising a total of $58,875, also achieving Changemaker status for earning more than 50,000 impact points during the competition. The Woman of Impact campaign is part of the American Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform that has been increasing women’s heart health awareness and improving the lives of women globally for more than two decades.

“This was a complete honor,” said LaBuhn, “I am so passionate about helping others, especially with heart disease, and making sure that women are equal in all areas and especially medicine.”

LaBuhn was surprised at her home by American Heart Association staff during the Chicago Moment of Impact celebration on April 16. The event, emceed by heart transplant survivor and WVON radio personality Pam Morris-Walton, celebrated the collective impact of all nine Chicago Woman of Impact nominees.

“I know that all the money that all of us nine women raised is going to be put to such amazing use in research and education,” LaBuhn said. “That’s really what it’s all about at the end of the day.”

The Woman of Impact campaign launched in over 100 cities on National Wear Red Day®, February 7. In Chicago, nine community leaders including LaBuhn were nominated to participate. Collectively, this year’s Chicago nominees leveraged their connections to hold fitness events, host heart health happy hours, and spread awareness through media appearances. In total, the nominees raised more than $190,000 for the Chicago American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement. The Chicago campaign was also top 10 for funds raised and total impact.

Other local nominees included:

• Karen Adamson, head of technology delivery, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
• Elizabeth Buckton, private wealth advisor, BMO Wealth Management
• Dr. Emily Duym, emergency medicine physician, Vituity
• Gabby Kusz, chief operating officer, Blockfills
• Shelley Long, manager, community relations, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
• Joni Rials, assistant clinical manager, interventional services, Advocate Health Care
• Brie Siciliano, managing director, transfer pricing, KPMG
• Jennifer Weiner, director of manpower, Barry Electric

While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, CVD continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, as nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD.[1]  Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of developing CVD. Community leaders involved in Woman of Impact are paving the way for the future of women’s heart health and enabling more women to live longer and healthier lives.

To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Chicago visit, http://www.heart.org/chicagogored.  

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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, on 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: 214-706-1173

Jorie Goins: (312) 298-9335;Jorie.Goins@Heart.org.

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

heart.org and stroke.org