Kansas City financial executive to lead local women’s heart health movement
KANSAS CITY, November 10, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in Kansas City and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association — a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives — is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health through its Go Red for Women® movement. Leading this effort locally is Private Wealth Advisor Jessica Colby of First Business Bank, who will serve as the 2026 Chair of Kansas City’s Go Red for Women Luncheon held on Friday, May 1, 2026, empowering women to take charge of their well-being, raising money to further research, and addressing critical gaps in prevention, research, and care.
“As women, our days are full, and life rarely slows down—but women’s health deserves attention now, not later,” Jessica Colby said. “Go Red for Women is a call to action: Red Means Go—for our hearts, our futures, and every woman matters.”
Despite the threat of cardiovascular disease, less than half of women are aware of their risk. Go Red for Women is committed to expanding access to care, encouraging proactive prevention, and strengthening a community of support.
This year’s Kansas City Go Red for Women movement will focus on meeting women where life is already happening. Red Means Go is a reminder and permission to act now: schedule the checkup, know your numbers, recognize symptoms, and encourage the women you love to do the same. The campaign will bring heart-health education, resources, and support into workplaces, community hubs, and women’s networks across the region.
“As a wealth advisor, I work with women every day who are planning for the future—building security, stability, and legacy,” said Colby. “But none of those dreams are possible if we aren’t here to live them. Prioritizing heart health is one of the most meaningful investments women can make in themselves, and in the lives of the people who count on them. I am chairing this event because I’ve seen firsthand how heart disease impacts lives—and I believe we, Kansas City, can change the narrative for women everywhere.”
“There is one source of support women can count on — each other. Jessica’s leadership and passion are creating a ripple of change in Kansas City,” said Laura Lopez, executive director of the American Heart Association.
The community is invited to celebrate the movement on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Kansas City Go Red for Women Luncheon at the Overland Park Convention Center. Now in its 21st year, the event will feature survivor stories, education, and opportunities to support lifesaving heart health initiatives in Kansas City.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Kansas City Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally presented by AdventHealth. For more information, contact Amanda.Nichols@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/KCGoRed.
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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).
Name: DeEtta Lee, Sr. Communications Director
DeEtta.Lee@heart.org or cell: 515-250-8392
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
