Local commercial lender combats cardiovascular disease – No. 1 women’s health threat

(AKRON) April 25, 2025 — Carrie Malotte, Vice President, Commercial/Corporate Banking and SBA Specialist at Westfield Bank, is the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Northeast Ohio 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 Carrie and all of our nominees, we’re making strides to ensure all women in Northeast Ohio are seen, heard and counted when it comes to their health,” said Lisa Wheeler-Cooper, Executive Director of the American Heart Association in Northeast Ohio. “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, Malotte, 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, Malotte was named this year’s winner. 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.

“Like so many other people, in some way, shape or form I’ve been touched by heart disease through family and friends and associates,” said Malotte. “I thought about all the people in my life who have been impacted by heart disease, and I really wanted to go out and be a good advocate and raise awareness and support for them.”

The Woman of Impact campaign launched in over 100 cities on National Wear Red Day®, February 7. In Northeast Ohio, several community leaders were nominated to participate. Collectively, this year’s Northeast Ohio nominees raised critical funds for the Northeast Ohio American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

Other local nominees included:

• Madison Tromler, WFMJ

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 Northeast Ohio visit heart.org/ohio.

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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
Chelsea Caldwell; chelsea.caldwell@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org