Two Central Virginia changemakers triumph in competition to reverse cardiovascular disease statistics
RICHMOND, VA, Apr. 16,2025 — A local pediatric cardiology fellow is the American Heart Association®’s Go Red for Women® Central Virginia 2025 Woman of Impact™ Winner alongside a local Henrico County high school junior as the Association’s Central Virginia 2025 Teen of Impact™ Winner. The high-impact fundraising efforts and work to improve health outcomes in the Central Virginia community earned Jordan Noble, Children’s Hospital of Richmond and Zoe Raeder, Henrico County student, their respective titles.
The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact initiatives advance the American Heart Association’s mission to create a world of longer, healthier lives. The Woman of Impact campaign, part of the Association’s Go Red for Women movement, specifically focuses on improving women’s health, while Teen of Impact focuses on helping Gen Z become heart-healthy.
“Thanks to the efforts of incredible changemakers like Jordan, Zoe and all of our nominees, we’re making strides to eliminate heart disease and stroke for all in Central Virginia,” said Chandra Hurst, American Heart Association Central Virginia board chair. “Together, we have the power to fund more research around heart health and provide information and education focused on ways women and teens can support their well-being and take steps now to protect their hearts later. In doing so, we are ensuring our future is brighter with better health outcomes.”
Over the course of nine weeks, Noble alongside her peers, competed for the Woman of Impact title by raising funds and partaking in women’s health educational and awareness activities to support the Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. At the same time, Raeder competed for the Teen of Impact title by participating in various community awareness and fundraising activities to support equitable health for teens and all people living in Richmond.
“It was important for me to participate in Woman of Impact because I am a survivor of congenital heart disease and I work with patients with heart disease every day,” said Noble. “I am honored to have received this recognition and am excited to continue working alongside the American Heart Association and its Go Red for Women initiative. There is power in women joining together, and united, we are stronger than cardiovascular disease.”
Zoe Raeder, Teen of Impact winner, raised over $25,000 through a creative and engaging campaign. She led community initiatives that included CPR awareness showing that young leaders can drive powerful change. Zoe will continue her advocacy as the 2026 Teen of Impact Chair.
Jordan Noble, Woman of Impact winner, raised over $10,000 and brought special attention to congenital heart disease, emphasizing that heart conditions can affect anyone, including children. She also supported community CPR demonstrations and helped spread awareness across Central Virginia.
As the American Heart Association enters its second century of lifesaving work, the efforts of these dedicated changemakers are essential in advancing health and hope for all.
The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nationwide initiatives launched in over 150 cities on National Wear Red Day®, February 7. In Central Virginia, 11 community leaders and teens were nominated to participate. Collectively, this year’s Central Virginia nominees raised nearly $100,000 to support the vital work of the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women in Central Virginia.
“Taking part in Teen of Impact meant I had the opportunity to use my voice to help ensure the next generation is heart healthy,” said Raeder. “Winning this title is a reminder that young people have the ability to inspire lasting change, and I’m excited to continue advocating for heart health alongside the American Heart Association in our community.”
Other local Woman of Impact nominees included:
- Lisa Jones, Branch Manager/Assistant Vice President at Virginia Credit Union
- Ashley Redwood, Wellness Advocate/Owner of Trap Cardio
- Megan Shilling, Regional Director Market Development at Marquis Health
- Anita Wynn, Director of Student & Civic Leadership at Virginia State University
Other local Teen of Impact nominees included:
- Patrick Epps, Chesterfield County
- Damon Lassiter, Henrico County
- Ryan Johnson, Goochland County
- Riya Patel, Henrico County
- Alexi Waddy, Hanover County
While cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S., many instances of cardiac events can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. Those involved in Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact are paving the way for the future of heart health and enabling more people to live longer and healthier.
To learn more about the American Heart Association in Central Virginia visit heart.org/Virginia.
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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
Audry Dubon: audry.dubon@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
