Two First Coast residents win competition supporting cardiovascular disease prevention
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. May 12, 2025 — The owner of Goldyn Hour Style in Jacksonville Beach, Lindsay White, and a student and baseball player at Ponte Vedra High School, Ben Williams, have been named the 2025 First Coast Woman of Impact™ and Teen of Impact™ winners, respectively, by the American Heart Association, a global force for healthier lives for all.
Launching annually on National Wear Red Day®, February 7, the local leaders were nominated by the American Heart Association to educate, fundraise and inspire people to prioritize their health through community fundraising events and personal network outreach. At the end of the nine-week campaigns, the nominees who made the greatest impact and raised the most funds locally were named the First Coast winners.
The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact initiatives are a part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, which addresses awareness and clinical care gaps in women’s greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease.
Collectively, the initiatives raised over $351,000 in support of women’s heart health, with the Woman of Impact nominees contributing $151,725 and the Teen of Impact nominees bringing in more than $199,000.
"Being part of the 2025 First Coast Woman of Impact Campaign has been incredibly meaningful,” said White. “It meant so much to me to give back to our community, and one of the most inspiring moments was seeing friends, family and even people I hadn’t spoken to in years come together to support the cause. It reminded me of the strength we have when we unite for something bigger than ourselves."
White raised more than $33,000, and Williams raised nearly $174,000. Williams’ success earned him the title of regional winner, and national runner-up among 177 Teen of Impact nominees across the country.
“Being part of the Teen of Impact campaign has been an incredible honor and something I’ll always be grateful for,” said Williams. “As a student-athlete, I’ve seen how important heart health is for living fully — on and off the field. This experience showed me that making a meaningful difference starts when we step up, not just for ourselves, but for others too. I’m thankful for the opportunity to raise awareness, to help strengthen our communities, and to continue supporting the American Heart Association’s mission.”
The 2025 First Coast Woman of Impact nominees included:
- Mackenzie Berger – Integrity Spine & Orthopedics
- Mandy Johnson – Chirps Co. Social
- Carrie Kuppart – Brooksource
- Heather Long – CapTech
- Whitney McGuire – RYAM
- Chandler Morgan – Action News Jax
- Jessica Swearingen – The Ponte Vedra Club Realty
- Lindsay White – Goldyn Hour Style
The 2025 First Coast Teen of Impact nominees included:
- Emma Carrigan – Beachside High School
- Ben Williams – Ponte Vedra High School
“It has been such a pleasure to work alongside each of our local Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nominees,” said Mallory Sealey, impact campaigns director for the American Heart Association, First Coast. “Thanks to their unwavering support and dedication to the American Heart Association’s mission, we are making headway in the fight against heart disease and stroke and advancing research, education and awareness for all.”
While cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S., many instances of cardiac events can be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes. Those involved in the Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact campaigns are paving the way for the future of heart health and enabling more people to live longer, healthier lives.
To learn more about the Woman of Impact and Teen Impact campaigns, visit Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact | Go Red for Women or contact Mallory.Sealey@heart.org.
###
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:
Emma Richards: emma.richards@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
