CHICAGO, IL (March 7, 2025) — More than half of U.S. adults will have cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050 according to recent data from the American Heart Association.[1] To kick off American Heart Month this February, nine community leaders and four teens in the Chicagoland area joined the American Heart Association to overcome their number No. 1 health threat, CVD, through the Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact initiatives.
For over a century, the American Heart Association has been saving lives and advancing health and hope for everyone. Teen of Impact nominees will continue to support that work through fundraising and CVD education and prevention efforts for all people living in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Nominees participating in Woman of Impact will raise funds and awareness to support the Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, which launched over two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and address clinical care gaps.
“Increasing health outcomes and awareness is a multigenerational endeavor,” said Brittany Walsh, executive director of the American Heart Association, Chicago.
“Our Go Red for Women initiative prides itself on being a reliable resource for women at every age and stage of life, but that also extends to all of our work throughout Chicago and Illinois,” Walsh continued. “Each year we’re blown away by how our Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nominees use their lived experience to bring a unique perspective to their campaigns. I’m confident this year we will see some of the most innovative health care education and advocacy work yet.”
The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nationwide initiatives launch on National Wear Red Day, February 7, [HG1] in hundreds of cities across the country. At the start of the campaign, hundreds of nominees nationwide embark on a nine-week journey to help transform heart health. Each week, nominees and their team members participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and equitable health. Activities may include educational events, learning and spreading the word about CPR, getting active, recruiting friends and family to participate in research, and more.
Chicago’s 2025 Woman of Impact Nominees are:
- 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
- Colleen LaBuhn, executive director, Heart and Vascular Center, UChicago Medicine
- 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
Chicago’s 2025 Teen of Impact Nominees are:
- Mila Ind, Walter Payton College Prep
- Rian Patadia, Hinsdale Central High School
- Aanya Patel, Stevenson High School
- Caitlin Robinson, Jones College Prep
After nine weeks of driving immense impact, the competition will culminate on April 10. One nominee from each campaign will be named the Chicago 2025 Woman of Impact Winner and Chicago 2025 Teen of Impact Winner. In addition to local market winners, one nominee from each campaign across the country will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner and Teen of Impact Winner on April 15.
“Last year’s campaigns were a testament to the trailblazing spirit of leadership that extends throughout the Chicagoland area,” said Samantha Netluch, director at the American Heart Association. “We launched our first ever teen of impact campaign and our Woman of Impact 2024 winner, Megan Thibert-Ind, led her team to achieve national “Changemaker” status after raising more than $65,000 toward our mission. Now as we continue the first year of a new Century, we’re excited to see what levels of ingenuity this year’s nominees will bring to advancing equitable care, knowledge and access in the Windy City.”
While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to take the life of 1 in 3 people.
To learn more about the American Heart Association in Chicago, visit heart.org/Illinois.
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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:
Jorie Goins:
Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
[HG1]Field Staff: change the tense of this based on when you send this out.
