ALBUQUERQUE, Nov. 14, 2025 — April Kovari, president and state manager of Fidelity National Title of New Mexico, and Lanie Norton, assistant controller at JB Henderson Construction Co. Inc., have been tapped to lead the 2026 New Mexico Go Red for Women Luncheon. The announcement comes as part of the American Heart Association’s ongoing efforts to empower women to take charge of their heart health through its Go Red for Women® movement.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women in New Mexico and across the United States. Go Red for Women is dedicated to helping women lead longer, healthier lives by addressing critical gaps in research, education and care. The Go Red movement, now in its 22nd year, will be celebrated locally with a luncheon on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town. The event brings together hundreds of community leaders, survivors, and advocates to raise awareness and funds for heart disease and stroke prevention.
“As women, our days are packed and life rarely slows down — but our health deserves attention now, not later,” said Kovari. “Go Red for Women is a call to action: Red Means Go — for our hearts, our futures and every woman who matters to us.”
Kovari has nearly four decades of experience in the title insurance industry, building teams and empowering professionals across the Southwest. She is a proud mother and grandmother, and her personal connection to heart disease includes a congenital heart defect and the loss of her mother to congestive heart failure.
“I’ve known far too many people struck by tragedy due to heart disease,” she said. “Supporting Go Red is my way of giving back and elevating women’s health in our community.”
Norton, who has been with JB Henderson Construction for 20 years, brings a deeply personal perspective to her role. Her mother, Lana Arbogast, suffered five strokes in one week at age 48 and survived a massive heart attack 10 years later. The mom had always lived a healthy lifestyle but experienced hereditary high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
“After she had her stokes, that changed everything for us,” Norton said, speaking for herself and her brothers and their families. “We all started eating healthier, exercising more and doing more to manage stress.”
Norton also experienced a life-threatening medical emergency in 2019 that required emergency surgery and multiple units of blood.
“Doctors told me my strong, healthy heart helped me survive,” she said. “If I had been out of shape, a smoker or a heavy drinker, the outcome would have been much different.” Norton’s company sponsors a table at the luncheon each year and has fielded a team for the Heart Walk for the past two years.
“There is one source of support women can count on — each other,” said Sherri Wells, executive director of the American Heart Association–New Mexico. “April and Lanie’s unwavering dedication to the Go Red for Women movement is creating a ripple of change in our community.”
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health. The New Mexico Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Delta Dental of New Mexico.
For more information, visit heart.org/NewMexicoGoRed or contact Sherri.Wells@heart,org
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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 100 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.
For Media Inquiries
Cyd King: cyd.king@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
