FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Feb. 27, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, claiming the life of 1 in 3 women each year. As the American Heart Association celebrates Heart Month, eight Northwest Arkansas leaders are stepping forward to raise awareness about women’s greatest health threat through the Association’s Woman of Impact™ initiative.

The Woman of Impact campaign rallies changemakers across the country through the Go Red for Women® movement. Over nine weeks, nominees work to improve women’s heart health, mobilize their networks, and raise critical funds for cardiovascular research, education and community programs.

Campaigns officially launched on National Wear Red Day®, Feb. 6. Nominees are competing locally and nationally to generate the greatest measurable impact in support of the American Heart Association, a relentless force for longer, healthier lives.

The campaign wraps up April 9, and the Northwest Arkansas 2026 Woman of Impact Winner will be announced May 19 at the Go Red for Women Luncheon at the Rogers Convention Center. The top local fundraiser earns the title, and the leading fundraiser nationally will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner.

“Women often put themselves last, and their heart health suffers because of it,” said NWA Go Red for Women event co- chair Danielle Cobb of The Emerson Group. Cobb and Amanda Madrid and Jerrit Davis of Walmart are in their second year as co-chairs.

“Our Woman of Impact nominees are using their voices and influence to educate, inspire and empower women to take ownership of their health,” Cobb said.

Northwest Arkansas’ 2026 Woman of Impact nominees are:

  • Kassi Bender, MPG
  • Amanda Daily, Tyson Foods
  • Rachel Harris, The Emerson Group
  • Cayla Quade, Walmart
  • Katie Schifano, Sam’s Club
  • Jen Taylor, Hain Celestial
  • Anna Torres-Lopez
  • Bailey Zimmerman, Walmart

Throughout the nine-week challenge, nominees will host events, share lifesaving information, and encourage preventive care — from knowing blood pressure numbers to understanding heart attack and stroke symptoms. While cardiovascular disease affects nearly 45% of women over age 20, more than 80% of heart events are preventable with lifestyle changes and early detection.

To follow the Northwest Arkansas campaign or support a nominee, go to www.heart.org/NWAGoRed.

###

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 or X 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