Roanoke, VA; April 16, 2025 – The American Heart Association’s inaugural Southwest Virginia Women of Impact campaign has drawn to a close with nine area women leading the charge to help transform the region through education and outreach as well as helping bring in critical, life-saving funds for research. For the past nine weeks, the candidates have held special events and fundraisers for the campaign, in an effort to improve heart health in the region. This Thursday morning the campaign concludes at a special breakfast celebration.
The Southwest Virginia Women of Impact breakfast will take place this Thursday, April 17, at the Shenandoah Ballroom in the Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke, VA) from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. During this time, guests will get a look at some of the activities the candidates put together as part of the campaign. This year’s nominees are:
• Jennifer Huffman, Atlantic Union Bank
• Amanda Kenney, EddyAlexander
• Kate Capodanno, WDBJ7
• Lisa Archer, Edible Blue Ridge
• Alicia Smith, F&S Building Innovations
• Lori Brown, Star City Private Wealth Management
• Alyshia Merchant, Divine Fog Realty
• Diane Simmons, Simply Fitness by Diane
• Veronica van Montfrans, Virginia Tech
“These women are inspirations to us all, with every one of them focused on improving heart health in the region,” said Christie Steele-Garcia, Development Director for the American Heart Association. “Each has found her own unique way to bring the Women of Impact campaign to life in Southwest Virginia and I’m so proud and excited of the work they’ve done. The region will benefit from their energy, creativity, and passion for helping others.”
Woman of Impact is an extension of the American Heart Association’s long-standing Go Red for Women movement, 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.
Beginning on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 7, 2025, hundreds of Woman of Impact nominees nationwide embarked on a 9-week journey to help transform the health of women. Each week, nominees and their Impact Teams, made up of friends or family members, participated in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and health equity. Nominees and their Impact Teams also raised critical funds for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in the Ohio Valley.
“By using their influence, their local networks and their own unique passions and experiences, these ladies have made a genuine difference in the region, and we are so grateful for their contributions and commitments,” said Steele-Garcia. “These women have shown us that the Woman of Impact campaign truly embodies the power of coming together to create important and lasting change for good.”
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in the Southwest Virginia region, visit http://www2.heart.org/RoanokeWOI.
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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 19 years, 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).
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, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For media inquiries:
Kevin Pauley: kevin.pauley@heart.org
