BALTIMORE, May 2, 2025 — The Regional Vice President of the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute the American Heart Association®’s Go Red for Women® Greater Maryland 2025 Woman of Impact™ Winner alongside an Archbishop Spalding High School senior as the Association’s Greater Maryland 2025 Teen of Impact™ Winner.

The high-impact fundraising efforts and work to improve health outcomes in the Maryland community earned Cheryl Lunnen and Jaleel Carroll their respective titles.

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact initiatives advance the American Heart Association’s mission to create a world of longer, healthier lives. The Woman of Impact campaign, part of the Association’s Go Red for Women movement, specifically focuses on improving women’s health, while Teen of Impact focuses on helping Gen Z become heart-healthy.

“Thanks to the efforts of incredible changemakers like Cheryl, Jaleel and all of our nominees, we’re making strides to eliminate heart disease and stroke for all in Baltimore and throughout Maryland,” said Dr. Stephanie Detterline, the 2025 Go Red for Women Chairwoman. “Together, we have the power to fund more research around heart health and provide information and education focused on ways women and teens can support their well-being and take steps now to protect their hearts later. In doing so, we are ensuring our future is brighter with better health outcomes.”

Over the course of nine weeks, Lunnen competed alongside her peers for the Woman of Impact title by raising funds and partaking in women’s health educational and awareness activities to support the Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.

“I am honored to have received this recognition and am excited to continue working alongside the American Heart Association and its Go Red for Women initiative,” Lunnen said.

“It was important for me to participate in Woman of Impact because I’ve lost so many members of my family to heart disease, including three grandparents I never even met,” she continued. “It's time to break that cycle. I want to be here to see all of my children get married and watch my grandchildren grow up. But it’s not just about my family, it’s about everyone’s family and friends, and building a world free of cardiovascular disease, together!”

Among more than 500 Woman of Impact nominees nationwide, Lunnen is one of only 38 who achieved National ChangeMaker status by accumulating over 50,000 campaign points – awarded for a combination of funds raised and weekly mission activities over the course of the 9-week campaign.

At the same time, Carroll competed for the Teen of Impact title by participating in various community awareness and fundraising activities to support equitable health for teens and all people living in Maryland.

“Taking part in Teen of Impact meant I had the opportunity to use my voice to help ensure the next generation is heart healthy,” Carroll said. “Winning this title is a reminder that young people have the ability to inspire lasting change, and I’m excited to continue advocating for heart health alongside the American Heart Association in our community.”

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nationwide initiatives launched in over 150 cities on National Wear Red Day®, February 7. In Maryland, 11 community leaders and teens were nominated to participate. Collectively, this year’s Greater Maryland nominees held impact events like exercise nights and raised $107,662 to support the vital work of the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women in Baltimore & Greater Maryland

Other local Woman of Impact nominees included:

  • Ashley Amtmann, Orangetheory Fitness
  • Kristina Auwarter, Heart Attack Survivor
  • Caroline Bayless, BRG
  • Dana Cahill, Kelly Benefits
  • Gia Fracassetti, Compass Real Estate
  • Kristen Jarosinski, GuidePoint Security
  • Angela Schultz, Smyth Jewelers
  • Vivian O. Smith, Residences at Vantage Point

Other local Teen of Impact nominees included:

  • Emma McMonagle, Centennial High School

While cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S., many instances of cardiac events can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. Those involved in Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact are paving the way for the future of heart health and enabling more people to live longer and healthier.

“We are so grateful to all of our nominees for their work elevating the Go Red for Women message and raising critical funds in support of our local mission,” said Dr. George Bittar, a member of the Association’s local board of directors who nominated Lunnen. “While our work is far from finished, we’ve made considerable progress. Our city and state are stronger, and our future is brighter because of these 11 nominees.”

To learn more about the American Heart Association in Baltimore & Greater Maryland, visit heart.org/Maryland.

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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, 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

Wayne Carter, wayne.carter@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org