WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. May 9, 2025 — Delray Medical Center CEO Heather Havericak is the American Heart Association’s Palm Beach County Woman of Impact™ winner, alongside high schooler Nickie Walsh, Palm Beach County Teen of Impact™ winner. Both women spent nine weeks focusing on high-impact fundraising efforts and to improve health outcomes across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast community. The Woman of Impact campaign, part of the Association’s Go Red for Women movement, specifically focuses on improving women’s health and Teen of Impact focuses on helping Gen Z learn how they can take care of their heart health now to prevent heart disease later in life.

“We’re trying to reach as many people as possible with the message that heart disease is the No. 1 threat to women’s health, and that we can all make lifestyle changes to lower our risk,” said Iliana Rentz, 2025 Palm Beach County Go Red for Women chairperson and 2023 National Woman of Impact winner. “When we work directly with community leaders such as Heather, Nickie, and all of our incredible nominees, we can reach a wider network and make a bigger difference in the health of our community.”

Over the course of nine weeks, Havericak, alongside fellow nominees Sophia A. Nelson and Melanie Roger, competed for the Woman of Impact title by raising funds and hosting educational and awareness activities around women’s health. At the same time, Walsh worked for her Teen of Impact title by participating in community awareness and fundraising activities to support equitable health for teens and all people living in Palm Beach County.

“I’ve been involved with the American Heart Association for many years because I have friends and family members who have been impacted by heart disease, including a close friend who survived a ‘widow maker’ heart attack at the age of 50,” Havericak said. “I am honored to have received this recognition, and I’m excited to continue working alongside the American Heart Association and its Go Red for Women movement as the 2026 Palm Beach County Go Red for Women Chairperson.”

This year’s Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nominees raised more than $80,000, collectively. As the American Heart Association enters its second century of lifesaving work, efforts driven by these individuals are crucial to saving lives and advancing health and hope for everyone.

“Taking part in Teen of Impact meant I had the opportunity to use my voice to help ensure the next generation is heart-healthy,” Walsh said. “This campaign was a good reminder for me that teenagers can inspire lasting change, and I’m excited to continue advocating for heart health with the American Heart Association.”

While cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S., many cardiac events can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. For example, an estimated 1 in 3 Palm Beach County residents has high blood pressure, which is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It can be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes, but because it has no symptoms, many people don’t  know they have it. Awareness campaigns such as Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact, and community-focused programs that give residents access to free blood pressure screenings, can save lives.

For more information, contact Ashley Costa at Ashley.Costa@Heart.org, or visit Heart.org/PBGoRed.

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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, Instagram and X.

For Media Inquiries:  
Nina Barbero, APR
nina.barbero@heart.org