Hollywood, Fla. April 17, 2025 — A new mom prioritizing health and well-being after experiencing preeclampsia is the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® South Florida 2025 Woman of Impact™ winner, alongside a 16-year-old entrepreneur and advocate for social impact as the Association’s South Florida 2025 Teen of Impact™ winner. The high-impact fundraising efforts and work to improve health outcomes in the community earned Jessica Younis Milton, project specialist at Starbucks and Sebastian Ortiz from La Salle High School 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 and Teen of Impact focuses on helping Gen Z become heart-healthy.

“Thanks to the efforts of incredible changemakers like Jessica Younis Milton, Sebastian Ortiz, and all of our nominees, we’re making strides to eliminate heart disease and stroke for all in South Florida,” said Katherine Nuñez, impact campaign director, American Heart Association, Hollywood. “Together, we have the power to fund more heart health research and provide information and education 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, Younis Milton alongside her peers, competed 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. At the same time, Ortiz 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 South Florida.

“It was important for me to participate in Woman of Impact to remind women of the vital importance of respecting our bodies. Our bodies are incredibly strong and resilient, but only if we provide the love and care they deserve,” said Younis Milton. “I am honored to receive this recognition and am excited to continue working alongside the American Heart Association and its Go Red for Women initiative. There is power in women joining together, and united, we are stronger than cardiovascular disease.”

After collectively raising $90,000 and driving heart health initiatives, including a CPR awareness activity for students at La Salle High School, a morning yoga class with friends and family, and relentlessly campaigning to fund lifesaving research and community initiatives that promote heart health, Jessica and Sebastian were named this year’s winners. As the 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.

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nationwide initiatives launched in over 150 cities on National Wear Red Day®, February 7. In South Florida, 12 community leaders and teens were nominated to participate. Collectively, this year’s South Florida nominees were driven to prevent heart disease and stroke by building awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles, and raising funds to support the vital work of the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women in South Florida.

“Taking part in Teen of Impact meant I had the opportunity to use my voice to help ensure the next generation is heart-healthy,” said Sebastian. “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.”

Other local Woman of Impact nominees included:

  • Cristina Miller, Intermedia Touch
  • Gabriela Ibarra, Innovative Centers for Wellness
  • Renee Lopez Cantera, EKN Solutions Digital
  • Sharry Bain
  • Victoria Mendez, Esq., Shutts & Bowen LLP

Other local Teen of Impact nominees included:

  • Alfred Jino, American Heritage
  • Luke Rodriguez, Gulliver Preparatory School
  • Mia Gordon, Pine Crest School
  • Sabrina Lopez-Cantera, True North Classical Academy
  • Valeria Franco, Barbara Goleman Senior 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.

To learn more about the American Heart Association visit American Heart Association South Florida.

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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, on 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: 214-706-1173

Melissa Solis, Melissa.Solis@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org