Two New York City changemakers triumph in fight to eliminate heart disease and stroke

Caroline Gundeck, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, has been named the American Heart Association New York City 2024 Go Red for Women Woman of Impact Winner alongside Sadie Laurie, a student at Trevor Day School, as the Association’s New York City 2024 Teen of Impact Winner. Both Gundeck and Laurie earned their respective titles for their transformational fundraising efforts and work to improve health outcomes around the Big Apple. The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact initiatives support the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives for all, with Woman of Impact having a special focus on women’s health through the Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

“We are so grateful to Caroline Gundeck and Sadie Laurie and all of our nominees for their work raising awareness and critical funds in support of our local mission,” said Meg Gilmartin, Senior Executive Director and Regional Senior Vice President, American Heart Association, New York City. “While our work is far from finished, we’ve made considerable progress. Our city is stronger, and our future is brighter.”

Caroline Gundeck and her team from Morgan Stanley.

Over the course of nine weeks, Gundeck alongside her supporters, 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, Laurie 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 New York City.

After raising $142,500, earning 170,000 total points combined, Gundeck and Laurie were named this year’s winners. As the Association celebrates its 100th birthday in 2024, efforts driven by these individuals are crucial to saving lives and advancing health and hope for everyone.

“Being a part of the Woman of Impact campaign was personal for me,” said Gundeck. “I am honored to have received this award, but most importantly, I am so proud of what we as women in New York City have accomplished together over the last nine weeks to support the Go Red for Women movement and the future of women’s heart health.”

Sadie Laurie and her family.

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact nationwide initiatives launched in over 100 cities on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 2. In New York City, 12 community leaders and teens were nominated to participate. Collectively, this year’s New York City nominees raised $300,000 to support the vital work of the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women in New York City.

“The Teen of Impact campaign broadened my perspective on heart health and really opened my eyes to the urgent need for everyone to take good care of themselves and those around them,” said Laurie. “I am honored to play a small role in ensuring the next generation is heart healthy.”

Three nominees, Caroline, Sadie, & Teen of Impact™ nominee Bryce Goldfarb reached the national Changemaker Club of recognition for earning more than 50,000+ points during the competition.

2024 NYC Woman of Impact nominees included:

  • Caroline Gundeck (Morgan Stanley)
  • Dawn Ford (Blackstone)
  • Rekha Kumar (NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine)
  • Brooke Xavier (Hunter College)
  • Nicole Vaughan (Absolute Event Solutions AES)
  • Prisca Mohabir (Genpact)
  • Carol Grant (City University of New York)
  • Norma Silver (Pfizer)
  • Gina Narcisa-Vasquez (Social Work)

 

2024 NYC Teen of Impact nominees included:

  • Sadie Laurie
  • Bryce Goldfarb
  • Meghan O’Hanlon

 

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.