Men and women across the nation are joining Go Red for Women’s Woman of Impact campaigns to champion heart health
Nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD).[1] To kick off American Heart Month this February, five Capital Region leaders are joining the local Men Go Red and national Woman of Impact™ initiatives to raise awareness about women’s number one killer and raise funds that will work to end CVD.
The Heart Association’s Woman of Impact program is rallying local changemakers, through the Go Red for Women® movement, to improve women’s heart health, address clinical care gaps and raise funds for cardiovascular research and education. Men Go Red empowers local leaders to take action for heart health, raising awareness, resources and support for the women who mean the most to them.
The Woman of Impact and Men Go Red classes began their campaigns on National Wear Red Day®, Feb. 6. They will compete with nominees locally and across the nation to raise funds to advance the work of the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone, everywhere. As a woman ages, her risk for CVD changes. Still, more than 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Go Red for Women is committed to meeting the needs of women in every age, stage and season of life.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined, and yet less than half of women are aware of this,” said Amy Young, executive director for the American Heart Association – Albany. “These nominees will bring Capital Region womentogether, educate them on their risks and inspire them to take charge of their heart, while encouraging others they know and love to do the same. Together, we can ensure every woman is heard and seen. When it comes to their heart health, no one has to go it alone.”
Nominees will dedicate nine weeks to transforming the health of women in their communities through education and fundraising. Each week, nominees participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Nominees also raise critical funds for the American Heart Association so that more women have an opportunity live a longer and healthier life.
Capital Region’s 2026 Woman of Impact nominees are:
- Karla Jaime-Benitez, director of organizational development and Innovation, enrollment management for the University at Albany
- Melody Kot, scheduler with the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Design & Construction
And the 2026 Capital Region Men Go Red nominees are:
- William Hodge, United Way
- Gabriel Lopez, Infinity Vitalis
- Leo Palmer, Broadview Federal Credit Union
After nine weeks of driving impact, the competition will culminate on April 9. The nominees who raise the most lifesaving funds will be named the Capital Region 2026 Woman of Impact and Men Go Red winners, respectively. In addition to local market winners, the woman who raised the most nationwide, will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Capital Region, visit www.heart.org/gored518.
[1] https://professional.heart.org/-/media/phd-files-2/science-news/2/2025-heart-and-stroke-stat-update/factsheets/2025-stats-update-fact-sheet-women-and-cvd.pdf