Women across the nation are joining Go Red for Women’s Woman of Impact campaign 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, four Mohawk Valley leaders are joining the national Woman of Impact™ initiative 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 four 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.
The Woman of Impact class 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 Heather Evans, executive director of the American Heart Association – Central New York. “Woman of Impact nominees will bring Mohawk Valley 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.”
Woman of Impact 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.
Mohawk Valley’s 2026 Woman of Impact Nominees are:
- Audrey Alix, Planner, City of Utica
- Trisha Barone, Executive Director of Client Relations, Feast & Festivities
- Holly Cassella, RRT/RT, MHA, Service Line Director, Cardiovascular, Respiratory & Medicine Services, Bassett Healthcare Network
- Michele Hummel, Executive Director, Next
After nine weeks of driving impact, the competition will culminate on April 9. The nominee who raises the most lifesaving funds will be named the Mohawk Valley 2026 Woman of Impact Winner. 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 Mohawk Valley, click here.
[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