American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact winners lead change through fundraising and awareness
NEW YORK, May 5, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer in the United States, but according to the American Heart Association (AHA), approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes are may be preventable. Two New York City changemakers have transformed their passion into action—raising critical funds and awareness to support the Association’s lifesaving mission.
Dr. Kim Henderson has been named the 2026 New York City Woman of Impact winner, and Wilson Paes is the 2026 New York City Teen of Impact winner. The American Heart Association, devoted to building a world of longer, healthier lives for all, is celebrating changemakers in more than 160 communities nationwide. Through their campaigns, these leaders raised funds and increased awareness to support heart health research, advocacy and education.
The Woman of Impact™ and Teen of Impact™ campaigns launched on National Wear Red Day®, Friday, Feb. 6. Together, this year’s New York City nominees raised $428,230 to advance the vital work of the American Heart Association.
“It was important for me to participate in Woman of Impact because not enough women know that heart disease is their biggest health threat,” said Dr. Henderson, Managing Director and Head of Wealth Management Health & Wellness Education at Morgan Stanley. “I’m honored to receive this recognition and look forward to continuing my work with the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women to help women understand their risk factors and get the support they need to live longer, healthier lives.”
Teen of Impact winner Wilson Paes, a junior at Delbarton School, led a dedicated team that mobilized their communities in support of heart health.
“Heart disease took the lives of my great-grandfather and grandfather at age 45,” said Paes. “When my father suffered a heart attack at the same age, I was terrified. His survival is what drives my commitment to heart health awareness.”
Sixteen nominees participated in the American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact campaigns in New York City, all supporting the fight against cardiovascular disease—the nation’s leading health threat. The Woman of Impact campaign, part of the Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, focuses on improving women’s health, while Teen of Impact empowers the next generation to change the future of heart health.
“Changemakers like Dr. Kim and Wilson—and all of our nominees—are making a real and lasting difference in New York City,” said Meg Gilmartin, Region SVP, Sr. Executive Director, Development & Community Impact, American Heart Association in New York City. “Together, they are helping fund critical research and equipping women and teens with the knowledge they need to protect their hearts.”
Local Woman of Impact nominees included:
- Dr. Kim Henderson, Managing Director, Head of Wealth Management Health & Wellness Education, Morgan Stanley
- Sudy Mani, Senior Manager, EY
- Stephanie Fang, Senior Manager, Client Relations, Louis Vuitton
- Johanna Zeilstra, CEO, Gender Fair
- Joan Leslie, Founder/CEO, Easy Street Consulting LLC, and Director of Development and Communications, City Living NY
Local Teen of Impact nominees included:
- Riley Russell
- Noah Assef
- Nishka Bansal
- Valentina Sarkis
- Wilson Paes
- Molly Reinhart
- Ana Goyle
- Nicholas Duttagupta
- Aadya Beneteau
- Carolina Gonzalez
- Akua Kwakye
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For media inquiries:
Mark Hurley; mark.hurley@heart.org; 917-445-0207
Ella Beames; ella.beames@heart.org; 212-878-5910