Philadelphia

Addressing High Blood Pressure in Philadelphia: Learning Collaborative Event at Penn Medicine

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Blood pressure cuff with AHA and Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure logo with event information

One in three people in Philadelphia, particularly in areas like West and Southwest Philadelphia, suffer from high blood pressure. Despite having no obvious symptoms, high blood pressure significantly increases the … Read more

American Heart Association and Jefferson Health Host Hands-Only CPR Kiosk Showcase at Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man Center”

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In a collaborative effort to enhance youth health and community well-being, the American Heart Association (AHA), Jefferson Health and Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB) are proud to announce the installation of … Read more

Penn Medicine, the American Heart Association, and Community Organizations are Teaming Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure in West and Southwest Philadelphia

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Group photo of AHA, Penn Medicine and community and clinical partners holding certificates and a ceremonial jersey

Initiative Kickoff at Second Baptist Church Food Pantry Penn Medicine and the Greater Philadelphia American Heart Association (AHA) launched a collaborative effort aimed at taking down the toll of high … Read more

Bank of America Health Equity Initiative in Philadelphia Leverages the Voices of Community Members to Build More Resilient and Healthier Neighborhoods

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Philadelphia, PA, October, 17, 2023 – Today, the Philadelphia Collaboration for Equitable Health, a healthy equity initiative powered by Bank of America, in collaboration with the American Heart Association (The … Read more

109 hospitals in Pennsylvania recognized for efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke

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More than 100 hospitals across Pennsylvania are among the 2,600 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® initiative to improve outcomes for Americans who experience … Read more

Angela Curry, Chief Compliance Officer at Bentley Systems, to lead 2023-2024 Philadelphia STEM GOES RED Initiative

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Community leader inspires young women in Philadelphia public schools to uncover their potential through STEM Goes Red movement with support from local communities, employers, and schools.

 The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Angela Curry, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Bentley Systems, as the volunteer chair of the 2023-2024 Philadelphia area STEM Goes Red movement. STEM Goes Red is working to engage more women in STEM through the Association’s strong legacy of science, education, and discovery to help propel young women into rewarding STEM careers.

STEM Goes Red brings interesting careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to life for young women. By giving students access to leading employers and experts, they have the chance for an insider look at what they do. STEM Goes Red attendees gain firsthand experience, connect with inspiring professionals, and learn about careers across STEM fields. Students can walk away feeling like a whole new world of STEM has been revealed — a world in which they can truly love what they do and make a tremendous impact.

“As the Chair of STEM Goes Red and a proud parent of students attending Philadelphia public schools, I am passionate and invested in our school district and in our next generation of STEM leaders,” said Curry. “STEM Goes Red is an exceptional initiative that provides mentorship and exposure to STEM careers so that girls can talk to women in STEM and see their future selves in companies like Bentley. Students have direct and meaningful interactions with inspiring women in STEM fields, and what they come out with is a dream and a blueprint for real pathways to careers in STEM.”

“We are thrilled to have Angela’s experience, conviction, and passion to lead our Philadelphia STEM Goes Red campaign to new heights. Together, we know that we will have a positive impact on the lives of young women in our Philadelphia community. Our collective goal is for these young women to become our next cardiologists, researchers, and scientists who can help end heart disease,” said Jennifer Litchman-Green, Executive Director, American Heart Association, Philadelphia.

This year’s STEM Goes Red movement will culminate with a hands-on event for female students with an interest in STEM in grades 9th – 12th in early November, sponsored by Bentley Systems.

For more information about Go Red for Women contact: Allison Snavely @ allison.snavely@heart.org

Dr. Richard L. Snyder of Independence Blue Cross is a champion for training a Nation of Lifesavers through CPR and AED awareness

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June 1-7 each year is National CPR Awareness Week, spotlighting how lives can be saved if more Americans know CPR.  Dr. Richard L. Snyder, Executive Vice President of Facilitated Health … Read more

The American Heart Association proudly announces NFI Driving for Change award recipients

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These four employees committed to a lifestyle change utilizing the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 and were selected by a committee at the American Heart Association and NFI.  Life’s … Read more

Wegmans and the American Heart Association teaming up to save lives through CPR

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With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside of the hospital occurring in homes, knowing how to perform CPR is critically important[1]. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double … Read more

Penn Medicine Cardiologist is Honored with American Heart Association Top Award: 2023 Edward S. Cooper, MD Award

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The American Heart Association, the largest voluntary health organization fighting cardiovascular diseases, announces Paul J. Mather, MD, as the 2023 recipient of the Edward. S. Cooper, MD Award. The award … Read more

A Leading North American Supply Chain, NFI Industries, Commits to a Healthy Workplace with Their Drive For Change Award

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Life’s Essential 8 are the key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health, as defined by the American Heart Association. Better cardiovascular health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke, … Read more

Dr. Richard Snyder of Independence Blue Cross Receives Regional Award from American Heart Association

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On February 8, 2023, local leaders come together to celebrate the accomplishments of Dr. Richard Snyder at Penn Medicine’s Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine’s CPR Kiosk. Dr. Snyder received the Leadership Legacy Award from the American Heart Association’s Eastern States Region, an award given to only a select few. Dr. Snyder has volunteered with the Association for many years, including being the Philadelphia region’s board chair. He has always been passionate about CPR, raising awareness and teaching those in the Philadelphia region Hands-Only CPR.

Why It Matters: Each year more than 350,000 people suffer out of hospital cardiac arrest, only 10% of those people survive. Dr. Snyder has played an integral role in helping to improve those odds by helping to create the CPR Ready Coalition in Philadelphia. This coalition was created in 2016 with a goal of increasing the number of people who are trained and willing to perform hands-only CPR. This coalition is comprised of: American Heart Association, American Red Cross, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, CPR/AED Public Awareness and Training Network, The Health Care Improvement Foundation, Independence Blue Cross, Independence Blue Cross Foundation, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia Fire Department, and the School District of Philadelphia.

Dr. Snyder was also instrumental in bringing the first CPR Kiosk to the Philadelphia Region, at Penn Medicine’s Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, where people can learn CPR at their own pace, and beready to help someone in crisis.

“Hands-Only CPR is a powerful tool that takes only 60 seconds to learn and can double or even triple a victim’s chances of survival. said Richard Snyder, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer at Independence Blue Cross.

Kevin Mahoney, CEO University of Pennsylvania Health System, was on hand to help present the award to Dr. Snyder, along with the Fire Commissioner of Philadephia, AdamThiel, Gregory Deavons, CEO of Independence Blue Cross  and Jennifer Litchman-Green, Executive Director of the American Heart Association of Philadelphia, all of whom shared the same sentiment, that Dr. Snyder always puts the patients and the community at large first.

 

American Heart Association Go Red for Women in Philadelphia Announces 2022-23 Campaign Co-Chairs Shelly Buck, President, Riddle Hospital and Barbara Wadsworth, Executive VP/ Chief Operating Officer, Main Line Health to Lead this Year’s Campaign

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Go Red for Women in Philadelphia is proud to announce that Shelly Buck and Barbara Wadsworth, both from Main Line Health, the city’s Go Red signature sponsor, will Co-Chair this … Read more

Philadelphia American Heart Association and the Philadelphia Union Hosts the Return of CycleNation at Subaru Park

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The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) annual indoor cycling “CycleNation” event was held at Subaru Park in Chester, PA on Thursday, July 28th. The goal of the event was to encourage Philadelphia and surrounding counties residents to use cycling to improve heart and brain health, while raising funds to continue the AHA/ASA’s vital community programs, research, and advocacy efforts to end heart disease and stroke.

 

The American Stroke Association (a division of the American Heart Association) brought 30 stationary bikes to Subaru Park to host a CycleNation event for employees, volunteers, and sponsors. At the end of the workday, more than 50 people were led through several fun and energetic rides.

 

The goal of CycleNation is to use cycling and other exercise activities to improve heart and brain health, while raising funds to continue the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s vital community programs, lifesaving research and advocacy efforts to end heart disease and stroke.

 

Being physically active is key to preventing heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers, with stroke being the No. 3 killer in Western New York. To improve overall cardiovascular health, the American Heart Association suggests at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise.

 

CycleNation is nationally sponsored by Amgen and locally sponsored by Crozer Health, Philadelphia Union, Subaru, Arel Capital, Genesis HealthCare, Kemberton, and ProMedica.

To donate to the Philadelphia CycleNation, visit cyclenation.org/phillyride. For more information on the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke, visit stroke.org.

Tune in to the Celebration! Virtual Volunteer Award Show hosted by American Heart Association on June 28

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Media Advisory  For Immediate Release  6/4/22                                                                                   Virtual Award Show for American Heart Association   What:  The American Heart Association will recognize some of its brightest stars and those … Read more

Springfield Township Middle School students raise $4K, to fight cardiovascular disease on behalf of the American Heart Association

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Springfield Township Middle School students waited nearly three years to bring back its annual dodgeball tournament. Greg Cannon and students held a presentation ceremony to present close to $4,000 to … Read more

Walgreens supports heart and brain health through the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign

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Shoppers can support the life-saving work of the American Heart Association Walgreens is proud to support the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain … Read more

Media Advisory: The American Heart Association & Independence Visitor Center Kick Off Heart Month with a very special National Red Day & CPR Training Friday 2/4/2022

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For Media Inquiries: Theresa Spencer: 267-997-3354; Theresa.Spencer@Heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org   WHO: The American Heart Association Philadelphia team and Independence Visitor Center. WHAT: Signature red … Read more

Brown’s Super Stores, Oak Street Health, and AHA Collaborate to Establish a Community-based Blood Pressure Screening, Education, and Referral Initiative

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Brown’s Super Stores, Oak Street Health, and AHA Collaborate to establish a Community-based Blood Pressure Screening, Education, and Referral Initiative. Hypertension is the leading cause of heart disease and stroke, … Read more

Media Advisory: American Heart Association Philadelphia Heart Walk 2021 set for November 6 at Citizens Bank Park

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For Media Inquiries: Theresa Spencer: 267-997-3354; Theresa.Spencer@Heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org   This year’s American Heart Association Heart Walk will take place on Saturday, Nov. 6, … Read more

Daniel J. Rader, M.D., FAHA, of the University of Pennsylvania, to receive 2021 Research Achievement Award, the American Heart Association’s highest scientific award

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The American Heart Association (AHA)will present its 2021 Research Achievement Award to Daniel J. Rader, M.D., FAHA, of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. He will … Read more

2021 Southern New Jersey Heart – First In- Person Event Since the Pandemic

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On October 23, 2021, the Fall Southern New Jersey Heart Walk took place at the Riverwinds Community Center in West Deptford, NJ. This was the first outdoor and in-person event since the beginning of the pandemic. Over 600 people and even a few pets attended the Heart Walk and raised over $100,000. Nicholas Scardino, VP of Truist Bank served as the Fall Heart Walk Chairman. During an interview with POP 99.9 FM, he shared that he is a heart survivor and how he experienced a heart attack while looking in the mirror getting ready for work. Emma Kimenhour, Development Director for South New Jersey, and her team ensured that everyone was safe while having a great time.

 

The Heart Walk is designed to help companies positively impact employee overall health and well-being. The program is anchored in a series of customizable workplace events that inspires employees to be more engaged, reconnect with colleagues, get in their physical activity, support a great cause and have a lot of fun doing it.

 

Thank you to BB&T now Truist Bank, Zallies Shop Rite, Virtua Health System, Jefferson, Lockheed Martin, Bayada, M & T Bank, Pop FM 99.9 radio, Riverwinds Community Center, and the many other sponsors who supported the walk and for all those who volunteered to make this a successful event. It’s not too late to donate, go to www.snjfallhw.org.

 

Contact Emma.Kimenhour@heart.org for more information and how to participate in the 2022 Spring Heart Walk, date, time, and location to be determined.

Philadelphia’s American Heart Association Host’s Hard Hats with Hearts – First In-Person Event Since the Start of the Pandemic

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Philadelphia, PA. September 30, 2021 – The American Heart Association of Philadelphia hosted Hard Hats with Hearts, the organization’s first in-person event since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.  The event was held at Xfinity Live! in South Philadelphia, to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, the number 1 and number 5 killers respectively, of Americans which disproportionately affects the construction industry. Today, 1 in 4 construction workers are considered obese, and 25% use tobacco and do not get enough exercise.

The Association in Philadelphia is bringing “Hard Hats with Heart” to several construction industry employers to provide resources, education, and inspiration to help employees live a heart-healthier lifestyle in Philadelphia. During the pandemic, $405,750 were raised under Shawn Carlin’s (Vice President of Gilbane Building Co.) chairmanship.

Over 130 construction and healthcare providers attended the networking cocktail the outdoor reception on the patio of upscale 1100 Social at X-Finity Live!.

Philadelphia’s construction industry has been a strong supporter of the American Heart Association. Over 40 construction-related companies sponsored the 2021 Philadelphia Heart Walk including IBEW 98, Gilbane, Cordish Companies, Madison Concrete Construction, CBRE, and much more.

 

Join us on November 6th at Citizens Bank Park for the Philadelphia Heart Walk. For more information, contact Michelle Evetts at Michelle.Evetts@Heart.org or by calling (215) 575- 5239.

Pittsburgh Pastor Receives Top Grant at the First EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based

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The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, announced the top awardees of its first-ever EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based hosted … Read more

American Heart Association Philadelphia Names David Pacitti, President of Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. and Head of Americas at Siemens Healthineers as 2021 Philadelphia Heart Walk Chairman

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Philadelphia, July 22, 2021 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on ensuring longer, healthier lives for all, has named David Pacitti, President of Siemens Medical … Read more

Penn Medicine-Led Research Team Awarded $2.9 Million to Study Heart Disease and Cancer in Black and Hispanic Communities

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Grant will fund projects aimed at reducing racial disparities in breast and prostate cancer patients with a higher risk for cardiovascular disease July 19, 2021 Bonnie Ky, MD, MSCE PHILADELPHIA— The … Read more

Five Faith-Based Organizations Named as Finalists in the American Heart Association’s First EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based

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Over $105,000 in Grants Will be Awarded to Local Community Leaders Faith-based organizations and places of worship have played an important role during the COVID-19 crisis in our country. These … Read more

EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based Workshop Highlights Powerful Partnerships, Kicks-Off Grant Application Period

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Webinar panelists four-pane
Webinar panelists share wisdom around community impact.

The power of partnerships built on trust, dignity and respect was a key theme during March 17th’s EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™ Faith-Based Workshop Zoom webinar, hosted by the American Heart Association (AHA), Eastern States region.

“When you see value in people, it affirms that value that is in you,” said Dr. Abraham Shanklin, Jr. Founder/Executive Director of the Center for Transformation in Maryland, an AHA collaborator.

During the webinar, Shanklin and ENON Tabernacle Baptist Church Rev. Leroy Miles, Jr. of Philadelphia, provided tips based on their own experiences in bolstering scalable community impact.

“It’s about those relationships that give you access,” said Miles. “Don’t be afraid to try, don’t be afraid to ask.”

Shanklin speaking
Bishop Shanklin

Shanklin and Miles offered wisdom gleaned from their own community leadership experiences to inspire webinar participants as AHA, Eastern States region launched the application cycle opening for it’s EmPOWERED to Serve Faith-Based Accelerator. The Faith-Based Accelerator is a grant-funding initiative for faith institutions and leaders to continue and scale their business models aimed at addressing social determinants of health in their communities. AHA aligns with faith-based communities to improve health and empower sustainable outcomes. Applications for a total of $105K in grant funding to communities of faith in select states will be accepted through April 30, 2021. Learn more or apply here.

Miles headsot
Reverend Miles

Shanklin and Miles were joined by AHA’s Vice President, Health Equity and National Partnerships Pamela Garmon-Johnson, who emphasized how important it is to deploy resources “connecting the dots so that we can have the greatest impact on our communities.”

“We have been charged with a purpose in order to be the voice for the voiceless….when we put all of our resources together that is when we can truly, truly put together the greatest difference,” said Garmon-Johnson.

Both Miles and Shanklin have successfully bolstered efforts to positively impact the social determinants of health in their own communities — factors that influence where and how people live, learn, work and play and provide context to a person’s life. Social determinants can play just as big of a role in affecting health as medications and physical lifestyle changes. Their work has included focusing on recidivism, family stability, food security, and health knowledge.

“We’ve tried to be a model and help you replicate [successful programs] at your spot,” said Miles, who collaborated to move ENON’s annual “Know Your Numbers” health-screening day, aimed at reaching 1,000 Philadelphia men, to a drive-through experience amid COVID-19. Participants were able to get take-home colon screening kits, HIV screenings, BP checks, glucose, cholesterol, and COVID screenings at the event which Miles termed a “significant pivot in such a time as this.” AHA provided take-home blood pressure kits for self-monitoring for those who were found to be hypertensive.

“You all are heroes in your respective areas, the assignments that you have, the passion that you have. All of these ideas [we are putting forth], they serve just as starting blocks,” said Shanklin. Among the many initiatives of the Center, Shanklin and his partners were able to feed 1200 people in Maryland and distribute over 50K pounds of food by leveraging county relationships.

Both Miles and Shanklin highlighted the value of partnering with organizations, including AHA. “I love the partnerships with AHA and EmPOWERED to Serve,” said Shanklin. Miles noted that the reimagined “Know Your Numbers” program gained traction due to partnerships with local AHA board members and Einstein Health.

“Powerful partnerships, meeting people where they are, and speaking with a trustworthy voice are three of the AHA’s Guiding Values — our 10 commitments to health equity — this shores up making sure that we are holding ourselves accountable so that we can make an impact,” said Garmon-Johnson.

American Heart Association, Eastern States Vice President Health Strategies Rhonda Ford-Chatmon asked webinar participants to provide feedback so that AHA can continue to strengthen community partnerships.

“Tell us what you need. We are here to be responsible. We are listening to you, and we want to be of help,” said Ford-Chatmon. She invited anyone with community needs to email questions or ideas to 2021FaithBasedAccelerator@heart.org

To watch the entire workshop, click here.

The American Heart Association Launches Funding Initiative Aimed at Supporting Communities through Local Faith Institutions

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Faith-based organizations and places of worship have played an important role during the COVID-19 crisis in our country. These organizations and their volunteers and staff have been on the frontline, … Read more

AHA expands the Faces of Heart campaign in Philadelphia with the support of generous donors Stephanie & Matthew Austin, M.D.

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The AHA in Philadelphia is pleased to announce the expansion of the Faces of Heart campaign with local philanthropists Stephanie & Matthew Austin, M.D.  With their gift of $120,000, the AHA is grateful to the Austin’s for their support of … Read more

Philadelphia Resident Named Among Top Finalists for AHA EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™

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Community activists, social entrepreneurs, and changemakers are among the list of top candidates for the 2020-21 EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™. Included in the list of nine finalists is Philadelphia resident Kevin Dixon, who is a mentor at Rebel Ventures where he inspires high school … Read more

AHA President: The best way forward requires bridging disciplines, people, places

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The challenges facing our world are many – from timely concerns such as the coronavirus pandemic and the renewed emphasis it has placed on the need to dismantle structural racism … Read more

AHA Philadelphia and Thomas Jefferson University’s “Rock the Red” Fashion Show Goes Virtual

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Written in collaboration with Nicole Murphy, program coordinator for the Fashion Design Department at Jefferson University.  Each year, Thomas Jefferson University juniors majoring in fashion design partner with the American Heart Association Philadelphia to create red dresses for a Rock the Red Dress fashion show that’s held … Read more

The AHA Launches 2nd Webinar in a Series Discussing Impact of COVID-19 on Communities of Color

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Long before the pandemic, systemic challenges have contributed to disparities that impede some people from living long, healthy lives. Your ZIP code should not determine how long you live, but … Read more

ICYMI: Eastern States Launched a Webinar Series on the Impact of COVID-19 on Communities of Color

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On May 15, the Eastern States Community Impact team launched the first webinar of a series designed to discuss the impact of COVID-19 in communities of color. The webinar was … Read more

The AHA Convenes Health Equity Leaders to Discuss Impact of COVID-19 on Communities of Color

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Long before the coronavirus impacted how we live, work, and play, systemic challenges contributed to disparities that impede some people from living long, healthy lives. Your ZIP code should not … Read more

COVID-19: The Impact on Communities of Color

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Updated May 29, 2020 Long before the coronavirus impacted how we live, work, and play, systemic challenges contributed to disparities that impede some people from living long, healthy lives. Your … Read more

Former Philadelphia Eagles Safety Brian Dawkins and wife Connie to be Honored at American Heart Association’s 63rd Annual Philadelphia Heart Ball

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 The Philadelphia Heart Ball is excited to announce that Brian and Connie Dawkins will receive the Heart of Philadelphia award at the 2020 Philadelphia Heart Ball, set for February 22 at the famed Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum.   This prestigious honor is given to leaders in our community who are performing important philanthropic duties, which impact significant change in our society.

Through their work with the Brian Dawkins Impact Foundation, the family is committed to utilizing their knowledge and values to help disadvantaged young people, families and communities, while also promoting spiritual, mental and physical wellness.

Each year, hundreds of corporate, medical, pharmaceutical, and social leaders come to celebrate the mission of the American Heart Association at Heart Ball. This year, in addition to distinguished honorees, the Ball will focus its attention on the critical work taking place throughout Greater Philadelphia to combat some of our region’s greatest challenges that lead to life threatening health disparities, specifically food insecurity.

“Brian and Connie Dawkins are the perfect recipients of the Heart of Philadelphia award, as they exemplify everything this award holds in high regard,” says Rodger Levinson, 2020 Heart Ball Chair and President of WSFS Bank. “People like Brian and Connie Dawkins are making a large difference in the lives of vulnerable Philadelphians.  The values of the Dawkins’ family align with the mission of the American Heart Association and allows us to shine a spotlight on the ongoing need in our community.”

Philadelphia ranks at the top of large American cities whose residents are dying more frequently from premature cardiovascular disease.  Because of this, the American Heart Association’s Philadelphia Heart Ball will dedicate significant dollars towards addressing preventative issues such as food access, blood pressure management and safe streets.

 

 

 

STEM Goes Red Encourages Young Philadelphia School District Students to Explore Opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

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Although women fill close to half of all the jobs in the U.S. economy, they hold less than 25% of jobs in science, technology, engineering & mathematics (STEM).  The American Heart Association, a science-based organization, strives to make significant changes to these statistics by empowering more women to seek careers in the sciences. In order to move medical breakthroughs forward, more women need a seat at the table, making significant contributions to the advancement of women’s healthcare.

As an extension of the Go Red for Women movement, which empowers communities to build a sustainable culture of health, the American Heart Association has created STEM Goes Red, a movement to encourage young women’s interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and explore careers in those industries. Students from the Philadelphia School District will hear from inspiring leaders from our community – including Dr. William Hite, School District of Philadelphia Superintendent and STEM Goes Red Chair Amy Novak, Project Executive, Torcon.

STEM Goes Red aims to prepare female students for the nearly eight million science, technology, engineering and math jobs available worldwide. Not only are American students generally unprepared to fill these roles, just three in 100 female undergraduate students continue to work in STEM fields after graduating. The American Heart Association is committed to building a brighter future, stopping heart disease before it starts, and paving the way to healthier communities. Innovation and big thinking require young, emerging students – both men and women – who are committed to making change happen.

STEM Goes Red will host 100 ninth and tenth grade students from the Philadelphia School District for a day-long event to empower young women to explore STEM outside the classroom. Students will gain first-hand experience and connect with vibrant community leaders. STEM Goes Red Event Chair, Amy Novak, who holds degrees in engineering, architecture and business will inspire students to pursue areas of STEM.

 “I look forward to encouraging these young women to pursue what challenges them, makes them happy and contributes to the development of our modern society,” says Ms. Novak. “More women at the table means more bright minds pursuing complex solutions for today’s environmental, healthcare and engineering problems,” continued Novak.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on breakout sessions with some of Philadelphia’s leading organizations, such as Independence Blue Cross, Pershing, Penn Medicine and Oracle. Students will also participate in a speed mentoring session led by female leaders from companies and organizations including: Nutrisystem; Temple University; Oracle; Vertex; and M&T Bank.

STEM Goes Red will take place at Penn State at the Navy Yard 4960 S 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 1911on Tuesday, November 13th from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm