CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (February 10, 2025) — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the N° 1 killer of women. To kick off American Heart Month this February, seven Eastern Iowa leaders are joining the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement to change this statistic through the Woman of Impact initiative. Launched over two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and address clinical-care gaps, the Go Red for Women movement serves as a catalyst to improve the lives of women globally. This year’s Woman of Impact class will work from February 7 to April ten to raise funds to advance research and education initiatives to better identify, diagnose, treat, and prevent CVD in women.
Heart disease unfairly targets women, who have been left out of research, testing, treatment, and funding. Women also experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of developing CVD over the course of their lifetime. However, the majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education. The Association’s Go Red for Women movement is committed to meeting the needs of women in every age, stage, and season of life as a trusted, relevant source for credible, equitable health solutions.
“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 Ani Snyder, executive director for the Eastern Iowa office of the American Heart Association. “Woman of Impact nominees can use the platform to bring women together, educate them on their risks, and inspire them to take charge of their heart health. Together, we can ensure every woman is heard and counted when it comes to their heart health, and no one has to go it alone.”
Woman of Impact, a nationwide initiative, launched in hundreds of cities across the country on National Wear Red Day, February 7. At the start of the campaign, nominees nationwide embark on a nine-week journey to help transform 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 equitable health. Activities may include educational events, learning, and spreading the word about CPR, getting physically active, recruiting women to participate in research, and more.
Nominees also raise critical funds for the Cedar Rapids and Quad Cities American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and other lifesaving research, advocacy, and education.
Cedar Rapids 2025 Woman of Impact Nominees are:
· Julia Gharib, Julia’s Kitchen LLC
· Katie Hopkins, ImOn Communications
· Abby Scheitlin, TrueNorth Companies
Quad Cities 2025 Woman of Impact Nominees are:
· Brittany Murphy, Buy Sell Build QC — Real Broker LLC
· Lonna Woods — eXp Realty
· Dounia Sareini — Ruhl and Ruhl Realtors
· Deanna Jensen, Valliere — Quad Cities Chamber
After nine weeks of driving immense impact, the competition will culminate on April 10. One nominee will be named the 2025 Woman of Impact Winner in Cedar Rapids and in the Quad Cities. In addition to local community winners, one changemaker from across the country will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner on April 15.
While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to take the life of one in three women.
To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, visit goredforwomen.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, on Facebook, X, or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.
While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of one in three women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion, and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
