The American Heart Association’s Woman and Teen of Impact campaigns shine a spotlight on women’s health and the impact of cardiovascular disease. Nominees are raising critical funds to support research, education, and advocacy so more women recognize the warning signs, receive timely care, and live longer, healthier lives.
Shannan Billings
WOMAN OF IMPACT
“As part of 2026’s nationwide class of changemakers, I’ve connected a team that’s working toward the greatest impact possible for women’s heart health. We’ll be raising much-needed funds for the AHA and working to improve the well-being of our communities.”
Photo Courtesy of The American Heart Association
Monica Mastin
WOMAN OF IMPACT
“Heart disease is deeply personal to me, affecting my life, my son’s, and now my grandchildren. My mother and grandmother both passed due to heart failure, leaving a legacy of love and calling that I carry forward. Supporting the AHA is my way of offering hope and healing.”
Whitney Snardon
WOMAN OF IMPACT
“I’m participating in the AHA’s Women of Impact campaign in honor of my mother, who passed unexpectedly from heart failure. Losing her showed how often heart disease in women goes undetected and why no family should be caught off guard.”
Traci Jennings
WOMAN OF IMPACT
“At 43, I was healthy and active. One night I brushed off severe heartburn as indigestion and went back to sleep. Within a month, I’d experienced two unnoticed heart attacks. Nearly 10 years later, I feel great and will never ignore symptoms.”
Annie Miller
WOMAN OF IMPACT
“As a nurse for nearly two decades, I’ve seen how devastating heart disease is for women. It remains their top killer, yet they’re still underrepresented in research and care. AHA’s Go Red for Women drives better research, equitable care, and lifelong support for women.”
Misty Young
WOMAN OF IMPACT
“Family history is a powerful heart‑disease risk. My sweet father, Donald Simmons, passed at 58 because of it, so I stay vigilant with checkups. Heart disease appears differently in women than men – please listen to your body and never ignore symptoms.”
Photo Courtesy of The American Heart Association
Pearl Williams
TEEN OF IMPACT
“Heart disease can affect anyone, including my grandpa. Before I was born, he underwent complex heart surgery. Thanks to the AHA, he’s alive today, giving me years with him – made possible by research and lifesaving treatments they support.”
Photo Courtesy of The American Heart Association
Madison Kelly
TEEN OF IMPACT
“Alongside passionate teens across the country, I’m taking action to improve the health of our community – and I’d love your support! I believe in creating a brighter and healthier future, not just for myself, but for everyone.”
The American Heart Association is dedicated to building healthy lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke, through education, caregiver support, research, and development of healthcare professionals. Go Red for Women is a social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health by equipping them with the knowledge necessary to lead healthy lives with healthy hearts.
