Cardiovascular disease continues to pose a significant threat to women's health, with nearly 45% of women over age 20 living with some form of the condition. Katrina Ascencio-Holmes, a chief nurse officer at Sutter Health, has been recognized as the American Heart Association's 2025 National Woman of Impact Winner for her dedicated efforts to combat this critical health issue. Ascencio-Holmes brings a deeply personal perspective to her advocacy work. Early in her career as an open-heart surgical nurse, she experienced a profound loss when her sister-in-law died from a massive heart attack at just 40 years old. This tragedy underscored the urgent need for increased cardiovascular disease awareness among women.
The Woman of Impact campaign, which launched on National Wear Red Day on February 7 and concluded on April 10, involved peer volunteers from 96 communities nationwide. During the nine-week initiative, 507 participants were nominated to raise awareness about women's heart health and drive community action. Marsha Jones, American Heart Association volunteer board chair, emphasized the campaign's significance, noting that recognizing community changemakers is crucial to improving women's health outcomes. The initiative aims to empower women to understand their cardiovascular risks and take proactive steps toward heart health.
As the National Winner, Ascencio-Holmes will continue to advocate for the Go Red for Women movement, which challenges women to understand their personal heart disease risks and take preventative measures. Her commitment reflects the broader mission of the American Heart Association to ensure equitable health across all communities. The statistics surrounding women's heart health remain stark. Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of 1 in 3 women, making awareness and education critical components of prevention. Through initiatives like Woman of Impact, the American Heart Association seeks to provide women with the knowledge and resources necessary to lead heart-healthy lives.
