PROVIDENCE, R.I., April 28, 2026 — While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be the leading cause of death in women.[1] In recognition of her energy and passion to fight back against women’s greatest health threat, Michelle Wilson is the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® Southern New England Woman of Impact™ winner for 2026. She earned this distinction by raising funds and awareness of heart disease and stroke, while inspiring other women to take action to improve their health. Michelle built a campaign rooted in community and lived experience.
Three nominees participated in the 2026 Southern New England Woman of Impact competition. Over nine weeks, participants used their collective influence to raise critical dollars to help fund lifesaving research, education and programs to support the Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all. They educated women on their CVD risks, shared the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR and each made a direct impact in their community. The campaigns raised vital funds to support the lifesaving work of the Heart Association.
“Thanks to the efforts of incredible leaders like Michelle and all of our nominees, we’re making strides to help all women in Southern New England feel seen and heard when it comes to their health,” said Frank Maher, campaign director for the Southern New England Go Red for Women movement. “Together, we have the power to ensure more women are represented in research, have the information they need for heart health through every stage of life and receive quality and timely care. The power of our community coming together creates better health outcomes for all of us.”
The Woman of Impact campaign launched on National Wear Red Day®, Feb. 6. Other local nominees included:
- Casey Botelho
- Liz (Aquino) Boyd
Women experience unique life stages, like pregnancy and menopause, that can increase their risk of cardiovascular disease. Still, many instances of heart disease and stroke are preventable. The Woman of Impact campaign is part of the Heart Association’s signature Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform that has been increasing women’s heart health awareness and meeting the evolving health needs of women globally for more than two decades.
Motivated by the disproportionate impact of cardiovascular disease on women of color, Wilson mobilized a powerful network of Black and Latina women to exceed fundraising goals and amplify lifesaving education. Her campaign not only raised awareness, but also empowered women with tools and knowledge to better understand their risks and advocate for their health.
“It was important for me to participate in Woman of Impact because of so many loved ones lost to heart disease,” shared Wilson. “This campaign was deeply personal, as it was for the awesome group of Black and Latina women who helped the team exceed our fundraising goal. Given the high rates of morbidity and mortality among women of color, we had to show up. “
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms and accounts for over on-third of maternal deaths. Black women have some of the highest maternal mortality rates. 51.9% of high blood pressure deaths, otherwise known as hypertension or the “silent killer,” are in women, and out of all women, 57.6% of Black females have hypertension — more than any other race or ethnicity.
Wilson brings more than three decades of experience across the public, private and nonprofit sectors, with a career focused on advancing community-centered, innovative approaches to care. She leads initiatives that address policies, systems and relationships that shape how people access services and has presented her work nationally and contributed to professional publications. In 2023, Diversity and Inclusion Professionals Inc. recognized her for a lifetime of work advancing justice and inclusion, and she is a fellow of the Institute for Non-Profit Practice for 2025 at theBlack Leadership Institute. Wilson serves on several community and professional boards and mentors’ students at Brown University School of Public Health. A past recipient of the Heart Association’s Cheryl Snead Servant Leadership Award, Michelle continues to drive meaningful change across southern New England.
“I am honored to have received this recognition and am excited to continue working alongside the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women to help more women, and especially women of color, know their risk factors and get the support they need to live longer, healthier lives,” said Wilson.
Over 44% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD.[2] Community leaders involved in Woman of Impact are paving the way for the future of women’s heart health and enabling more women to live longer and healthier lives. To learn more about the Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement in Southern New England, visit heart.org/snegored or email Frank.Maher@heart.org.
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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, 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 1 in 3 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).
For Media Inquiries:
Samantha Bowen; Samantha.Bowen@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
Circulation. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123
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