Cardiovascular disease (CVD) 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. In response to this critical health challenge, Katrina (Kat) Ascencio-Holmes, a chief nurse officer at Sutter Health, has been selected as the American Heart Association's 2025 National Woman of Impact™ Winner, bringing national attention to women's heart health awareness.
Ascencio-Holmes's commitment to this cause stems from both professional expertise and personal tragedy. 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 deeply personal experience transformed her professional mission into a passionate advocacy for women's cardiovascular health.
The Woman of Impact campaign, which ran from National Wear Red Day on February 7 to April 10, involved peer volunteers across 96 communities who nominated 507 participants. The initiative aims to drive action, improve women's health, and support the American Heart Association's lifesaving mission.
The recognition highlights a critical health disparity: cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women, claiming the lives of one in three women. By amplifying awareness and encouraging open discussions about heart health, Ascencio-Holmes hopes to create an environment where women feel empowered to prioritize their well-being.
Marsha Jones, American Heart Association volunteer board chair, emphasized the campaign's significance, noting that it recognizes changemakers who are actively fighting for heart health and enabling women to live longer, healthier lives.
As the National Winner, Ascencio-Holmes will continue advocating through the Go Red for Women movement, which has been instrumental in challenging women to understand their personal heart disease risks and take proactive steps toward prevention.
Her recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for targeted health awareness and the potential for individual passion to drive meaningful change in public health initiatives.
