Sacramento-based attorney and community advocate Anh Phoong has been named the 2026 National Woman of Impact winner by the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement, a campaign aimed at raising awareness about cardiovascular disease in women. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, according to the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere.
Phoong's journey began after her mother survived a heart attack. “I went on this journey because my mom survived a heart attack,” Phoong said. “For so many women, that’s not the outcome. This campaign was my way of honoring her - and reminding women that we have to take care of ourselves if we want to keep showing up for everyone else.”
The Woman of Impact campaign, part of the Go Red for Women movement, recognizes individuals who lead community-driven efforts to improve women's heart health. During the nine-week campaign, Phoong led a team of more than 100 people from across Sacramento, raising awareness, inspiring healthier habits and supporting critical funding for research, education and advocacy aimed at addressing the unique risks women face regarding cardiovascular disease.
“This is what women supporting women really looks like,” she said. “When we show up for each other, our impact is bigger.”
The campaign, launched annually on National Wear Red Day, the first Friday in February, calls on changemakers across the country to lead grassroots efforts. Participants form Impact Teams to raise funds, educate others on cardiovascular risks and inspire meaningful lifestyle changes. Nominees across the country reached thousands of people, encouraging simple but powerful actions like daily movement, healthier eating and stress management.
“It doesn’t have to be complicated,” Phoong said. “Go for a walk. Make better choices. Small habits add up. That’s how we take control of our health.”
As the 2026 National Woman of Impact Winner, Phoong joins a growing network of advocates working to close gaps in awareness, research and care for women. Despite progress, fewer than half of women recognize cardiovascular disease as their greatest health threat, and women remain underrepresented in research and underserved in care.
“The Woman of Impact campaign brings the mission of Go Red for Women to life in communities across the country,” said Lee A. Shapiro, J.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association and managing partner and co-founder at 7wireVentures. “Leaders like Phoong drive change by taking actions that help more women live longer, healthier lives.”
The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement, nationally sponsored by CVS Health, has been a catalyst for change for more than two decades, encouraging women to know their risk for heart disease and take action. For more information about the Woman of Impact campaign and the Go Red for Women movement, visit GoRedforWomen.org.
