Leonardo Oliveira, a Tampa Bay-based teen and community advocate, has been named the 2026 National Teen of Impact Winner by the American Heart Association for his efforts in raising awareness and funds for nutrition and heart health. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer in the United States, and Oliveira’s campaign focused on supporting the Association’s work to increase access to nutrient-rich foods in local food deserts, addressing risk factors that can develop as early as age 18.
Oliveira’s father, a cardiologist, received one of his earliest research grants from the Association, making the mission deeply personal. “Being able to give back to an organization that has had such a meaningful impact on my family is truly special to me,” Oliveira said. “This experience has helped me think more intentionally about the future I want to help create, one that is more equitable and healthier.”
The Teen of Impact campaign is a nine-week, nationwide competition that challenges teens to lead with purpose, build Impact Teams and drive meaningful change in their communities. Launched on National Wear Red Day, the first Friday in February, the campaign rallies nearly 65 communities and more than 300 nominees in the fight against heart disease.
Heart disease and stroke can affect anyone at any age, but by age 18, many adolescents have already developed risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol or Type 2 diabetes. This motivated Oliveira to focus his campaign on nutrition and supporting the Association’s work to increase access to nutrient-rich foods in local food deserts. “Heart health matters because the habits we build as teens shape our lifelong well-being,” Oliveira said. “By learning your family history, making healthy choices and encouraging your friends to do the same, we can create a foundation of wellness that will carry with us as we head into college, careers and adulthood.”
As the 2026 National Teen of Impact Winner, Oliveira joins a growing network of advocates proving that anyone can make meaningful change. “The Teen of Impact campaign brings the mission of the American Heart Association 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 Leonardo are driving change by turning awareness into action and helping build a healthier, more equitable future for their entire generation.”
The American Heart Association, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, funds groundbreaking research, advocates for the public’s health, and provides critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. For more information, visit heart.org or stroke.org. To get involved in Teen of Impact, reach out to your local American Heart Association staff. View the original release on newmediawire.com.
