DAYTON — The American Heart Association of Dayton named six local women to its 2023 ‘Women of of Impact’ class, according to an American Heart Association spokesperson.
>>PHOTOS: Local women named American Heart Association of Dayton’s ‘Women of Impact’ class of 2023
A select group of individuals across Dayton are nominated to become an American Heart Association Women of Impact because of “their passion and drive to make a difference in the community and raise awareness of women’s cardiovascular health,” the spokesperson said.
“Cardiovascular disease remains our No. 1 killer so it’s vital for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same,” said Audrey Starr, Executive Director of the American Heart Association in Dayton. “While we’ve made some great strides over the years, we still have a long way to go.”
This year’s nominees are: Whitney Barkley, Elizabeth Breitenstein, Meghan Ewing, Pamela Cone, Riki Wells and Terra Williams.
“By using their influence, their local networks and their unique lived experiences, these volunteers are able to make a measurable difference in Dayton and we are so grateful for each of them,” said Katie Kerry, the Go Red for Women Development Director at the American Heart Association in Dayton. “Woman of Impact truly embodies the power of coming together to create important and lasting change for good.”
>>RELATED: National Wear Red Day brings awareness to heart disease in women
Starr said younger generations of women, Gen Z and Millennials, are less likely to be aware that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat, according to American Heart Association surveys.
“We must raise our voices and make sure all Dayton women know how to take steps now to protect our heart later,” said Starr.
Woman of Impact is an extension of the American Heart Association’s long-standing Go Red for Women movement, 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, a spokesperson said.
Friday was National Wear Red Day.