Dawn is a Class of 2013 WomenHeart Champion who has demonstrated longstanding leadership and service within the organization. She has actively contributed to all three pillars of WomenHeart—support, education, and advocacy—making a meaningful impact on women living with heart disease.
Through peer support, Dawn has helped women navigate their heart journeys, encouraging self-advocacy, accurate diagnosis, and confidence in navigating the healthcare system. In 2016, she assumed the role of Northeast District Leader, supporting fellow WomenHeart Champions in their volunteer efforts. In 2024, she became a Champion Mentor, providing guidance and support to Champions across the organization.
Dawn has participated in numerous Science and Leadership Symposiums, both in person and virtually, presenting educational sessions and facilitating discussions addressing mental health, effective community engagement, peer support and building sustainable support groups. She has led many community education programs in a variety of settings. Through the WomenHeart@Work program, Dawn has delivered impactful education sessions that empower women to recognize heart disease risk, advocate for accurate diagnosis and take informed action within the healthcare system. Participants frequently return to share actions they took as a result of her presentations.
An active advocate, Dawn has attended Advocacy Days in Washington, DC, building ongoing relationships with legislative aides while advancing awareness of women and heart disease. She consistently advocates for increased funding for research specific to women and responds to advocacy alerts to ensure women’s heart health remains a legislative priority.
Dawn is deeply grateful for the connections she has made with fellow WomenHeart Champions, and the support and sisterhood within the organization continue to be a vital part of her heart journey.
