Heart disease is the number one killer of women, yet too often, women’s symptoms are overlooked, their stories underrepresented, and their care delayed. At WomenHeart, we know the path to lasting change begins in communities, with women who raise their voices to advocate, educate, and support others.
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the bold and brilliant women who have shaped the heart health movement, from trailblazing researchers and clinicians to WomenHeart Champions and caregivers.
Honoring the Past
Women like Dr. Bernadine Healy, the first woman to head the National Institutes of Health, challenged the status quo by pushing for the inclusion of women in clinical trials. Her work helped shift the narrative from “women are small men” to understanding the unique ways heart disease impacts women.
Dr. Sharonne Hayes, founder of the Women’s Heart Clinic at Mayo Clinic, worked with WomenHeart to launch the Science & Leadership Symposium, building the framework that prepares WomenHeart Champions as peer leaders and advocates, and continues to play a central role in its evolution. Through this program, hundreds of women with heart disease have been trained as WomenHeart Champions.
Champions in Action
Today, WomenHeart Champions like Barbara Collura are following in those footsteps. In February, Barbara teamed up with a local business to distribute Red Bags of Courage in her community, equipping women with heart health information and tangible tools to advocate for their care.
Barbara also spoke at a full-day wellness and fitness event at the Fort Orange Club in Albany, NY, reminding women to listen to their bodies, advocate for themselves, and seek the care they deserve.
Champion Gigi Campos collaborated with WomenHeart staff to develop a presentation thoughtfully tailored to young students. Her audience included 187 students in grades 5-8, who were all highly engaged during Gigi’s presentation.
WomenHeart Champion Linda Macnamara brought heart education directly to her local library, hosting a powerful presentation followed by one-on-one conversations with over 20 attendees. Her willingness to stay, connect, and share shows just how personal this work is.
And Denise Dunager, who you may have noticed in the Beats of Change film, shared her story and information with local cardiac and medical fitness staff. Reaching health professionals is key to changing how women are heard and treated.
These women are transforming lives, not with huge platforms, but with everyday action rooted in purpose and community.
National Reach, Local Power
While national policy changes matter, it’s the work of everyday advocates that fuels the movement. When a woman learns to recognize her symptoms, when a healthcare worker pauses to listen more closely, when a community comes together around heart health, change is happening.
As we honor the legacy of women in heart health this March, we ask you to join us:
- Learn your risks and know your numbers
- Share your story or thank someone who made a difference in your life
- Support our Champions and programs by donating or sharing our content
From grassroots beginnings to national recognition, this is a movement by women, for women.
Let’s keep building it together.
