Janina Holland Simmonds, Valentina Mugica, Kandi Schmitz, Elijah Roger and Danielle Allen
Photo courtesy of American Heart Association
Each February, American Heart Month sparks conversations about the nation’s leading cause of death. This year, nine Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast residents are turning those conversations into action with their Palm Beach County Woman of Impact and Palm Beach County Teen of Impact campaigns, supporting the American Heart Association’s mission to improve heart and brain health.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, claiming more lives than all cancers combined,” says Heather Havericak, 2026 Go Red for Women chairperson and CEO of Delray Medical Center. “Each of these nominees will use their time, talent and influence to educate community members about their risk and raise critical funds.”
The nine-week campaign began on National Wear Red Day (Feb. 6) and has included activities focused on wellness, CPR awareness, physical activity and community engagement. Each nominee forms a team to fundraise, advocate and share lifesaving education throughout the region.
This year’s Palm Beach County Woman of Impact nominees include Danielle Allen, Geness LeBron Bump, Sherry Pinero, Kandi Schmitz, Janina Holland Simmonds and Jackie Tutiven. Teen nominees are Emma Drossner, Valentina Mugica and Elijah Roger.
Two Palm Beach County winners, one Woman of Impact and one Teen of Impact, will be announced at the Palm Beach County Go Red for Women Luncheon on April 17, with national winners named April 15.
For more information, visit heart.org/palmbeachgored.