Sacramento nurse Katrina Ascencio-Holmes has been recognized as the American Heart Association's 2025 National Woman of Impact™, bringing heightened attention to women's cardiovascular health. Her selection underscores the urgent need to address heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death among women.
Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, a statistic that motivated Ascencio-Holmes to advocate for increased awareness and proactive health management. Her personal connection to heart health was tragically solidified by her sister-in-law's premature death from a heart attack at age 40.
The Woman of Impact campaign, which ran from February 7 to April 10, involved peer volunteers from 96 communities nominating 507 participants to raise awareness about women's heart health. As the national winner, Ascencio-Holmes will continue to champion the Go Red for Women movement, encouraging open discussions about cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention.
Her recognition highlights the critical importance of women understanding their heart health risks and taking proactive steps to mitigate potential cardiovascular challenges. By sharing her professional expertise and personal experience, Ascencio-Holmes aims to inspire women to prioritize their health and seek early intervention.
