Acevedo, a nationally recognized leader in STEM and tech, will head the 2025-26 campaign to advance women’s heart health
OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 16, 2025 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in the Bay Area and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health. Leading that effort locally is Sylvia Acevedo, engineer, author and executive who is serving as the 2025-2026 chairperson for the Bay Area’s Go Red for Women® movement. Go Red for Women empowers women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care.
“Every one of us knows a woman whose life has been touched by heart disease,” said Sylvia Acevedo, former CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA who now serves on the boards of Qualcomm and Credo. “Go Red for Women is about coming together to raise awareness, fund innovation and change the odds for the next generation.”
Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk[2]. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support.
“That’s why I’m honored to serve as this year’s Chair,” said Acevedo. “Go Red for Women brings urgency and action to a cause that affects every family, and I’m proud to help lead that effort here in the Bay Area.”
Celebrate Go Red for Women’s achievements on Friday, February 27, 2026, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Bay Area Go Red for Women luncheon is locally sponsored by Chevron, Cisco and UCSF Health. For more information, contact Katherine Duarte at [email protected] or visit
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Go Red for Women®
The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is 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. While the majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
For Media Inquiries:
Nerissa Pacio Itchon, [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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