A Movement Bringing Awareness, Support, and Change to Women Everywhere
The Go Red for Women movement is an initiative led by the American Heart Association to raise awareness for women’s heart health in an impactful and engaging way. Communities come together to compete in the Woman of Impact contest to see which women from each city in the nation will be awarded the title for their impact.
By raising awareness of the significance of women’s heart health, inspiring advocacy, and highlighting the impact women have on one another, the Go Red for Women movement is changing lives across the United States.
This year, Ladybugz Interactive Agency stepped up to play a key role in raising awareness and fundraising for the 2026 Go Red for Women Campaign in Central Massachusetts. Named a “Woman of Impact,” Lysa Miller, CEO of Ladybugz Interactive, leads the team behind the campaign, working diligently to make an impact, raise funds, and fight for women in their community.
“Being involved in the local community is very important to us here at Ladybugz. When the American Heart Association in Central Massachusetts was looking for volunteers, I thought, who better than my team? It was a very fun, team building, and learning experience for all of us, and it brought us together over a common cause,” said Lysa.
Through their work, the Ladybugz team has made waves in women’s heart health—raising funds for lifesaving research, inspiring others to get involved, and enriching their community. This impact is notable, as the team is among the top donors in Central Massachusetts, and Lysa Miller has been selected as a Woman of Impact Nominee.
Go Red for Women: Leading the Fight for Women’s Heart Health
Support and awareness are at the core of the Go Red for Women movement. The goal is to ensure all women understand how to maintain a healthy heart, recognize symptoms, and access the resources needed to navigate cardiovascular disease.
This includes promoting screening, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and educating women about symptoms that often differ from those experienced by men.
The Ladybugz team showed up in full force to support the campaign. They attended the Go Red for Women Luncheon as part of their fundraising efforts and were later recognized on the Jumbotron at Polar Park—highlighting their commitment and community impact.
A huge thank you to our donors whose generosity and contributions are making an impact:
- Brian Farrell, Where Strategy Meets Accounting
- Michelle Gauvin, RN, BSN, IV Nurses
- Tony Lepore, BlueOwl Plumbing
- Morgan Russell, PC, Law Offices of Morgan A. Russell
- Tracy Hatfield, Curious Kids Childcare
- Liz Bond, Bond Law Office
- Curtis Bramley, Baystate Financial Planning
- Kathleen Goneau, Real Estate Consultant, The Goneau Group
- Matt Packard (The Mortgage Dad), Senior Loan Officer, Embrace Home Loans
The Ladybugz team is a strong, united group of women dedicated to making a difference: Lysa Miller (2026 Woman of Impact Nominee), Crystal Daher, Alicia Smith, Billie Kenyon, Kathleen Goneau, Ola Patykowski, Doreen Howes, and Priya Anand.
How these goals are achieved:
- Education about risks, prevention, and lifestyle changes
- Building community connections that raise awareness and support for women
- Providing support for those impacted by cardiovascular disease
- Encouraging participation in research led by STEM professionals
- Partnering with the American Heart Association to drive change
The Ladybugz team was inspired by their former team member, Lis Rock, who passed away due to a lifelong heart condition last July. Her strength and journey continue to motivate the team to participate in Go Red for Women in her honor, helping others facing similar challenges.
Support can take many forms—from wearing red to volunteering and sharing knowledge. Awareness remains the most powerful tool in driving change.
Women of Impact: Driving Change in Heart Health
Go Red for Women relies on strong communities to drive meaningful impact. The Women of Impact contest is a key initiative designed to inspire action at the local level.
What is it?
- A nine-week campaign focused on raising funds and awareness for women’s heart health
How to participate:
- Create an Impact Team
- Register with the American Heart Association
- Raise awareness and funds within your community
Awards:
- Local nominees compete for the title of “Woman of Impact”
- Winners advance to the national level for the “National Woman of Impact” award
Why it matters:
- Funds support critical research and patient care
- Local action creates meaningful, lasting community impact
The Truth About Heart Disease in Women
Education is essential in addressing women’s heart health. Many women experience symptoms differently, underscoring the need for awareness to support early detection and prevention.
- Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of women
- Twice as many women die from cardiovascular disease as from any form of cancer
- 40% of women do not experience symptoms during a heart attack
- Symptoms often differ from those experienced by men
- Women of all ages can be affected
- Pregnancy and menopause can increase the risk
- High blood pressure is the leading risk factor
When Women Unite, Hearts Get Stronger
Women’s heart health is a major concern, affecting millions worldwide. The Go Red for Women movement raises awareness, provides support, and inspires communities to take action.
Through initiatives like the Women of Impact contest, funding for research, screenings, and education, the American Heart Association continues to lead the charge.
In every community, advocacy, education, and support are essential in the fight against cardiovascular disease—and real change happens when everyone gets involved.
