SAN DIEGO, April 27, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death in San Diego County and according to the American Heart Association, approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable. A real estate executive and high school sophomore have successfully channeled their energy and passion to build a healthier San Diego and raise critical dollars to help fund the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, earning them recognition from the organization.  Ashley McEvers is the 2026 San Diego Woman of Impact winner and Charley Williams has been named this year’s 2026 San Diego Teen of Impact winner. The Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is celebrating change makers in over 160 communities across the nation. These leaders used their campaigns to make the greatest impact in their communities by raising awareness for heart health and funds for lifesaving research, advocacy and education.

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact campaigns launched on National Wear Red Day®, Friday, Feb. 6. Collectively, this year’s San Diego nominees educated people about the importance of knowing you blood pressure numbers and they raised CPR awareness. The San Diego Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact campaigns more than $365,000 to support the vital work of the American Heart Association.

“It was important for me to participate in Woman of Impact to help raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in women ,” said Ashley McEvers, Vice President, Strategic Growth at Pacific Sotheby’s. “I am honored to have received this recognition and am excited to continue working alongside the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women to help more women know their risk factors and get the support they need to live longer, healthier lives.”

Charley Williams is a sophomore at La Jolla High School and a congenital heart defect survivor. The 15-year-old was born with a condition called Transposition of the Great Arteries. At just 10 days old Williams underwent a six-hour open-heart surgery to correct her aorta and pulmonary artery, which were going into the wrong heart chambers.

“I’m alive today because of people I will never meet: researchers, donors, and medical professionals who invested in cardiology years before I was born. By the time I arrived, there was a cure for my condition that didn’t exist thirty years earlier. That’s what research and generosity make possible. Participating in Teen of Impact was my way of paying that forward.” said Williams. “I am so honored to be named the San Diego winner and thankful for the opportunities this campaign has given me. My work with the American Heart Association will not stop here. I’m passionate about ensuring my friends and family are inspired to live heart healthy lives.”

Twelve nominees competed in the Heart Association’s Woman of Impact™ and Teen of Impact™ campaigns in San Diego. Each nominee supported the Heart Association in its fight against the nation’s No. 1 health threat, CVD. The Woman of Impact campaign, part of the Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, specifically focuses on improving women’s health, while Teen of Impact focuses on empowering the next generation to change the trajectory of heart health for their generation.

McEvers and Williams are two of more than 160 other community-level Women and Teen of Impact winners from across the country now eligible for national recognition. The national winners from each campaign will be named on May 20, 2026.

Local Woman of Impact nominees included:


Dr. Darla Calvet, Blue Tiger Consulting
Julie Ceron, Alaska Airlines
Nancy Hughes, Connect1Consulting
Melissa McLenon, UCSD Health
Nadia Sarwar, Mumta Wellness
Rose TaFoya, R Events Management
Lucilla Rastelli, Avasant

Local Teen of Impact nominees included:


Maren Demian
Tanay Shah
Rihanna Fahed

To learn more about the Heart Association in San Diego, visit Southern California | American Heart Association .

 

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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:

Erika Cervantes-Aarons; Erika.Cervantes-Aaro@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org