Community leader to serve as chairperson of the American Heart Association’s annual initiative to improve women’s heart and brain health
Bakersfield, Calif., September 4, 2025 – The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Emily Duran, chief executive officer at Kern Family Health Care, as the community volunteer chairperson of the 2026 Kern County Go Red for Women movement. Go Red for Women is a worldwide initiative designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women locally, nationally and globally.
Nearly half of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death for women[1], claiming more lives than all cancers combined.[2] According to the American Heart Association, women’s unique life stages like pregnancy and menopause can affect their cardiovascular risk. The good news is that the majority of cardiovascular disease incidents can be prevented through lifestyle changes and education.
“I refuse to accept a future where a woman’s health is determined by her zip code, income, or whether she has the right information at the right time,” said Duran. “When women have the knowledge, resources, and care they deserve, they not only survive, but thrive. When women thrive, entire families and communities rise with them. I’m committed to breaking these barriers with the American Heart Association through the Go Red Movement alongside our local leaders to take us one step closer to every woman having a fair chance at a long and healthy life.”
Duran brings more than 25 years of leadership in community-based health and social services. Her career reflects a passion for expanding care, grassroots education and advocacy for underserved populations. Serving alongside Duran is the 2025 Kern County Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team, which includes:
Angela Barton, Barton Marketing Group
Michele Shain, Dignity Health
Kristi Windtberg, LVL Fitness
Cornelio Gutierrez Lozano, Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
Lauren Skidmore, The Open Door Network
Jasleen Duggal, Centric Health
Deanna Blaise, Valley Strong Credit Union
NaTesha Johnson, Bakersfield College
Gabriela Gonzales, California Resources Corporation
Robin Mangarin Scott, Dignity Health
Terri Agcaoili, California Cardiovascular Institute
Jen Kind, Johnson & Johnson MedTech
“We’re thrilled to have Emily Duran serving as our local Go Red chairperson,” said Kelley Berry, executive director, American Heart Association, Kern County. “Her deep understanding of both the health care landscape and our local community makes her an incredible leader in advancing the Go Red movement. Together, we’re committed to making a lasting impact on women’s heart and brain health across Kern County.”
This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, during the Kern County Go Red for Women Luncheon at Stockdale Country Club. The Kern County Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and with local support from presenting sponsor Dignity Health and local sponsor Kern Family Health Care. For more information about the Kern County Go Red for Women Luncheon and movement visit heart.org/KernCountyGoRed.
Additional resources:
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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 19 years, 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)
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 the American Heart Association in Kern County at heart.org/southern-california, Facebook, Instagram, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For media inquiries:
Lily Gordon, lily.gordon@heart.org
For Public Inquiries:
1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org