California Nurse Named National Champion for Women's Heart Health
Katrina Ascencio-Holmes, a chief nurse officer from Sacramento, has been recognized as the 2025 National Woman of Impact by the American Heart Association for her advocacy in women's cardiovascular health awareness. Her personal and professional mission highlights the critical need to address heart disease among women.
Katrina Ascencio-Holmes, a chief nurse officer at Sutter Health, has been named the 2025 National Woman of Impact by the American Heart Association, bringing unprecedented attention to women's cardiovascular health challenges. Her selection stems from a deeply personal mission to raise awareness about 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 became painfully real for Ascencio-Holmes when her sister-in-law died from a massive heart attack at 40 years old. Her professional background as an open-heart surgical nurse and her personal experience have transformed her into a powerful advocate for women's heart health.
The Woman of Impact campaign, which ran from February 7 to April 10, involved peer volunteers from 96 communities nominating 507 participants to drive awareness and action around women's cardiovascular health. As the national winner, Ascencio-Holmes will continue advocating through the Go Red for Women movement, challenging women to understand their heart disease risks and take proactive health measures.
Her recognition underscores a critical public health challenge: despite cardiovascular disease claiming the lives of one in three women, many remain unaware of their personal risk factors. By sharing her story and leveraging her professional expertise, Ascencio-Holmes aims to create an environment where women feel empowered and supported in prioritizing their heart health.