Sacramento Attorney Wins National Heart Health Award After Mother's Heart Attack
Sacramento attorney Anh Phoong was named the 2026 National Woman of Impact winner by the American Heart Association for leading a grassroots campaign to raise awareness about women's heart health.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among women, a fact that Sacramento attorney and community advocate Anh Phoong knows all too well. After her mother survived a heart attack, Phoong was motivated to take action. She entered the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Woman of Impact campaign and was recently named the 2026 National Woman of Impact winner for her nine-week effort to raise awareness and funds.
Phoong led a team of more than 100 people from across Sacramento, organizing initiatives to educate women on heart health risks and encourage healthier habits. The campaign raised critical funding for research, education and advocacy to address the unique cardiovascular risks women face. “This is what women supporting women really looks like,” Phoong said. “When we show up for each other, our impact is bigger.”
The Woman of Impact campaign, part of the Go Red for Women movement, launches annually on National Wear Red Day, the first Friday in February. Participants form Impact Teams to raise funds, educate others on cardiovascular risks and inspire lifestyle changes. This year, nominees across the country reached thousands of people with simple but powerful messages about daily movement, healthier eating and stress management. “It doesn’t have to be complicated,” Phoong said. “Go for a walk. Make better choices. Small habits add up. That’s how we take control of our health.”
The American Heart Association notes that despite progress, fewer than half of women recognize cardiovascular disease as their greatest health threat. Women remain underrepresented in research and underserved in care. The Go Red for Women movement, now in its third decade, aims to close these gaps by mobilizing communities to improve women's heart health.
Lee A. Shapiro, J.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association and managing partner at 7wireVentures, praised Phoong's efforts. “The Woman of Impact campaign brings the mission of Go Red for Women to life in communities across the country,” Shapiro said. “Leaders like Phoong drive change by taking actions that help more women live longer, healthier lives.”
Phoong’s personal connection to the cause was a driving force. “I went on this journey because my mom survived a heart attack,” she said. “For so many women, that’s not the outcome. This campaign was my way of honoring her – and reminding women that we have to take care of ourselves if we want to keep showing up for everyone else.”
As the national winner, Phoong joins a growing network of advocates working to improve awareness, research and care for women's heart health. For more information about the Woman of Impact campaign and the Go Red for Women movement, visit GoRedforWomen.org.