Tampa Bay Teen Named 2026 National Teen of Impact Winner for Heart Health Advocacy
Leonardo Oliveira, a Tampa Bay teen, was named the 2026 American Heart Association National Teen of Impact Winner for raising awareness and funds for nutrition and heart health, highlighting the importance of early cardiovascular disease prevention.
The American Heart Association has named Leonardo Oliveira, a Tampa Bay-based teen and community advocate, as the 2026 National Teen of Impact Winner for his efforts in raising awareness and funds for lifesaving research, advocacy, and education around cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. Oliveira’s campaign focused on nutrition and increasing access to nutrient-rich foods in local food deserts, addressing risk factors that can develop as early as adolescence.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States, and while it has often been thought to affect only older generations, the reality is that heart disease and stroke can affect anyone at any age. By age 18, many adolescents have already developed risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, or Type 2 diabetes. Oliveira’s personal motivation stems from his father, a cardiologist who received one of his earliest research grants from the Association. Both of his parents working in health care shaped his belief that small, everyday choices can have an impact on lifelong well-being.
“Being able to give back to an organization that has had such a meaningful impact on my family is truly special to me,” Oliveira said. “This experience has helped me think more intentionally about the future I want to help create, one that is more equitable and healthier. It also reminds me that when you set your heart and mind to a goal, and rally those around you, you can accomplish great things.”
The Teen of Impact campaign is a nine-week, nationwide competition that challenges teens to lead with purpose, build Impact Teams, and drive meaningful change in their communities. Launched on National Wear Red Day, the first Friday in February, the campaign rallies nearly 65 communities and more than 300 nominees in the fight against heart disease. As the 2026 National Teen of Impact Winner, Oliveira joins a growing network of advocates proving that anyone can make meaningful change.
“Heart health matters because the habits we build as teens shape our lifelong well-being,” Oliveira said. “By learning your family history, making healthy choices and encouraging your friends to do the same, we can create a foundation of wellness that will carry with us as we head into college, careers and adulthood.”
Lee A. Shapiro, J.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association and managing partner and co-founder at 7wireVentures, emphasized the importance of the campaign: “The Teen of Impact campaign brings the mission of the American Heart Association to life in communities across the country. Leaders like Leonardo are driving change by turning awareness into action and helping build a healthier, more equitable future for their entire generation.”
The American Heart Association, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, the organization funds groundbreaking research, advocates for the public’s health, and provides critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. For more information, visit heart.org or stroke.org.