Two Houston changemakers triumph in competition to reverse cardiovascular disease statistics

HOUSTON, TX -- A heart survivor and catering manager from Seabrook is the American Heart Association®’s Go Red for Women® Houston 2025 Woman of Impact™ Winner, while a fellow heart survivor from Second Baptist High School has been named the city’s Teen of Impact™ Winner. Their high-impact fundraising efforts, powerful personal stories, and commitment to improving health outcomes in the Houston community earned Amy Doherty of Robinette & Company Caterers and Grace Dutko of Second Baptist High School their respective titles.

The Woman of Impact™ and Teen of Impact™ initiatives are integral to the American Heart Association’s mission to advance health equity and create a world of longer, healthier lives. While Woman of Impact focuses on empowering women and elevating heart health awareness through the Go Red for Women® movement, Teen of Impact cultivates leadership and health advocacy in the next generation.

“Thanks to the efforts of changemakers like Amy and Grace—and all of our incredible nominees—we’re taking meaningful steps to eliminate heart disease and stroke in the Gulf Coast and Houston,” said Kellie Armstrong, Executive Director of Development and Community Health for the American Heart Association, Houston-Gulf Coast. “Together, we are funding lifesaving research, educating communities, and empowering women and teens to take action for their health and futures. Their work is helping to ensure that more families stay together, and more lives are saved.”

Over the course of nine weeks, Doherty and Dutko competed alongside their peers to raise critical funds and awareness to support heart health education and community engagement. Doherty participated in educational events and outreach for Go Red for Women, a global initiative created over two decades ago to shine a light on women’s heart health disparities and drive change. At the same time, Dutko led community efforts and fundraising in support of youth heart health and equitable access to care for all Houstonians.

Together, Amy and Grace raised more than $100,000 and led efforts around hands-only CPR education, health advocacy, food security, and maternal health. Their passion and leadership demonstrate how individual stories, and action can lead to collective impact.

The 2025 Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact campaigns launched in over 150 cities nationwide on National Wear Red Day®, February 7. In Houston, thirteen community leaders and teens were nominated. Collectively, the Houston nominees and their teams raised $319,093, while also participating in trainings and activities that included learning hands-only CPR, advocating for health policies, and embracing wellness through the Association’s Mind, Body, Connection framework.

Other local Woman of Impact nominees included:

• Saba Abashawl – Houston Airport Systems
• Kacy Allensworth – Personal Coach
• Aanchal Bhatia – Sydenham Clinic
• Amber Casanave – CAS Marketing
• Rikki Speck – Medical Edge Recruitment

Other local Teen of Impact nominees included:

• Sarah Bezemek - Episcopal High School
• Audrey Hildreth - Memorial High School
• Leah Inman - Kingwood High School
• Sara Patel - Bellaire High School
• Diego Pruneda - Strake Jesuit College Preparatory
• Gustavo Rivas - Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

While cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer in the U.S., many cardiac events are preventable through lifestyle changes and early detection. The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact campaigns are paving the way for a healthier future—one that ensures everyone has the opportunity to live a full, vibrant life.

To learn more about the American Heart Association in Houston visit https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/texas.

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