--- description: Breaking news and analysis from time.com. Politics, world news, photos, video, tech reviews, health, science, and entertainment news. title: Join Us in Celebrating Katrina (Kat) Ascencio-Holmes: 2025's National Woman of Impact image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt77e09393155c96c5/6a4b522d503bdae9c1cbaf5c/1-sacramento-kat-ascencio-holmes-option-2.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 --- # Join Us in Celebrating Katrina (Kat) Ascencio-Holmes: 2025's National Woman of Impact When women come together, they have the power to make change. Women support each other. They inspire each other. They motivate each other. Woman of Impact™️ helps connect women nationwide through the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women®​ movement, the Association’s signature initiative dedicated to women’s health. 2025 was a historic year for the campaign as women united coast-to-coast working to help save more women’s lives from their No. 1 killer, cardiovascular disease. In just nine weeks, more than 500 nominees mobilized over 3,000 team members in 96 cities to educate their communities about the risks, warning signs and prevention of heart disease and stroke through Go Red for Women, while raising $7.5 million to support the American Heart Association’s lifesaving work. In the fight against cardiovascular disease, every woman holds the power to make a difference. For over 20 years, Go Red for Women has worked to address the awareness and clinical care gaps of women’s greatest health threat, and has provided tools, resources and health solutions women need at every age and stage of life. Please join us in celebrating these passionate nominees and fearless teams whose dedication to Go Red is helping build communities that foster heart-health awareness, education, support and connection—giving more women the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives. --- ### ### Celebrating our 2025 Go Red for Women Woman of Impact National Winner: Katrina Ascencio-Holmes  Katrina (Kat) Ascencio-Holmes, Chief Nurse Officer at Sutter Health, has been named the 2025 Woman of Impact National Winner, recognized out of more than 500 nominees nationwide. When Ascencio-Holmes was nominated for the Woman of Impact campaign, she said yes without hesitation. A longtime supporter of the American Heart Association and former open-heart surgical nurse, she already had deep ties to the mission. But the cause became deeply personal when her sister-in-law died from a heart attack at just 40 years old. Months later, her cousin was diagnosed with three-vessel disease — another wake-up call that too many women go undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or do not know they are at risk. "Saying 'yes' to the Woman of Impact nomination was not just an opportunity; it was a chance to honor my loved ones and contribute to a mission that can save lives," Ascencio-Holmes says. The nine-week Woman of Impact campaign offered an energizing and purpose-driven opportunity to raise critical awareness through the Go Red for Women movement as well as funds in support of the American Heart Association. Ascencio-Holmes embraced it fully, and acknowledges her employer, Sutter Health, and her Impact Team — made up of nurses, colleagues, friends and family — for their dedicated efforts throughout the campaign. "I am also so grateful to Sutter Health for providing me the time to be part of the campaign and for their contribution to Woman of Impact," Ascencio-Holmes says. With support from the American Heart Association, encouragement from Sutter Health and the daily commitment of her Impact Team, Ascencio-Holmes led a meaningful campaign grounded in strategic outreach, education and fundraising. Her team rallied behind the mission, hosting events, connecting with the community and promoting women's heart health through every channel available. Building momentum through personal outreach and collaboration, Ascencio-Holmes leaned into what she believes is the most powerful force behind lasting impact: collective empowerment. "Building a supportive network of women is indeed empowering, and it's something I actively encourage within my circle," she says. "In our Impact Team of nurses, we had a strong sense of camaraderie and shared commitment to promoting health awareness. Throughout the campaign, we focused on women's heart health, recognizing that by advocating for others, we also empower ourselves." Her proudest moment came when they reached their ambitious fundraising goal — proof of what a focused and passionate team could accomplish. "For me, the biggest strategy was getting out of my comfort zone and asking for donations, large and small, and encouraging my team to do the same," Ascencio-Holmes says. Throughout the campaign, she also encouraged her team to prioritize their health while uplifting others. "As nurses, our role has always been patient-centered, but through this campaign, we became champions for women's heart health," she says. Through her unwavering leadership, heartfelt advocacy and measurable success in mobilizing her community, Ascencio-Holmes earned the distinction of 2025 National Go Red for Women Woman of Impact Winner — recognized among more than 500 nominees nationwide for her outstanding results and dedication. "This journey has been profoundly rewarding, and I am grateful to be surrounded by a dedicated team that shares this vital mission," she says. "This recognition inspires us to continue advocating for women's health issues." Ascencio-Holmes encourages everyone to act—whether that means sharing resources, donating or simply having conversations about their health. "By supporting this mission, we are not just contributing to a cause; we are taking a stand to empower women to take charge of their health and make informed decisions," she says. "Together, we can break the stigma and open discussions around women's health issues, ultimately saving lives and improving health outcomes for future generations." --- ### Meet the 2025 Go Red for Women Woman of Impact Centennial Club Join us in celebrating our 2025 Woman of Impact Centennial Club nominees! These historic leaders epitomize what it means to be a Woman of Impact: empowerment, tenacity and dedication to improving health for all women. They play a pivotal role in advancing the well-being of their families and communities, empowering women to prioritize their own heart health through Go Red for Women and mobilizing fundraising strategies to support the mission of the American Heart Association. [](http://goredforwomen.org/) 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. 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