Innovating For Women’s Health & Leadership: Delaware Go Red For Women & STEM Goes Red
This spring, two dynamic initiatives—Delaware Go Red for Women and Delaware STEM Goes Red—are setting the stage for transformative change in women’s heart and brain health. These programs, spearheaded by the American Heart Association (AHA), address critical gaps in awareness, education, and professional empowerment for women, all while advancing health equity and innovation.
Empowering health through Go Red for Women
The Go Red for Women movement is a vital initiative that combats the alarming statistics surrounding women’s heart health. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women each year. Despite this, only 44% of women recognize it as their primary health threat. Go Red for Women tackles this awareness gap by fostering community, education, and action.
Through the campaign, women across Delaware are learning about their unique risk factors, from life stages such as pregnancy and menopause to the intersection of mental health and cardiovascular well-being. Programs like Research Goes Red amplify women’s participation in clinical research, addressing systemic gaps in healthcare data and ensuring innovations are tailored to women’s needs. These efforts not only save lives but also contribute to a healthier, more inclusive future. Leading this year’s campaign is Ashley Foster, MBA, Chief People Officer for Beebe Healthcare, whose leadership will inspire impactful change in the community.
Scheduled for April 11, 2025, at the University of Delaware, this year’s event will bring together over 250 attendees to join the fight for women’s heart health through an interactive luncheon featuring exhibitors, a fashion show, a silent auction and an inspirational survivor story.
Delaware STEM Goes Red: building the next genertion of innovators
Taking Go Red’s mission further, Delaware STEM Goes Red merges the pursuit of health with career empowerment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This initiative is particularly crucial as women remain underrepresented in STEM careers, making up just 29% of the workforce despite being nearly half of non-STEM occupations.
Under the leadership of Nadira Alston, External Affairs Manager at Delmarva Power, the 2024-2025 Delaware STEM Goes Red campaign focuses on bridging this gap by inspiring young women to explore STEM fields. The program connects students with leading professionals, offering mentorship and real-world insights to build confidence and spark interest in these high-demand careers. Scheduled for April 10, 2025, at the University of Delaware, this year’s event will bring together nearly 200 students to engage in hands-on learning and transformative dialogue.
The power of collaboration and community
Both initiatives exemplify the power of collective action and community support in driving meaningful change. With the backing of national sponsor CVS Health and local sponsors; Beebe Healthcare, ChristianaCare, and Bayhealth, these programs highlight the intersection of health, education, and professional development for women in Delaware and beyond.
“The Delaware Go Red for Women and STEM Goes Red events embody the American Heart Association’s unwavering commitment to building healthier lives and empowering women to drive change in their communities,” said Jim Murphy, Executive Director of the American Heart Association in Delaware. “By addressing systemic health disparities and creating pathways to meaningful careers, we’re inspiring a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive—heart-healthy and purpose-driven.”
For more information, visit heart.org/delawaregored or contact Karen Gritton, Go Red for Women Director, at [email protected]
Follow them on instagram @american_heart & facebook @AmericanHeart
