Leadership

For more than 100 years, the American Heart Association has made bold moves to save lives and pioneer scientific discoveries. We haven’t done it alone. We reach our goals working with organizations and individuals who share our vision for better health and today, the Go Red for Women community is stronger than ever. The American Heart Association, through Go Red for Women, is prepared to meet the evolving needs of women now, and at every age, every stage, and every season of their lives as their trusted, relevant source for credible, equitable health solutions, and that is why our volunteer leadership is so important. Go Red for Women is a catalyst for this critical work.

2025 San Angelo Go Red for Women Chair

Desiree Alvarado-Kessler, LMSW

As a social worker and woman of color in a high-risk demographic, working in rural areas, I understand the unique challenges these communities face in accessing healthcare, particularly concerning heart disease, which affects 1 in 4 women. Through my involvement with the Go Red for Women movement, I am dedicated to raising awareness, providing education, and improving access to heart health resources for women, especially those in underserved rural areas. My commitment is deeply personal, influenced by my family's experiences with heart disease—my maternal grandmother's open-heart surgery, the untimely deaths of my uncles, and my father experiencing a heart attack just three weeks after attending the February Go Red 2024 event. These experiences drive me to advocate for heart health, especially in communities that face additional barriers to care.

In rural West Texas, women's health needs are shaped by the challenges of limited healthcare access, including fewer clinics and specialists, as well as cultural and social barriers. As the 2025 Go Red for Women Chair, I see the opportunity to extend cardiovascular awareness and support across these communities, emphasizing preventive measures like CPR training, mental health support, and more. Together, we can bridge healthcare disparities and make a lasting impact on improving cardiovascular health outcomes. I appreciate your consideration of sponsorship and the opportunity to work together in this vital mission.