Winn Calls Attention to Women in STEM, Health Equity and Self-Care
SAN DIEGO (6/8/2023) - The American Heart Association’s San Diego signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women, will be led this year by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Chief Executive Officer Caroline Winn. As the volunteer chair, Winn will drive the efforts to empower San Diego women to take action to protect themselves against cardiovascular disease (CVD) and shine a light on the importance of addressing the disparities that women face in achieving better health and well-being. Winn’s chairwomanship will also coincide with the 100-year centennial anniversary of the American Heart Association (AHA) and the 20th anniversary of the Go Red for Women campaign.
Go Red for Women is a worldwide initiative of the American Heart Association designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women locally, nationally and globally. Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. Cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, taking the life of one in every three women. Women experience unique life stages that increase their risk of developing CVD over the course of their lifetime, and Black and Hispanic women are disproportionately impacted.
“One of my passions is to empower women from all walks of life – whether that’s to take leadership positions in the workplace or take charge of their health,” said Winn. “As this year’s San Diego Go Red for Women chair, I look forward to joining forces with community-based organizations and leaders to take the message of self-care and prevention to even more women. I am also committed to encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM, with the goal of reducing health disparities and creating a future where every woman can enjoy a longer and healthier life.”
As cardiovascular disease continues to be the No. 1 killer of women, ensuring more women are at the forefront of developing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) solutions has never been more imperative.
As part of the Go Red for Women campaign, STEM Goes Red led by SDG&E returns this Fall. The program draws from the American Heart Association’s strong legacy of science, education, and discovery to help propel young women into rewarding careers in STEM. Out of every 100 female undergrads, only 12 graduate with a degree in STEM and only three continue on to work in STEM fields. Although women fill close to half of all jobs in the U.S. economy, they hold less than 25 percent of STEM jobs. The American Heart Association, a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives, is working to close these opportunity gaps through STEM Goes Red.
“We are thrilled to have Caroline Winn’s experience, conviction, and passion help to drive Go Red and STEM Goes Red in San Diego. Together, we know that we will have a positive impact on the lives of women in our community and the families that depend on them,” said Juli Moran, San Diego Office Managing Partner and Consulting Managing Director in Strategy & Analytics, and past chair of the 2023 San Diego Go Red for Women campaign and board member.
A big part of the campaign that Winn will spearhead is the Annual San Diego Go Red for Women which includes STEM Goes Red on November 2, 2023, and the Go Red for Women Luncheon, which will be held on February 23, 2024. The celebration is expected to draw more than 400 supporters and will feature motivational speakers and a survivor fashion show as well as activities aimed at inspiring women to live their best selves.
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About Go Red for Women®
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. While nearly 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of 1 in 3 women. For 18 years, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The initiative harnesses the energy, passion and power of women to band together and collectively wipe out heart disease. It challenges them to know their risk for heart disease and take action to reduce their personal risk. It also gives them tools they need to lead a heart healthy life. The Go Red for Women initiative is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, with additional support from national cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About San Diego Gas & Electric
SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.