DALLAS, April 9, 2025 — According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistical Update, cardiovascular disease remains the greatest health threat for women, yet less than half of women are aware it is their leading cause of death[1]. Additionally, women receive bystander CPR in a public settling less often than men do[2]. That is why today, the American Heart Association and the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC) have teamed up to urge women to take action and champion better health by learning Hands-Only CPR.
The American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, and the WNFC Commissioner’s Office unveiled the seven current WNFC players, who will support efforts to build awareness of heart disease and CPR education in women. The 2025 player ambassador class will amplify public service announcements (PSAs), social media content and local community education events.
The 2025 player ambassadors are:
- Lawanda Pearson - Chicago Winds
- Breanne Ward - Seattle Majestics
- Khahina Yisrael - Atlanta Truth
- Natalie Nicks - Mississippi Panthers
- Carolyn Lewis - Washington Prodigy
- Katie Wise - Tennessee Trojans
- Antoinette Van - Texas Elite Spartans
"We are proud to announce this inspiring collaboration between the WNFC and the American Heart Association,” said WNFC Commissioner Janice Masters. “Our league is built on the strength, determination and leadership of our athletes, qualities that align perfectly with the American Heart Association’s mission to improve heart health and save lives. Having WNFC athletes serve as ambassadors for the Association is a testament not only to their commitment on the field, but also to their dedication to making a meaningful impact in their communities. Together, we are championing heart health awareness and empowering people to live longer, healthier lives."
The WNFC’s commitment to CPR education and the health of the league’s players is demonstrated in the coaching requirements. All the nearly 200 coaches on the field are required to be certified in CPR, AED and first aid. By ensuring every coach is equipped with life-saving skills, the WNFC sets a high standard for health and safety in sports, demonstrating its leadership both on and off the field. The league’s dedication to player safety and overall well-being is supported both on and off the field through efforts like the player ambassadors.
“We continue our mission-critical work asking our sisters, mothers, daughters and friends to join us and make bold moves to reach our goals—so that everyone, everywhere can live their healthiest lives,” said Nancy Brown chief executive officer at the American Heart Association. “We are proud to work with the Women’s National Football Conference as both organizations are working to meet people where they are to change the future of health for women everywhere.”
Since 2004, the American Heart Association has addressed the awareness and clinical care gaps of women’s greatest health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD) through its Go Red for Women™ movement, meeting 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, heart and brain health solutions.
This is the latest player ambassador announcement by the American Heart Association. The roster of Nation of Lifesavers Player Ambassadors also features current National Football League (NFL) players and NBA/NBA G League players. The Nation of Lifesavers Player Ambassadors are led by cardiac arrest survivor and Buffalo Bills safety, Damar Hamlin. Other ambassadors with the NFL include DeeJay Dallas, Arizona Cardinals; Bradley Pinion, Atlanta Falcons; Johnny Hekker, Carolina Panthers; Gerald Everett, Chicago Bears; Chris Evans, Cincinnati Bengals; Kris Jenkins, Cincinnati Bengals; Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns; Justin Reid, Kansas City Chiefs; Demarcus Robinson, Los Angeles Rams and Devin Singletary, New York Giants. NBA/NBA G League player ambassadors include Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz; Jared Butler, Philadelphia 76ers; Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio Spurs; Keita Bates-Diop, NBA player; Keyontae Johnson, Greensboro Swarm; Larry Nance Jr., Atlanta Hawks; Onyeka Okongwu, Atlanta Hawks; Robert Williams III, Portland Trail Blazers and Shake Milton, Los Angeles Lakers.
Understand more about women’s heart health at goredforwomen.org and learn how to take action with CPR at goredforwomen.org/womenandcpr.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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 the majority 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 more than two decades, Go Red for Women has encouraged awareness. The movement 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 movement 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).
[1] https://newsroom.heart.org/news/3-ways-to-drive-awareness-of-womens-greatest-health-threat-for-american-heart-month#_ftn2
[2] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.037692