Photos by Jeff Strout

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of women in the U.S. There is still so much to do, and with that in mind, the American Heart Association New Orleans Go Red for Women Luncheon brought awareness to the issue as well as raised funds for research.  The luncheon at the New Orleans Marriott on March 3 included a number of elements: there was a health and wellness expo that included hands-only CPR training, a silent auction and a Live Fierce fashion show, which featured local survivors, among others. The keynote speaker was Dr. Alisha Reed, a local pharmacist who is a wellness activist and self-care strategist. She is the moderator for a widow support group and hosts The Fly Widow podcast.  The event also took time to honor local AHA heroes, including Beverly Matheney with the inaugural Volunteer Service Award; and 2023 Women in STEM Award winners Cecilia Sanchez, Ph.D., vice president of research and development and chief scientific officer, Obatala Sciences; Veronica Gillispie-Bell, M.D., MAS, FACOG, associate professor and senior site lead/section head of women's services, Ochsner Kenner; Bryoni Prentice, program director, Electric Girls; Sabrina Short, CEO and founder NOLAVATE Black; Princess Dennar, M.D., FACP, FAAP, CCHC, CEO and managing partner, Premium Care Medical Center; and Sheryl Martin-Schild, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO, Dr. Brain Incorporated. The event was chaired by Sharonda Williams. AHA New Orleans' executive director is Coretta LaGarde. Fun Fact The American Heart Association will mark its 100th anniversary in 2024. The AHA has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country; including the first artificial heart valve, implantable pacemakers, cholesterol-lowering medications and CPR techniques.

Sharonda Williams, Ashley McGaha

Dr. Robert Matheney, Beverly Matheney 

Terrie Sterling, Charlotte Parent, Dr. Alisha Reed

Jade Brown-Russell, Dr. Sheryl Martin-Schild, Scott Chapman, Coretta LaGarde 

 Jeremy Beauchamp, Stephanie Burks 

Kara Muller, Alyana Samai, Eboni Addison