Buffalo’s 2026 Woman and Teen of Impact Winners Announced

American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact winners lead change through fundraising and philanthropy

BUFFALO, N.Y., April 20, 2026 — Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer in the United States, but according to the American Heart Association, approximately 80% of heart attacks and strokes are preventable. Two area individuals have successfully channeled their energy and passion to build a healthier Buffalo and raise critical dollars to help fund the lifesaving work of the Heart Association, earning them recognition from the organization. Joanne Matos is the 2026 Buffalo Woman of Impact winner. Mia Schroeder has been named this year’s 2026 Buffalo Teen of Impact winner. The Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is celebrating changemakers in over 160 communities across the nation. These leaders used their campaigns to make the greatest impact in their communities by raising awareness for heart health and funds for lifesaving research, advocacy and education.

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact campaigns launched on National Wear Red Day®, Friday, Feb. 6. Collectively, this year’s Buffalo nominees shared the importance of women’s heart health through fundraising events, workout classes, and more. They raised over $11,000 to support the vital work of the Heart Association.

The 2026 Woman of Impact winner, Joanne Matos, is a heart disease and stroke survivor living with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), so the Heart Association’s mission is deeply personal.

“It was important for me to participate in Woman of Impact because of my own health journey,” said Matos. “I am honored to have received this recognition and am excited to continue working alongside the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women to help more women know their risk factors and get the support they need to live longer, healthier lives.”

The 2026 Teen of Impact campaign winner Mia Schroeder is a junior at Niagara Wheatfield High School. She decided to join Teen of Impact because she wants to lead the next generation with awareness, education, action and prevention of heart disease and stroke.

“The habits we build as teens shape our future, which is why it was so important for me to participate in Teen of Impact,” said Schroeder. “I am so honored to be named the Buffalo winner and thankful for the opportunities this campaign has given me. My work with the American Heart Association will not stop here. I’m passionate about ensuring my friends and family are inspired to live heart healthy.”

Four nominees competed in the Heart Association’s Woman of Impact™ and Teen of Impact™ campaigns in Buffalo. Each nominee supported the Heart Association in its fight against the nation’s No. 1 health threat, CVD. The Woman of Impact campaign, part of the Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, specifically focuses on improving women’s health, while Teen of Impact focuses on empowering the next generation to change the trajectory of heart health for their generation.

Joanne and Mia are two of more than 160 other community-level Woman and Teen of Impact winners from across the country now eligible for national recognition. The national winners from each campaign will be named on May 20, 2026.

“Changemakers like Joanne and Mia and all of our nominees are making a lasting impact in Buffalo,” said Megan Vargulick, executive director of the WNY Heart Association. “Together, we have the power to fund more lifesaving research and educate women and teens on how they can take steps now to protect their hearts to help create a future of longer, healthier lives for all.”