American Heart Association names 2022 Greater Akron/Canton Go Red for Women ‘Woman of Impact’ Award Winner

NORTHEAST OHIO, April 7, 2022 – The American Heart Association has presented Sherry Neubert, Chief Information Officer and Vice President Information Technology for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company with the 2022 Greater Akron/Canton Go Red for Women® Woman of Impact Award for her dedication and contributions in the fight against the No. 1 killer of women in the Greater Akron and Canton area. Neubert participated in more than a dozen mission impact activities over the 9-week campaign and led her team to raise more than $100,000 in support of the American Heart Association’s signature movement banding women together to wipe out heart disease and stroke.

“When I initially agreed to participate in the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Woman of Impact Team, I was motivated by my family history (my ‘WHY’) and a desire to honor my Grandma Pat who died from a stroke,” Neubert said. “I intended to make a personal donation and attend a few events and be done with it. I wanted to learn about how to protect myself and my close family, my second ‘WHY,’ from heart disease. I considered it a minor commitment. And then on January 5, 2022, a month before Woman of Impact would officially launch, my friend died from a heart attack. He was just 51. As I shared my Eulogy for him at his funeral, I felt my heart ache and a deep yearning to do more, to use my voice to help prevent the next loss of life.”
 
“From there I set an ambitious goal and made a personal commitment to making a broader impact, beyond my close family and friends, to educate my network about the No. 1 killer of Americans. And my friend Ron became my third ‘WHY,’” Neubert explained. “When I stop and reflect on the impact our team of 40 ‘Fiercely Fabulous’ volunteers has made on our shared communities, how many of us have learned something new or taken a healthy action as a result of our awareness efforts, I’m awestruck.  That’s what our efforts were all about, helping the people we care about live longer healthier lives. Personally, I learned how to overcome my genetic predisposition to heart disease.  And, perhaps more importantly I learned how mental wellbeing and stress contribute and detract to heart health.”

Throughout the campaign, Neubert immersed herself and her team in every aspect of the American Heart Association’s mission, to be a relentless force for a world of longer healthier lives. Neubert took charge of her own health and inspired others to do the same. 

“Sherry unselfishly pours her heart and soul into everything that she does for everyone and expects nothing in return,” said Kandy Shoaff, Woman of Impact team member for Sherry Neubert. “She is a true friend to me and was to my brother Ron. We need more people like her here on earth. She is truly an angel sent from heaven.”

Sherry advocated for change through the American Heart Association’s You’re the Cure network and focused on spreading education and awareness around Hands-Only CPR, mental wellbeing, the benefits of physical activity, and healthy eating. Neubert did this all while hosting numerous fundraisers to financially support the mission of the American Heart Association, drive awareness and educate her peers.

"I’m used to being involved in fundraisers with committees and sub-committees; responsibilities are distributed. In this case, one person (Sherry) hand-selected a group of people and oversaw it herself. The goal was significant ($100,000) but so was the impact and reach of awareness and education,” said Barb Abbott, President of Canton Food Tours and Woman of Impact team member for Sherry Neubert. “Sherry’s level of dedication to achieving her goal was impressive. She created a system of spreadsheets to track progress, branded our campaign, and utilized marketing materials that were personalized for each event and for high donors.  These tools, along with her personal style of leadership, created a powerful team that was positive, cohesive, and professional throughout the eight weeks.”

Collectively, this year’s Greater Akron/Canton nominees and their Impact Teams initiated more than 50 direct mission impact opportunities throughout the community and beyond and raised nearly $150,000 for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.

“We are so grateful to Sherry and to all of our nominees for their work elevating the Go Red for Women message and raising critical funds in support of our mission,” said Valerie Stutler, Development Director of the American Heart Association. “It has been a true gift to work alongside these women, and I’m so inspired by their passion and commitment. Their work over the campaign will have long lasting effects for women everywhere.”

While a large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, taking the life of one in every three women. Those interested in getting involved can visit AkronGoRed.Heart.Org.

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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 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 18 years, 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).

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.

For local media inquiries:
Tracy Behnke, Executive Director
[email protected]; 216-310-6958