2024 Columbus Go Red for Women Centennial Chairwomen

The women leading the fight against the No. 1 killer of women and why they’re doing it

Kara Trott

Founder and Board Chair Quantum Health

“I’ve seen the impact of heart disease firsthand with my grandmother, my mother and my grandfather and believe it’s critical for women to understand the signs and not misread or minimize symptoms. We have the opportunity to create awareness that will save lives through Go Red for Women.”

What does Go Red for Women’s focus on improving women’s health mean to you?

My mom is the perfect example - she had jaw pain for several days and lightheadedness, then during the Buckeyes winning national championship game in 2014, she felt worse and after the game they called EMS. EMS said all looked fine, but she didn’t feel well so she and my stepdad went to the hospital where they determined she had suffered the widow maker and had to put several stents in. She didn’t recognize the symptoms and I can’t believe the EMS didn’t either! So, I want to make sure that women aren’t overlooked.

What are you most looking forward to during your chair year?

I am most looking forward to spreading awareness about the importance of heart health. As a very involved woman myself, I know that today women are busier than ever before. Many women are working, caring for loved ones and busy moms. It’s so easy to miss the initial symptoms of a heart event due to busyness and not knowing what to look for. Bringing this life-saving information to our communities is essential for all women.

What would you like to say to those companies and individuals who join you in making a significant investment of time and resources into the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women?

Thank you! Showing your support increases opportunities for this campaign not only through increased funding, but through the ability to reach more women than ever before; to reach women of every background and culture; to reach women who need this information.

Jenny Barnes General Counsel and Vice President, Legal Quantum Health

“There are still too many women not aware that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. The great news is that most of these diseases can be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. That is why I’m involved with the American Heart Association – because losing even one woman to heart disease is too many.”

Please share the story of your involvement with the American Heart Association.

Following in the footsteps of Quantum Health’s founder and board chair, Kara Trott, a longtime supporter of the American Heart Association, I initially became involved as a member of the Circle of Red, then as an Executive Member of the Go Red for Women Committee a few years ago and more recently as a member of the Central Ohio Board of Directors.

What are your favorite parts about Go Red for Women?

I love the energy, education, and positivity focused on what is a very serious health threat. Seeing the community come together to support this important cause is inspiring. And, I love the color red!

How would you like to see the community get involved and support the Go Red for Women movement?

Take time to learn more about heart health. Come to the Go Red for Women Luncheon and learn about heart disease and stroke then share that information with the women in your life.

Veronica Knuth Chief People Officer

Quantum Health

“Women often have a lot on their plates and tend to over-index on being care givers without taking care of themselves. I’m excited to work with the American Heart Association to bring awareness and a path to action for women around their health through Go Red for Women.”

What’s your why and what is your personal connection to heart disease or stroke?

Several years ago, I lost a co-worker to a heart attack at work. She had been displaying flulike symptoms for much of the day (queasiness, hot flashes, fatigue) and no one recognized the signs of a heart attack. She went to use the restroom and was found unresponsive on the floor. She died on the way to the hospital. I learned then that women often display non-traditional symptoms when they are in heart distress. Had I known, I may have been able to take action that would have resulted in a different outcome.

What does a successful campaign look like to you?

We will have enabled more women to begin heart-healthy habits, be screened for heart health risks or be an ambassador for the American Heart Association.

Is there anything you’d like to share about Quantum Health’s support of women’s health, community work, the American Heart Association or you?

With almost 70% of our workforce being women and many of them being caregivers at home, in the office and in their communities, we have an obligation to each of them, their families and their co-workers to keep them at their best.