Diana Watson White takes helm of Upstate Go Red for Women

American Heart Association campaign aims to improve health outcomes for women across the Upstate

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the No. 1 killer of women in the Upstate and across the nation, but it doesn’t have to be.[1] The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health.

Leading that effort locally is Diana Watson White, founder of Diana Watson Media, who is serving as the 2026-27 chair for the Upstate’s Go Red for Women® movement. This campaign empowers women to take charge of their heart health by educating them on their risk factors in every stage of life while addressing critical gaps in research and health care. Go Red for Women is dedicated to helping every woman, in every stage of life, improve their heart and brain health.

Watson White founded Diana Watson Media in 2024 following a 25-year journalism career at FOX Carolina News and service as senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer for the YMCA of Greenville. Throughout her career, Watson White has helped inform and connect Upstate residents through storytelling, a skill she now brings to raising awareness about women’s heart health and the importance of prevention.

“Like so many in our community, I have a personal connection to heart disease and understand firsthand how education and advocacy can change lives,” said Watson White. “Go Red is a call to action for all of us to prioritize women’s health. By increasing awareness, funding and research, we can help save the lives of more mothers, sisters, daughters, colleagues and friends.”
Despite cardiovascular disease remaining the leading threat to women’s health, an American Heart Association survey found that less than half of women are aware of their unique risk. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support.

Across the Upstate, Go Red for Women brings together survivors, caregivers, health professionals and community leaders to raise awareness and support research aimed at improving outcomes for women.

“As women, our lives move fast—careers, calendars and commitments never slow down. But when it comes to women’s health, delays are no longer an option,” said Dr. Julie Smart, volunteer board chair of American Heart Association in the Upstate and associate dean of graduate studies at Anderson University. “Women have always been able to count on each other. Through Go Red for Women, Diana is leading that sisterhood in the Upstate and creating a ripple of change.”

The Upstate Go Red for Women movement invests in local education, prevention efforts and the future of women’s health. In addition to networking events throughout the year and the annual Go Red for Women Luncheon, the group also hosts STEM Goes Red which brings together middle school girls to learn more about how women can lead the way in STEM fields.

The 2027 Upstate Go Red for Women Luncheon will take place on Friday, May 7, 2027, at Zen Greenville featuring survivor stories, opportunities to learn about cardiovascular health and an interactive experience designed to help attendees take real action for their heart and brain health.

For more information, contact Adelyn Nottingham at [email protected] or visit www.heart.org/upstategored.

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. For more information, please visit GoRedforWomen.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721).