Sioux Falls Business Leaders Lead Women’s Heart Health Initiative

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women[1] in South Dakota and across the United States. To change that, 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 Heidi Anshutz, marketing director for Mills Property Management, and Amber Garry, owner of Union Social Club, who are serving as the 2026 chair for Sioux Falls’ Go Red for Women® movement, empowering women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care. Go Red for Women is dedicated to helping women lead healthier lives.

“As Women, our days are packed, and life rarely slows down—but women’s health deserves attention now, not later,” said Anshutz. “Go Red for Women is a call to action: Red Means Go, for our hearts, our futures and every woman who matters to us.

Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk[2]. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support.

“There is one source of support women can count on — each other,” said Garry. “Life moves fast. Careers, calendars and commitments never slow down. But when it comes to women’s health, delays are no longer an option. When we say Go Red for Women, we mean Red Means Go!”

Joining Anshutz and Garry on the Executive Leadership Team for the 2026 Sioux Falls Go Red for Women experience are:

  • Abir Aware, Abir Ibrahim-Aware-Hegg Realtors

  • Shelbi Backhaus, Backhaus Excavating and Underground

  • Mirela Besic-Zdionica, So Dak Commercial Cleaning, LLC

  • Heather Christiansen, Healthy Connections

  • Angela Drake, Two Men and a Truck

  • Lisa Gerner, PREMIER Bankcard

  • Shelly Hagen, Avera Neurology

  • Dr. Caitlin Hof, Avera Neurology

  • Steff Holtrop, ‘hood/MED Magazines

  • Cindi Johnson, Community Volunteer

  • Terra Koupal, Terra Koupal & Associates, American Family Insurance

  • Danielle McGrath, First PREMIER Bank

  • Tiffany Mutchler, Voyage Federal Credit Union

  • Kelly Nyberg, Nyberg’s ACE

  • Maddie Peschong, Maddie Peschong Photography

  • Maria Taylor, Citi

  • Lori Visker, Sanford Health

  • Morgan Willard, Avera Health

Celebrate Go Red for Women’s local achievements on Friday, January 30 at the 2026 Sioux Falls Go Red for Women experience to take place at the Canopy Hotel in downtown Sioux Falls. Now in its 22nd year, the event will feature a live and silent auction, inspirational survivor stories and a pop-up expo with educational opportunities to learn more about minimizing risk for heart disease and stroke.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Sioux Falls Go Red for Women experience is locally sponsored by First Premier Bank/PREMIER Bankcard. For more information, contact Tammy Beintema at 605-359-1299 or visit www.heart.org/SiouxFallsGoRed.

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