Sowmya Lakshminarayanan named 2024-25 Go Red for Women Chair

The American Heart Association has named Sowmya Lakshminarayanan, a triple board-certified Indian American neurologist with Novant Health, as the chair of the 2025 Go Red for Women Movement in the Triad metropolitan region of North Carolina.

“I am committed to sharing vital information about how women can maintain and improve their health, with the main focus on proactive prevention as a care continuum throughout instead of a reflexive point of care approach when sick,” shared Dr. Lakshminarayanan.

“My goal is to inspire and encourage family, friends and the greater community to actively support the women in their lives. By uplifting one woman, we create a ripple effect that benefits her circle of influence, her family and ultimately her community and beyond.”

Go Red for Women is a global initiative of the American Heart Association to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women locally, nationally and globally, according to a media release.

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer for women in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of cardiovascular disease. Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in women. According to the American Heart Association, less than half of women are aware that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat.

“Both personally and professionally, this is very important to me. I chose to chair Go Red for Women in the Triad because of its profound ability to impact a broad group of women. I also look forward to emphasizing the overall health of women, including physical, psychological, emotional and social well-being,” said Dr. Lakshminarayanan.

With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Lakshminarayanan holds multiple executive roles including Market Clinical Physician Executive for the Novant Health Neurosciences Institute in the greater Winston Salem Region, and System Telemedicine Program Medical Director for the Neurosciences Institute.

She earned a master’s certification in Healthcare Leadership from Cornell University and an AI in Healthcare Certification from MIT Sloan School of Management. She focuses on promoting prompt stroke care for many local communities and beyond by keeping health equity and patient experience as the core.

Go Red for Women and its local community impact will be celebrated at the Triad Go Red for Women Experience on February 7, 2025. This event includes a featured speaker and local heart disease survivor sharing her story, heart health information expo, Purse-onalities Auction, Go Red survivor fashion show and a heart-healthy dinner.

Funds raised through the Triad Go Red for Women Experience benefit heart disease and stroke research and community impact programs focused on awareness and prevention, according to the release.