Celebrating Women Who Impact Heart Health: Behind the Scenes of the Woman of Impact Photoshoot with the American Heart Association

As a photographer, there’s nothing quite like the chance to collaborate with an organization that is deeply committed to making a meaningful difference. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing the Tennessee American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact campaign, and it was an experience I’ll never forget.

The Woman of Impact initiative is more than just a competition—it’s a movement. Each year, a select group of extraordinary women are nominated for their passion and tireless dedication to improving heart health for women across the country. These nominees aren’t just changemakers—they are leaders, advocates, and champions of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) lifesaving mission.

This nine-week campaign kicks off each year on National Wear Red Day (February 7th), which is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death for women. During the campaign, nominees build their teams, organize fundraising efforts, and inspire their networks to get involved. Their work directly supports the AHA’s efforts to fight heart disease, fund vital research, and provide life-saving education to women everywhere.

For my part, I had the honor of capturing professional images of the Woman of Impact nominees. These images will be featured in Nashville Lifestyles Magazine to help promote the campaign and spotlight these incredible women. Additionally, I took individual headshots of each nominee, which will be used for their campaign materials and fundraising efforts.

The Power of Professional Photography for Nonprofits

In nonprofit campaigns like Woman of Impact, professional photography plays a critical role. It’s more than just about taking great photos—it’s about telling a story that resonates with the community. Whether it’s a branding photoshoot for a nonprofit organization or capturing the personal strength of these women, the right imagery can drive the mission forward.

For this campaign, the goal was clear: to create high-quality, impactful images that would elevate the cause and give each woman a platform to share her story. From group shots that reflected the collective strength of the nominees, to individual headshots that captured their passion and dedication, these images would be integral in helping each woman promote her mission and connect with supporters.

In the world of nonprofits, storytelling is essential—and photography is a powerful tool for that. Whether it’s for event photography, branding, or campaign marketing, great images help to humanize the cause, build trust with potential donors, and inspire people to take action. These photos will serve as a visual representation of the impact these women are making, and will help attract the attention of those who care deeply about women’s health and heart disease prevention.

The Stunning Backdrop: Schermerhorn Symphony Center

We were fortunate to have the stunningly beautiful Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville as the backdrop for this photoshoot. The center’s Neo-Classical architecture provided the perfect setting for this important campaign, offering an elegant and timeless atmosphere that beautifully complemented the strength and grace of the women we were photographing. The grand, sweeping spaces and intricate details of the venue created a sense of sophistication and importance that perfectly matched the magnitude of the work these women are doing.

The location was more than just a beautiful setting—it became an integral part of the story we were telling. The classical elegance of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center served as a symbol of the lasting impact these women will have on their communities and the future of women’s heart health.

Raising Awareness for Women's Heart Health

What struck me most during the photoshoot was the unwavering passion each of these women brought to the table. Every nominee had a unique story to tell—whether they had experienced heart disease in their own families, worked in healthcare, or had made a commitment to improving women’s health. The one thing they all shared? A drive to ensure that every woman has access to the education and resources needed to protect her heart.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S., but it’s a condition that is often under-recognized, under-discussed, and underfunded. That’s why campaigns like Woman of Impact are so vital. They give women the opportunity to raise their voices, advocate for research funding, and educate others about the importance of prevention.

By raising awareness about heart disease, these women are changing the conversation around women’s health, breaking down the barriers to conversation, and making a lasting impact. Each dollar raised and every team member recruited helps the AHA continue its lifesaving work and move us closer to a world where heart disease is no longer a silent killer.

The Impact of the Woman of Impact Campaign

The Woman of Impact campaign isn’t just about winning a title—it’s about the difference these women are making every single day. From the very first day of the campaign, these incredible women set out to build awareness, raise funds, and create lasting change. At the end of the campaign, the nominee who has made the greatest impact locally will be named the 2025 Tennessee Woman of Impact, while the nominee who has the greatest nationwide impact will be honored as the 2025 American Heart Association National Woman of Impact.

But the true success of this campaign lies in the long-term ripple effect it creates. Through their fundraising efforts and advocacy, these women are inspiring the next generation of leaders, and giving the AHA the resources to fund groundbreaking research and provide life-saving education to women across the country.

A Call to Action

As the 2025 Woman of Impact campaign gets underway, I encourage you to support these incredible women and the American Heart Association’s mission. Whether through donations, sharing their stories, or simply raising awareness, every action helps make a difference in the fight against heart disease.

Heart disease doesn’t have to be a silent killer. By supporting these women and the American Heart Association, we can help spread the message of heart health to every corner of our community. Let’s join together to create lasting change—and give these remarkable women the recognition they deserve.

If you’re running a campaign of your own and need professional images to help tell your story and elevate your brand, I’d love to help. Whether you're working with a nonprofit, hosting an event, or launching a branding initiative, high-quality photography can make all the difference in how you connect with your audience. Schedule a free consultation call today, and let’s talk about how we can create images that truly capture the heart of your mission.