Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) is proud to announce that its Chief Financial & Strategy Officer, Alexandra Schaffrath, is serving as the 2025 Chair of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Go Red for Women campaign. Schaffrath began her appointment March of 2024 and will serve in this position until April of this year. This appointment represents a major milestone for both Schaffrath and UMA as they continue supporting AHA’s mission to raise awareness and funds in the fight against heart disease and stroke—the leading causes of death in the United States.

With a shared commitment to improving health outcomes and advancing education, UMA has been a community supporter of the AHA since 2019. As a higher education institution dedicated to preparing learners for allied healthcare professions, UMA recognizes the critical role of awareness and understanding about health issues in advancing patient care and public wellness. Schaffrath’s leadership as chair of the 2025 Go Red campaign aligns with UMA’s mission to empower individuals through education while promoting wellness in the community.

"I am truly honored to serve as the Chair of the 2025 Go Red for Women campaign,” said Schaffrath. “The AHA’s work is especially meaningful to me as I have watched people I care about struggle with heart disease, and I’m honored to contribute to this cause as part of a team that is dedicated to saving lives and supporting women’s health. At UMA, we’ve always embraced the opportunity to be part of meaningful initiatives that create lasting change, and this campaign is a powerful example of that commitment."

This year’s Go Red for Women campaign represents a pivotal moment as the AHA enters its second century of fundraising and development efforts. Through educational outreach, awareness campaigns, and fundraising events, the AHA strives to empower women to take control of their heart health and encourage a broader understanding of cardiovascular disease, which disproportionately affects women.

“Our partnership with the AHA is a big part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our community,” said UMA President, Thomas Rametta. “Alexandra’s leadership as Chair of this year’s campaign demonstrates the importance of aligning education with health advocacy. Together, we look forward to raising awareness, support and understanding of heart health during this exciting next chapter of Go Red for Women.”

UMA has played a pivotal role in supporting the AHA this year across multiple health priority areas. Through the Hands-Only CPR program, 634 team members were empowered with CPR skills to evolve from bystanders to lifesavers, demonstrating UMA’s dedication to heart health education. The "Start With Your Heart Steps Challenge" engaged 267 participants, who collectively walked an impressive 46 million steps. UMA also led the 2024 Tampa Bay Heart Walk as the largest registered team, with 872 participants, helping to raise $34,845 for the cause through the event.

In collaboration with the American Heart Association, UMA distributed 200 Basic Life Support provider manuals through the Tampa Family Health Center, helping enhance community safety and preparedness, in addition to community member employability. Additionally, 20 youth sports coaches earned CPR certifications, promoting safer athletic environments. Furthering their commitment to heart health, UMA provided two CPR Anywhere Kits to local youth sporting organizations, strengthening the league's emergency preparedness, and ensuring ongoing education for years to come within the Tampa community.

The efforts in these various areas, including the Go Red for Women campaign, are a testament to the collective action needed to confront heart disease and stroke on a national scale. UMA is thrilled to contribute to this crucial work. By empowering individuals and communities with knowledge and resources, UMA and the AHA aim to further their complementary missions of health, education, and progress for generations to come.

UMA was proud to be the local sponsor of this year’s Wear Red Day in Tampa Bay. By wearing red, walking together, and spreading awareness, we can empower women in our community to take charge of their heart health and inspire lasting change.