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Longtime Go Red Supporter, Advocate is Jane Golub Crystal Heart Award Winner

Lifelong educator, advocate and community leader Kaweeda G. Adams, Ed.D. will receive the 2026 Jane Golub Crystal Heart Award from the American Heart Association in recognition of her unwavering commitment to raising awareness about heart disease and stroke.

The Jane Golub Crystal Heart Award recognizes a woman who goes above and beyond to raise awareness around heart disease in women and champion the mission of the Go Red for Women movement.

An educator at heart, Adams has devoted her career to helping others learn, grow, and thrive. She’s also witnessed firsthand the devastating impact cardiovascular disease can have on families. Her father, a fellow educator, lived with hypertension and suffered multiple strokes, experiences that reinforced the importance of healthy heart education, prevention, and advocacy when it comes to heart and brain health.

“I’ve always been an educator at heart. I believe education is the gateway to a better society,” said Adams. “Helping people understand their health and empowering them to take action and advocacy, for healthier lives can be life changing.”

That commitment aligned naturally with the American Heart Association’s mission when Adams first became involved with the organization in 2017 while serving as superintendent of the Albany City School District. After connecting with American Heart Association Executive Director, Amy Young, the two quickly found common ground in their desire to help the next generation live longer, healthier lives.

Since then, Dr. Adams has become one of the Capital Region’s most passionate ambassadors for heart health, using her platform, leadership, and voice to educate communities and advocate for cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention.

“Kaweeda’s passion for serving others shines through in everything she does,” said Young. “As an educator, leader, and advocate, she has helped countless people better understand the
importance of heart and brain health. She has been especially committed to ensuring women, especially those in the African-American community who face disproportionately higher risks, have the knowledge and resources they need to protect their health. We are proud to celebrate her extraordinary contributions with this well-deserved recognition.”

Adams has served in numerous leadership roles with the American Heart Association, including board member and two-time board chair, a position she currently holds. She has also become a familiar and trusted voice at Heart Walk executive breakfasts, Go Red for Women events, community education programs, and the annual Heart Ball throughout the Capital Region.

Whether serving as an emcee, moderating discussions, hosting educational webinars, or meeting with lawmakers during state and federal advocacy days, Adams consistently champions policies and programs that improve heart and brain health for all.

A passionate advocate for equitable health, Adams has worked to raise awareness about the disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease among Black women while encouraging women throughout the region to know their blood pressure numbers, understand heart disease risk factors, and take steps toward living stronger healthier lives.

“This work is the right work!,” said Adams. “We do it because we want to build a nation of lifesavers, and we want to make the world a better place through healthier living.”

Adams will receive the 2026 Jane Golub Crystal Heart Award from the American Heart Association at the 2026 Go Red for Women Luncheon set for Friday, Nov. 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Capital Center.