The American Heart Association has announced Leonardo Oliveira, a Tampa Bay-based teen, as the 2026 National Teen of Impact Winner for his efforts in raising awareness and funds for cardiovascular disease research, advocacy, and education. Oliveira’s campaign focused on nutrition and increasing access to nutrient-rich foods in local food deserts, addressing the reality that heart disease and stroke can affect anyone at any age, including adolescents.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States. The Teen of Impact campaign, a nine-week nationwide competition, challenges teens to lead with purpose, build Impact Teams, and drive meaningful change in their communities. This year, the campaign rallied nearly 65 communities and more than 300 nominees. Oliveira’s motivation is deeply personal: his father, a cardiologist, received one of his earliest research grants from the Association. With both parents working in healthcare, Oliveira came to believe that small, everyday choices can have a significant impact on lifelong well-being.
“Being able to give back to an organization that has had such a meaningful impact on my family is truly special to me,” Oliveira said. “This experience has helped me think more intentionally about the future I want to help create, one that is more equitable and healthier. It also reminds me that when you set your heart and mind to a goal, and rally those around you, you can accomplish great things.”
Oliveira’s campaign focused on the importance of heart health for teens. By age 18, many adolescents have already developed risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, or Type 2 diabetes. “Heart health matters because the habits we build as teens shape our lifelong well-being,” Oliveira said. “By learning your family history, making healthy choices and encouraging your friends to do the same, we can create a foundation of wellness that will carry with us as we head into college, careers and adulthood.”
The American Heart Association’s Teen of Impact campaign launches nationwide on National Wear Red Day, the first Friday in February. Lee A. Shapiro, J.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association and managing partner and co-founder at 7wireVentures, said, “The Teen of Impact campaign brings the mission of the American Heart Association to life in communities across the country. Leaders like Leonardo are driving change by turning awareness into action and helping build a healthier, more equitable future for their entire generation.”
Oliveira’s recognition as the 2026 National Teen of Impact Winner underscores the potential for young people to make meaningful change in their communities. For more information about the Teen of Impact campaign or to get involved, visit the American Heart Association website or contact your local American Heart Association staff.
