The American Heart Association has named Tampa Bay-based teen Leonardo Oliveira as the 2026 National Teen of Impact Winner, recognizing his efforts to raise awareness and funds for cardiovascular disease research, advocacy, and education. Oliveira’s campaign centered on nutrition and increasing access to nutrient-rich foods in local food deserts, motivated by the fact that by age 18, many adolescents have already developed risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, or Type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting people of all ages. The Teen of Impact campaign, a nine-week nationwide competition, challenges teens to build Impact Teams and drive community change. This year, nearly 65 communities and more than 300 nominees participated, starting on National Wear Red Day in February.
For Oliveira, the mission is deeply personal. His father, a cardiologist, received one of his earliest research grants from the American Heart Association. Both of his parents work in health care, shaping his belief that small, everyday choices can have a lifelong impact on 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.”
Oliveira’s campaign focused on the importance of nutrition and supporting the Association’s work to increase access to healthy foods in underserved areas. “Heart health matters because the habits we build as teens shape our lifelong well-being,” he 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 emphasizes that heart disease and stroke can affect anyone at any age, challenging the notion that these conditions only affect older generations. Lee A. Shapiro, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association, noted, “Leaders like Leonardo are driving change by turning awareness into action and helping build a healthier, more equitable future for their entire generation.”
Oliveira joins a growing network of young advocates proving that meaningful change is possible at any age. For more information about the Teen of Impact campaign, visit the American Heart Association website or contact your local American Heart Association staff.
