Jessie Cannizzaro wins heart association ‘Women of Impact’ award

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For Jessie Cannizzaro, getting involved in the American Heart Association has a deeply personal connection — and that’s why she has been so motivated to do what she can to help advance the Association’s mission.

Cannizarro, founder and master plumber at Milestone Plumbing in Wauwatosa, is the 2026 Milwaukee Woman of Impact winner, as she placed ahead of seven other nominees in the nine-week fund-raising competition. She also finished fifth overall nationwide.

“After experiencing both loss and firsthand health challenges, I felt a responsibility to turn those experiences into action and help drive awareness, education and prevention,” Cannizzaro said.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition and look forward to continuing to work alongside the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women to help more women understand their risk factors and access the support they need to live longer, healthier lives.”

Cannizzaro and her husband, Adam, live in Wauwatosa and have two sons, William (8) and Fitzgerald (6), along with their 14-year-old German Shepherd rescue, Max.

She said her efforts weren’t just limited to her inner circle, either, as she urged many – including the competition  —  to join her in the fund-raising campaign.

“This campaign showed what’s possible when an entire industry comes together for something bigger than business,” she said. “We set competition aside and united as one team to strengthen heart health in our community – the success of this campaign belongs to every single person who showed up, gave, shared and believed in that shared mission.”

Joining Cannizzaro as this year’s Woman of Impact nominees were:

• Dee Brown, West Bend Insurance
• Mandi Genord, Marquette Law School student
• Lindsey Pearson, Community advocate
• Deborah Reinbold, Thrive ED/Jefferson County Economic Development Consortium
• Lauren Ruff, Ixonia Bank
• Liz Sides, Marquette University
• RyAnn Vassallo, Hatch Staffing

“Changemakers like Jessie and of our nominees are making a lasting impact in Southeastern Wisconsin,” Milwaukee American Heart Association Board Chair and heart disease survivor Cindy Milgram said.

“Together, we have the power to fund more lifesaving research and educate women and teens on how they can take steps now to protect their hearts to help create a future of longer, healthier lives for all.”

As the state’s top finisher, Cannizzaro now is eligible for national recognition, which will be announced on May 20.

The Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is celebrating changemakers in more than 160 communities across the nation. These leaders used their campaigns to make the greatest impact in their communities by raising awareness for heart health and funds for lifesaving research, advocacy and education.

The Woman of Impact and Teen of Impact campaigns launched on National Wear Red Day®, Friday, Feb. 6. Collectively, this year’s Southeastern Wisconsin nominees raised $205,174 to support the vital work of the American Heart Association.

Each nominee supported the Heart Association in its fight against the nation’s No. 1 health threat, CVD. The Woman of Impact campaign, part of the Heart Association’s Go Red for Women® movement, specifically focuses on improving women’s health, while Teen of Impact focuses on empowering the next generation to change the trajectory of heart health for their generation.

To learn more about the Heart Association in Milwaukee, visit 2025-2026 Milwaukee WI Go Red Event.