Sofia Zamora Named 2025 Teen of Impact by AHA

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Local students learning essential CPR skills.

News Summary

Sofia Zamora, a senior at Coronado High School, has been recognized as the 2025 Teen of Impact by the American Heart Association (AHA) of San Diego. Her dedication to heart health advocacy included a nine-week campaign involving educational outreach and fundraising efforts, raising $4,000 and facilitating CPR training for local students. Inspired by personal experiences, Zamora plans to pursue a medical career at USC, aiming to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

Coronado – Sofia Zamora, a dedicated senior at Coronado High School, has been announced as the 2025 Teen of Impact by the American Heart Association (AHA) of San Diego. This prestigious recognition was awarded following Zamora’s successful nine-week campaign which emphasized advocacy for heart health, educational outreach, and fundraising efforts.

The AHA’s Teen of Impact initiative focuses on cultivating young leaders to promote heart health awareness within their communities. As part of her efforts, Zamora worked diligently to educate her peers and community members about the importance of heart health, further complemented by her fundraising initiatives aimed at supporting life-saving research.

Zamora’s campaign activities included raising awareness about heart health and generating funds for the AHA at Village Elementary School. In collaboration with the Coronado Fire Department, she arranged CPR training sessions for fourth and fifth graders, ensuring that essential life-saving skills were imparted to young students. This initiative was part of her broader goal to make heart health a priority in her community.

Her journey with the AHA began during a Kids Heart Challenge assembly at Village Elementary, which inspired her to take action. From her participation in that event, Zamora managed to raise $4,000 through various creative fundraising activities, including organizing a raffle and coordinating restaurant nights dedicated to giving back a portion of profits to her cause. Although she officially launched her campaign in February 2025, her passion for cardiology and heart health advocacy spans several years.

Looking toward the future, Zamora plans to pursue a career in medicine and is set to attend the University of Southern California (USC) as a pre-med student this fall. Her aspiration to become a cardiologist stems from personal and familial experiences; she was inspired by her grandfather’s heart condition and her hands-on experiences in his care.

Her journey into medicine was significantly shaped by her opportunity to shadow Dr. Andrew Ho, her grandfather’s physician, which deepened her interest in healthcare. Additionally, during her sophomore year, Zamora completed a research internship at the UCSD School of Medicine, where she focused on pulmonary arterial hypertension. This internship enhanced her comprehension of cardiology, solidifying her desire to pursue a medical career.

Zamora has further enriched her experience with shadowing opportunities at Sharp Coronado Hospital under the guidance of Dr. Thomas Diggs. Furthermore, her participation in the Project Lead the Way Biomedical Pathway program at Coronado High School has helped reinforce her commitment to pursuing a future in medicine.

A significant source of inspiration for Zamora is her mother, Edith Salas, who has been a pivotal influence in her life. Salas, who has a background in an immigrant family, founded Salas Properties and has served as a role model for Zamora throughout her upbringing, showcasing the value of hard work and community involvement.

A lifelong resident of Coronado, Zamora has been part of the Coronado Unified School District since kindergarten, starting her academic journey at Graham Memorial Preschool. She aims to be the first doctor in her family, a goal she embraces with excitement as she prepares for her time at USC, often referred to by her as her “dream school.” With her extensive experiences in the medical field and her strong commitment to cardiology, Zamora feels confident in her path toward making a meaningful impact in healthcare.