For phlebotomist Corliss Austin, the path to the Red Cross was anything but conventional. She began her career in television broadcasting, delivering the news multiple times a day. But the relentless exposure to negativity left her disheartened. Searching for a more fulfilling path, she transitioned into banking—only to find it equally unfulfilling. It wasn’t until she discovered a phlebotomy program at a local college that she saw an opportunity to make a real difference. Joining the Red Cross, she found purpose: helping people in a tangible, positive way, far removed from the despair she once reported on.

Strength and resilience run deep in Corliss’ family. She credits her grandmother, born in 1913, as her greatest inspiration. At a time when Black women had little autonomy, her grandmother defied societal limitations by becoming a college graduate, a homeowner, and a mother who not only put her children through college but also adopted others in need. Her determination and courage paved the way for the generations of women who followed, proving that barriers are meant to be broken.

Throughout her time at the Red Cross, Corliss has experienced moments of profound connection. One encounter left a lasting mark when she remembers meeting a donor with a tattoo of a little girl on her arm, a tribute to the donor’s late daughter, Avery, who had passed away from cancer. The moment hit close to home for Corliss, whose own daughter is also named Avery. It was a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the profound impact of blood donors.

Reflecting on the evolving role of women, Corliss sees progress with each generation. “The glass ceilings keep rising and shattering,” she says. “When I was younger, there was a defined place for women. That place has expanded for my daughter and will continue to grow.” She believes in reinvention—never being afraid to start over and embracing change with confidence.

The women in Israel’s life - her mother, grandmother, and aunts - have profoundly shaped her. “My mother was my first best friend,” Israel says. “I watched her, imitated her, and absorbed the strength of the women around me.” Their resilience taught her an invaluable lesson: obstacles are not dead ends but opportunities to pivot and persevere.

One of Israel’s most memorable moments at the Red Cross came on Martin Luther King Jr. Day when she unexpectedly had free time. She decided to donate blood, despite often struggling with low hemoglobin levels. That day, however, her levels were high enough, and she successfully donated. Weeks later, she received a notification that her blood had been used to help a baby in need. In that moment, she fully grasped the impact of a single act of generosity it had saved a precious life.

For Israel and Corliss, the lessons passed down by the women before them serve as a guiding light. They know that no matter how difficult the journey, there is always a way forward.

Watching her mother and grandmother navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination has instilled in her an unshakable belief: “There is no true rock bottom. There is always a way to rise.”

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, the journey of Corliss and Israel highlights how Red Cross founder Clara Barton’s vision continues to shape a future where women continue to rise, inspire and lead.