By Katelyn Chu
Every March marks Women’s History Month—a time to honor female-led contributions to American history, including some of the dedicated volunteers building off Clara Barton’s legacy and serving with the Red Cross of the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region. Whether managing disaster response teams, organizing blood drives or facilitating one of the hundreds of tasks Red Cross volunteers take on, women play an integral role at the Red Cross. Their achievements provide tangible and lifesaving support to our local communities.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Taneesha Sardana, a regional Screening Team Leader and Engagement/Recognition Specialist, shared her purpose behind joining the Red Cross.
“I was searching for a way to positively serve my community despite the unpleasant and complex circumstances imposed by the pandemic,” said Taneesha. “Ultimately, the Red Cross was the perfect opportunity for me to actively contribute to the welfare of my community by carrying out the mission, vision and values.”
Long enrooted in the courage and achievements of women, American Red Cross founder, Clara Barton, propelled female education and workplace successes by serving as a nurse during the Civil War. Ultimately, her pioneering spirit established what is now the largest humanitarian organization in the U.S.—our American Red Cross!
Clara Barton’s legacy is more than inspirational; but today it is everyday women that play instrumental roles in facilitating volunteer opportunities for others to serve.
“The late Ms. Mary Hooks (the former Screening Team lead in the National Capital Region) always inspired me through her vivacious spirit and profound compassion for others,” Sardana continued. “She brought happiness, smiles and laughter to many--just by being herself. Her dedication and commitment propelled me to follow her footsteps by striving to be a Red Cross volunteer.”
During Women’s History Month, embracing the accomplishments of women, whether they are family members, historical figures or peers, is a way to celebrate and highlight the achievements of women, despite the adversity and challenges many continue to face.
“While there are a plethora of phenomenal, inspirational women in this world, from Mother Teresa to Michelle Obama, at the end of the day, the most admirable and inspirational woman in my life--the woman who has instilled values within me that reflect the fundamentals of simply being a decent human being and whose courage and resilience motivates me to keep moving forward every day--is none other than my wonderful mother,” Taneesha said. “From a very young age, my mom has taught me the importance of compassion and empathy. Whether it entails taking the first few seconds of a screening interview call to ask how my prospective volunteer is doing or lending a helping hand to a new screening team member or connecting with my prospective volunteers and teammates by listening to their personal life experiences, all of these simple yet monumental tasks make a tremendous impact in the way I volunteer for the Red Cross.”
#HelpCantWait. If you are interested in joining the strong female volunteers who continue to build on Clara Barton’s legacy in the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region, please visit redcross.org/volunteer.