Since Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881, women have played an important role in advancing the organization's programs and services. Below is a look at one woman from the Greater Miami and The Keys Chapter who invests her time, talent, and treasure to advance the Red Cross mission.

Ana VeigaMilton serves as president of the José Milton Foundation, a foundation established by the patriarch of the Milton family, architect mogul and successful businessman José Milton. The foundation strives to continue José Milton's legacy by reflecting the fundamental principles of determination, generosity, love, diversity, and fiscal responsibility. Ana also directs social responsibility for the Milton family business, United Property Management. Furthermore, Ana is a proud co-founder of the Cecil and Ana Milton Family Foundation, which supports first responders, our military and veterans, and conservation initiatives, and serves as a University of Miami Trustee, where she is dedicated to encouraging the University's positive trajectory.

Additionally, Ana has been a champion for the Red Cross for over eight years. As her family owns multi-family communities, she says it is a blessing to witness the Red Cross always being there to help residents with anything they may need after a home fire, from food and clothing to finding a place to stay. She adds, "Sometimes, Red Cross volunteers arrive even before the fire department gets started." This highlights the steadfast dedication of the Red Cross in alleviating suffering in the face of disasters.

Ana is thankful for the work of the Red Cross as their compassionate aid allows Ana and her management team to focus on remediation for their residents, such as the elimination of excess water to prevent mold and generally making apartments safe again so that residents can return to their homes as soon as possible.

Ana says, "We are so grateful to the Red Cross that we felt we had to get involved and give back." This is where Ana's Red Cross journey began. She soon joined the organization, encouraging her adult kids to join in, and became a Tiffany Circle member. She also joined the Greater Miami and The Keys Chapter Board of Directors and now serves as secretary.

Since becoming involved with the Miami chapter of the Red Cross, Ana shared that she has learned much about Services to Armed Forces and the immense support offered to veterans and military families. She says, "I also value and admire the great relationship the Red Cross has cultivated with firefighters, first responders, and emergency response personnel from local government and businesses. Red Cross volunteers and team members are always there to lend a hand before, during, and after disasters big and small."

As Ana learned more about the Red Cross training opportunities, such as swimming and water safety, which she took as a young child, and first aid/CPR/AED certification classes, she implemented Red Cross training for their management and maintenance teams. "One of our team members who was certified by the Red Cross actually saved a young boy from choking using the techniques he learned in a company-sponsored class," she shared proudly.

Ana firmly believes that volunteering, the selfless act of giving time and effort, and philanthropy, the giving of money and resources, are wholesome ways to engage with one's community, meet amazing people, and establish healthy traditions for families.

She remarks, "Tiffany Circle is a beautiful expression of the special role women play in philanthropy and in serving our families and community. The Red Cross was founded by a woman, Clara Barton, and we continue that legacy of female empowerment. Of course, we gladly welcome and encourage gentlemen to join us in fulfilling the humanitarian mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies." Ana trusts that the friendships you gain and the experiences you have through connecting with volunteers and helping those in need will provide a positive perspective on life and nourish one's spirit of gratitude.

Click here to learn more about Tiffany Circle membership, giving circles, and benefits.

Written By Sarai Logan, American Red Cross Public Affairs