In honor of Women's Month History Month, the South Florida Red Cross is amplifying the voices and contributions of our local women philanthropists like Tiffany Circle member Katherine Mabe. The Tiffany Circle is a community of women leaders who advance the American Red Cross mission through a focused investment of time, talent, and treasure by engaging women locally, nationally, and internationally. Since Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881, women have been influential in advancing the organization's programs and services.

Katherine Mabe is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and is a proud mother and grandmother. She had a successful career spanning over 40 years as a financial services executive in the U.S. and Canada. She is now retired after leading the field operations for agencies and insurance products at Allstate, where she has had the opportunity to assist with disaster relief in various ways.

Katherine began volunteering with the Red Cross after noticing the Red Cross and Allstate often responded to the same major disasters in the Midwest. The two organizations partnering together piqued Katherine's interest and motivated her to get involved in helping people recover from emergencies.

"This provided me with the opportunity to help as many families as possible with the resources they needed during these moments. I wanted to get more involved and give back to the community."

Katherine later joined the board of directors for the Chicago and Northern Illinois Region of the Red Cross and became involved with the Tiffany Circle. After attending a Red Cross event, she recalled meeting incredible women from all walks of life who helped her connect to the vital work of the Red Cross. She formed many friendships, which she still holds dear to her heart.

When Katherine retired from Allstate in Chicago, she moved to sunny South Florida and continued her work with the Red Cross as a board member and Tiffany Circle member.

Katherine's success in her career allowed her to view the world in unique ways and helped foster a deep philanthropic spirit to give back to those in need. She does this by championing charitable causes and coaching and mentoring others in their careers.

She says, "It can sometimes be hard to know where to start when giving back, but I recommend volunteering as this can open new opportunities and doors that might not have existed before. The Red Cross is an excellent place to start. There are so many different facets, from disaster recovery to helping veterans."

An American cultural anthropologist, Margaret Mead, once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Together, the Tiffany Circle members have created a long legacy of women who have changed the world. Thank you, Katherine and all Tiffany Circle members, for the impact you have made. We honor your service and appreciate your contributions during Women's History Month.

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

Written by Brianna Cook, American Red Cross Public Affairs