On this last day of National Preparedness Month, we'd like to shine a spotlight on one of our volunteers, Miss Gwen Hilliard, that has led a life marked by her dedication to the youth. Initially this was characterized by her service as a teacher, but in more recent years, her work for the American Red Cross has touched the lives of countless children. 

Coming from Ascension Parish, Gwen saw a need for volunteers in her community and instead of sitting idly by she had the initiative to  take action and join the Red Cross. She started out by working with the Masters of Disaster program and bringing school supplies into classrooms, but soon she found herself spreading the message of proper hygiene. By using UV paint and a blacklight, Gwen was able to both display the germs on the student’s hands and to check if they were retaining the information she was teaching them. 

After her work with Masters of Disaster, Gwen assisted with the spread of the Pillowcase Project and its more simplified version, the Pedro Program. With the Pedro Program, she was able to convey how someone should stay calm during a disaster and the steps they’d need to take according to the situation, such as how to get low and go during a fire or how to get safely to a neighbor’s house should it be required. This baseline knowledge is expanded upon in the Pillowcase Project, where children are taught to stay prepared in case of emergencies and are given a pillowcase in order to build their personal emergency supplies kit. 

While teaching these preparedness courses, Gwen made inclusion her utmost priority. Regardless of a student's disability or learning level, she made it her mission to make sure that the information was communicated clearly and effectively. These accommodations could range from sitting a student with low vision in the front of the class to running a check with the teacher to see if there were any students that would react negatively to having an alarm played. All of this was done out of her desire to make sure no negative feelings would be linked back to learning about preparedness and the youth could continue to learn throughout their lives. 

In a world where impactful actions often stem from individuals who refuse to remain passive, Gwen Hilliard stands as a shining example of unwavering dedication to the betterment of young lives. Initially shaping young minds as a teacher, she recognized the power of her influence and, in more recent years, channeled her passion into transformative work with the American Red Cross. Gwen's proactive spirit led her to join the Red Cross, where she left an indelible mark through programs like Masters of Disaster, the Pedro Program, and the Pillowcase Project. Gwen's exceptional commitment to inclusivity ensured that every child, regardless of their abilities, felt valued and empowered in the realm of preparedness education. Her legacy is one of empowerment, empathy, and a tireless pursuit of safeguarding the future of our youth. 

If you'd like to become a youth preparedness volunteer like Gwen Hilliard, click here.