By Desiree Ramos Reiner

Erin Moldovan was looking for an opportunity to make an impact and give back when she was paired with a colleague who happened to be a Board Member for the American Red Cross in Greater New York.

“I currently work for Deloitte Consulting and every year we have Impact Day, which is a drop everything and volunteer type day. I had been randomly assigned to a Red Cross project where we were packing supply kits for veterans and those impacted by disaster,” Erin shared.

“The partner on the account, Peter Micca, sits on the Board of Directors for the Greater New York American Red Cross. I was explaining to him how I had been looking for an opportunity to give back, that was long term, balanced, with a leadership component that is also hands on, plus local to the area. He then connected me to the Red Cross”

As the stars would align, that next week the American Red Cross in Greater New York was hosting its first Clara's Council event. Clara’s Council is a group of passionate, inspiring and dedicated young women committed to supporting the mission, financial health and future of the American Red Cross. The members are mid-career professionals making strides within their respective industries who are bringing a new outlook, approach and strategy to what it means to be part of a women’s philanthropy initiative within the Red Cross.

Erin attended the event, where she realized she had found the impact volunteer opportunity she was looking for.

“It's been nice because I am always looking for ways to give back. In the past, I ran the New York City Marathon twice with a fundraising component for two different organizations. I’ve also worked with children on weekends through Achilles Heel, a running program. I love bringing components of what I have done in the past to the American Red Cross, plus I am always learning something new.”

More than just helping, Erin was looking to make connections with like-minded people who were passionate leaders. Clara’s Council includes the opportunity to work with members of the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle - a nationwide network of women leaders and philanthropists who change lives and save lives via their local Red Cross Chapter.

One Tiffany Circle member she connected with, Dorothy Alpert, is also a Deloitte alumna and Red Cross Board Member.

“Connecting with Dorothy and the other women who are a part of both Tiffany Circle and Clara's Council - I've been valuing those conversations. They are dedicated and devoted and smart and strategic and all the things I strive to be,” Erin said.

Erin now serves as both the Co-Chair for Clara’s Council and as an Associate Board member for the Greater NY Region of the American Red Cross. Asked about the future, Erin shared she wants to not only grow the membership of Clara’s Council but to also create a space that combines networking and community with meaning.

“I want Clara’s Council to be a force that enables the Red Cross to better do what they do every day,” she said. “The Red Cross is so much more than just what people think. So many people rely on us, whether they know it or not, because you never know what's going to happen tomorrow. Everybody could benefit from the Red Cross and should be prepared to benefit from the Red Cross at some point.”