New York, March 10, 2022 – The American Red Cross in Greater New York today recognized Women’s History Month by celebrating the women leaders and philanthropists that make the organization’s work possible. The organization announced an initiative to cultivate future women leaders in its ranks.
“Since our founding by Clara Barton over 140 years ago, the Red Cross has been fortunate to count on women leaders among our volunteers, team members, and financial donors,” said Mary J. Barneby, CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York. “From the ‘gray ladies’ rolling bandages to support troops overseas during World War I, to our distinguished Board members who represent corporate powerhouses of New York, to our Tiffany Circle of Women Leaders members who serve as ambassadors every day, women in the Red Cross have a legacy of giving of both their time and treasure to ensure the delivery of our lifesaving mission in our communities and around the globe.”
In the Greater New York Region, the Tiffany Circle of Women Leaders is a group of women philanthropists who work to advance the mission of the American Red Cross. Specifically, membership in the group provides a way for women to collectively make a more significant impact in their community through mission-focused engagements. Members donate $10,000 or more annually and serve as ambassadors every day for the Red Cross in their communities and with the corporations they are affiliated with. With 37 members, Tiffany Circle members in the Greater New York Region have raised over $535,000 to support the Red Cross this fiscal year, and donated hundreds of hours of service, including after Hurricane Ida and through the support of blood drives.
“Since we launched the Tiffany Circle of Women Leaders in Greater New York, we have seen women across our region raise their hands to share their passion for helping the community,” said Dorothy Alpert and Funmi Taiwo, co-chairs of the Tiffany Circle of Women Leaders in Greater New York. “As we continue to welcome members to our Tiffany Circle, we are excited to cultivate the next generation of women leaders through Clara’s Council. The Council will provide an all-inclusive experience for up-and-coming philanthropists, combining mentoring and networking, information about the power of giving, special events, and volunteer opportunities to experience the mission firsthand.”
Clara’s Council, named after the American Red Cross’ trailblazing founder, Clara Barton, is a first-of-its-kind Red Cross mentor program for civic-minded mid-career women. Participation in Clara's Council is a recognition of those women who are supporters of the Red Cross at the Clara Barton and Clara Barton Gold levels (donors who give between $1000-$9999 annually.)
Clara’s Council will provide a meaningful opportunity to continue to support the Red Cross mission while learning from established thought-leaders representing a range of industries and expertise – including law, media, advertising and healthcare. Existing Greater New York Tiffany Circle and Board members have raised their hands to serve as mentors for Clara’s Council. These include Dorothy Alpert, president of Avison Young; Ashleigh Banfield, host of Banfield on NewsNation; Tonia Bottoms, Managing Director & Senior Managing Counsel, Pershing; Kate Brennan, General Counsel, Marsh; Dr. Sherry H. Hsiung, Dermatologic Surgeon at The Skin Institute of New York; Meredith Spatz, EVP, Mastercard; and Funmi Taiwo, Managing Director, Global Corporate and Investment Banking at Bank of America; and Lynn Kay Winters, Chief Quality and Learning Officer, New York Cancer and Blood Specialists.
Mentors and mentees will be matched based on interests and goals, and will be invited to participate in volunteer opportunities and organization events.
Clara’s Council officially will launch in June 2022. To learn more about the Tiffany Circle and Clara’s Council, please visit: https://www.redcross.org/local/new-york/greater-new-york/ways-to-donate/tiffany-circle.html
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.