Editor’s Note: In commemoration of Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month, we are publishing a series of #LeadLikeClara profiles featuring local women volunteer leaders who emulate the leadership characteristics of Red Cross founder Clara Barton.

Clara Barton was a trailblazer who transformed her compassion into action, founding an organization that has brought comfort and relief to Americans suffering from disasters or serving on the battlefield. Today, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region continues to honor Clara’s legacy by recognizing individuals who embody her spirit of leadership and commitment. Volunteer Mary Harper is a shining example of dedication to service who leads like Clara.

Mary’s journey has always been one of compassion and purpose. From her college days as a psychology major, volunteering in Appalachia, curating job opportunities and rolling up her sleeves in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Mary has consistently chosen to be where help was most needed. But it was after retiring from her career with the City of Philadelphia that Mary truly stepped into the legacy of Clara Barton.

In her first year as a Red Cross volunteer, Mary immersed herself in both Disaster Services and Military Support Services, helping those navigating some of life’s toughest storms. Yet, it was her personal connection to the struggles of our nation’s veterans that ultimately shaped her purpose.

Mary’s brother, Willy Harper, served in Vietnam during a time when understanding and resources for veterans were scarce. Like so many others, Willy faced the invisible wounds of war. His struggle with PTSD led to his disappearance and, tragically, his passing before Mary could reconnect with him. Despite the heartbreak, Mary dedicated herself to ensuring that other veterans and their families never feel alone in their journey.

Today, Mary channels her passion into the Red Cross’s Services to the Armed Forces. She facilitates monthly behavioral health workshops, equipping veterans with coping skills to navigate the challenges of civilian life. Mary coordinates the creation and distribution of comfort kits, providing essentials to veterans in need. Mary also hosts Yellow Ribbon events, preparing service members and their families for the realities of deployment and educating them about vital resources like the Hero Care Network, which provides emergency connections for military families.

Mary’s commitment doesn’t stop there. Each year, she marches in the Philadelphia Veterans Day parade with her daughters and grandchildren, proudly celebrating those who have served and inspiring the next generation to embrace the humanitarian spirit.

Through her tireless efforts, Mary Harper is more than a volunteer—she is a lifeline, a mentor, and a source of hope for those who have given so much for our country. Her work reminds us of the profound impact one person can make when they choose to lead with compassion and purpose.

The Red Cross salutes Mary Harper for her extraordinary dedication to our armed forces and their families. In honoring her, we are reminded of Clara Barton’s words: “You must never think of anything except the need and how to meet it.” Mary has lived these words, and in doing so, she carries Clara’s legacy forward, making the world a better place for veterans, their families, and all of us.

To learn more about how the Red Cross supports service members, veterans and their families, visit the Support Military Families section of our website.  

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- Written by Terri Seydel