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, the founder of the American Red Cross is known for her work bringing assistance to those who suffered from a disaster. March is Women’s History Month, and the American Red Cross is honoring Clara Barton by recognizing women volunteers who “Lead Like Clara.”  Michele Fisher is one of these women.

“To Lead Like Clara means I am able to make an impact without being on the front line. While my work may not be that glamorous, I like the work supporting the Disaster Action Team members. There is more to be done behind the scenes,” she said.

Michele volunteered for the American Red Cross during the early stages of the COVID Pandemic. Beginning as a Blood Donor Ambassador, she continues today.  “I meet people who tell their life stories and why they donate. I’ve even converted a couple of donors to be volunteers!”

She is now a Lead Volunteer for the Disaster Information and Planning Team. Michele and her team support Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers in Montgomery, Delaware and Chester Counties. They are responsible for managing the distribution of Client Assistance Cards (CAC cards) to DAT volunteers. The Red Cross provides immediate financial assistance in the form of a debit card (CAC card) to persons affected by a disaster, typically a single family house-fire or a multi-family apartment fire. The DAT volunteer on site records information describing the incident, determines the need for each person, and issues CAC cards.

Stringent policies must be followed for issuing CAC cards. Each new DAT volunteer meets with Michele to go over the process before receiving CAC cards. She likes infrastructure for all involved. Michele is recognized for writing a comprehensive fifty-page training document for volunteers to learn to use the systems for issuing and tracking CAC cards.

Everything I do is in the background. I’m always supporting our Disaster Action Team! I just like helping them and hearing about the work they do in the field. It’s all about giving back to people. I really enjoy it! - Michele Fisher

Michele’s volunteer work is at home in front of a computer. This is a perfect fit because she has a full-time job and can still volunteer on her own schedule. Her challenge is building a team. “It’s hard to get people to work inside. Information Planning is a very special role that allows volunteers to engage with the DAT Team without going out at two in the morning to a house fire. It’s flexible because a volunteer can contribute when they can and still make an impact. Maybe someone who reads this story will want to give it a try.”

Michele is a full-time engineer with a local company in King of Prussia. She and her husband, Andy, have two cats. “We love them very much!”  They like obstacle course running. In November she completed her 24-hour run and hit her goal of 50 miles!

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- Written by Judith Weeks