The first International Women’s Day (IWD) was held in 1911; according to the IWD website, “It’s a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women’s equality.”

It might seem cliche to say that every day is Women’s Day at the American Red Cross, but my experience is that women’s equality is a lifestyle and is celebrated here. Since our founding by Clara Barton in 1881, women have been a constant source of strong leadership. Women are on the front lines delivering mission; women are in the boardroom making strategic decisions that affect the future of the organization; women are everywhere in between.

These are some of the women leaders who have shaped my Red Cross journey and career.

Of course, most people know a little about Clara Barton. I am on a first-name basis with Clara; though she died in 1912, Clara’s legacy inspires me on a regular basis. She was a “roll up your sleeves” type of person who also believed that women could do jobs historically held by men – and do them just as well. My copy of ‘Cut Out Clara’ lives near my desk and reminds me of some of her iconic quotes, which I often reference in my team meetings. 

Next is Gail McGovern. Gail is our current President & CEO – second in tenure only to Clara. Gail could and should be on all those top leaders lists published by well-known magazines. Her ability to lead with not only her head—but also her heart—is remarkable. When clients, volunteers, employees, and donors meet Gail, they feel as if they’ve known her for years. She embodies the 5Cs of our organization: Credible, Committed, Collaborative, Creative, and Compassionate. I consider it my greatest career honor to date to have worked directly with Gail as her assistant. I got a front-row seat to strong leadership – and for that, I am grateful. Plus, I now have an abundance of stories from our years together – some of which still give me the giggles to this day.

Finally, I would reference members of the Tiffany Circle—a network of philanthropic women dedicated to advancing the mission of the Red Cross. I am fortunate to be a member of this group that literally rolls up their sleeves to donate needed blood products, gives generously of their time, and, of course, is a major financial contributor to our mission.

Sara Horein, the immediate past Co-Chair of the Tiffany Circle National Council, comes to mind. Sara cares about the Red Cross as much as anyone I know. Like myself, Sara’s leadership has been shaped by lessons learned at the Red Cross. My favorite thing about Sara is that if she doesn’t know how to do it, she will learn. Sara was not a swimmer, but she is now an Ironman triathlete. I am forever grateful that my path crossed with Sara’s because she reminds me that it’s important to laugh while you are doing important work.

Of course, for the sake of brevity, I failed to mention many other bosses, colleagues, and partners who represent the best leadership that the Red Cross has to offer. Though this list is not inclusive of all the women leaders who have shaped me, it is representative of the strength of female leadership at our organization.

Like Clara, Gail and Sara – I hope to continue the long legacy of strong female leadership at the Red Cross.

About Sabrina Ingraham: Sabrina is the Chief Development Officer for the American Red Cross of South Carolina. She started her journey with the Red Cross as a chapter youth volunteer. Sabrina served on the National Youth Council before making the transition to employee. She has worked in the Office of the President & CEO, on the national Tiffany Circle team, and on the South Carolina Fundraising team.