Sara Horein's Red Cross Story
Tiffany Circle leader Sara Horein was honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence for her extraordinary contributions toward the successful delivery of the Red Cross mission. Reflecting on her journey, Sara shared: “The American Red Cross has given me more than I can every give back in service. My volunteer work with the Red Cross has given me purpose and helped me find my passions. Becoming a volunteer with the Red Cross isn’t just about giving back to your community, but also about learning new skills, making lifelong friends and being a part of the world’s largest humanitarian network. My volunteer experience with the Red Cross has changed so many facets of my life for the better.”
In addition to serving as the co-chair of the Tiffany Circle National Council, the leadership group overseeing the Tiffany Circle Strategic Plan which focuses on collective efforts to grow women’s philanthropy at the American Red Cross, Sara serves as one of two independent monitors for the Measles and Rubella Partnership for the Red Cross. “I have traveled internationally repeatedly for this essential Red Cross health initiative and have managed several 14 to 55-person teams in Kenya, Indonesia and Malawi that focused on vaccination campaigns for 35 million children ranging in ages from 9 months to 14 years old. Every time I’ve traveled for this work, I have continued to be inspired by how human beings can persevere through such trial and adversity. I worked in Malawi, I met a mother and her two children who had walked 3 miles so that she could ensure they receive these critical vaccines. While she had every right to be frustrated and tired, she was so proud to show me that her two children had been vaccinated through the campaign. Meeting women and mothers like her is what motivates me to continue in this work.”
"Sara Horein is undoubtedly one of our organization’s most dedicated and compassionate volunteer leaders,” said Gail McGovern, former President & CEO and current Chairman of the American Red Cross. “She’s taken initiative, thought outside the box, and used her talents and passion to help lift our mission to even greater heights. I’m delighted we were able to recognize Sara’s contributions with the Presidential Award for Excellence, and we are truly fortunate to consider her a deeply valued member of our Red Cross family.”
Notably, Sara is the youngest person elected to the role of Tiffany Circle National Council co-chair to date. She credits much of her success as an authentic servant leader to the many women who have helped shape her journey since first volunteering with the Red Cross over 12 years ago. “Women leaders within the Red Cross and Tiffany Circle have mentored me along the way and have helped me see myself as a creative and innovative leader. I couldn’t have done this without them.”
