You’ve become the youngest American Red Cross Station Manager in the history of Scott Air Force Base. To what do you attribute your success?
In addition to my love of a challenge, I would attribute my success to the support of my parents, friends, and especially my colleagues. While many of those in my personal life remind me that I’m capable of doing great things, I’ve been extremely fortunate to have caught the attention of a few leaders who recognized that I had the potential to lead within the organization. Together we worked to ensure that potential is realized.
Please share with our readers the importance of the volunteer program you helped start at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.
Volunteerism holds great magnitude. It gives those who are involved a sense of ownership and satisfaction in being a part of something great. When I took my current position, I realized how so many people rely on volunteerism as an opportunity to engage with others. This past summer and fall, I saw an influx of interest from active duty members wanting to donate some time and talent. The problem that we faced was that most of the opportunities that were readily available occurred during the duty day while most members were working. I finally realized that there was an opportunity for us to engage with St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, which is where the active duty population receives their primary and emergency care. The volunteer services staff is very excited to have us and we look forward to a great partnership.
You already give a substantial amount of your time to the bi-state community, why do you feel the need to give even more of your time, to organizations in addition to your work at the Red Cross?
Community involvement can be rather therapeutic and refreshing at times. Personally, I feel a sense of accomplishment and ownership while I read applications and nominate facilities for scholarships through the Mizzou Alumni Association; or when I help voters figure out why their names don’t appear on registration rolls at election time; or when I help clients shop for groceries at an area food bank. I realized that I could benefit by making connections within the community, which can lead to great experiences down the road. Many have forgotten—or in some instances were never taught—that offering time, talent, or treasure to a worthy cause is just one of the responsibilities of being not only a leader, but any productive citizen. That has been made more apparent over the years—especially in the wake of recent events in Ferguson and other parts of the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. It’s especially important that our youth see more examples of individuals being involved in their communities, thereby attempting to control their own narratives.
