Women have played an important role in fulfilling the lifesaving American Red Cross mission since Clara Barton founded the organization more than 140 years ago. Known as the “Angel of the Battlefield,” Clara had cared for wounded soldiers during the Civil War before establishing the Red Cross in the U.S., where she was a visionary leader in serving those in need.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting three extraordinary women – Jacqueline Robinson, Suzanne Allen de Sanchez and Genia Crews – who help continue on the legacy of our organization’s history by exemplifying Clara’s humanitarian spirit.
Jacqueline “Jax” Robinson
Jacqueline Robinson is plays an important role in the American Red Cross as Reconnection Workshop Facilitator. Jacqueline has an impressive background as a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in trauma with over eight years of experience and is an inspiration to community members with her involvement; positively impacting the lives of others.
The journey that brought her career path to fruition was founded on her aspirations to serve others utilizing her skills to support community needs. Jacqueline’s greatest motivation is the empathy she brings to the community from her own life experience: her work as a trauma therapist, her hometown flooding in an environmental disaster, and her upbringing in a military family where she had witnessed the hardships military families endure, enriching her sensitivity and concern for the welfare of others.
Every experience she has lived through has greatly contributed to her sense of purpose. In addition, Jacqueline continues her education and has illustrated a dedication to her field. She has her own practice, completing her doctorate, and working as a teacher while contributing her time to assist the Red Cross in a volunteer capacity.
Jacqueline hopes to inspire other people to contribute to the community, even if it is a small gesture with time or donations. She encourages others by stating, “every bit helps.” Most notably, Jacqueline’s diverse background addresses the unique needs of those who suffer from trauma and giving back with Red Cross has been a gratifying experience that she would highly recommend for those desiring to be involved with the community.
She is further inspired by the legacy of service and compassion at the Red Cross.
Suzanne Allen de Sanchez
Community leader, Suzanne Allen de Sanchez joined the American Red Cross to make a significant impact. Suzanne has a public service background where her mentoring abilities and cross cultural awareness has served our communities in different capacities throughout the Red Cross.
She divides her time in Santa Barbara and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and significantly utilized her cross cultural background throughout her life and for the Red Cross. She is retired and likes working as a recovery caseworker, since she can do it remotely from wherever she is. She loves this work and says she spent 2,000 hours on disaster response operations (DROs) last year alone.
Bridge work “fills my heart,” Suzanne says. People often think it’s a scam, something too good to be true. But she explains, “This is donor money. This is to help you. They want you to be able to move forward.”
Sometimes, it’s just about listening. A 15-minute call will turn into 45 minutes. “Sometimes, it’s what they need.” About being able to provide financial assistance and a friendly listening ear through Bridge, she says “I just love it.”
Additionally, Suzanne has deployed often as a Latino Engagement Team member both in her own community and to Florida to reach vulnerable communities and connect them with Red Cross services. She hopes to inspire and engage Spanish speakers in particular, to the Red Cross to help Latino communities access resources. “We’re doing a lot of driving around the hardest hit areas to identify what people need,” she shared. “Whether that be technology challenges or access to power or internet to complete assistance applications, we’re connecting them to partners and other available resources.”
As an active grandmother and Red Cross volunteer, Suzanne has been generous in devoting her time to help others and encourages everyone to be involved in their community.
Genia Crews
Genia Crews first encounter with the Red Cross was as a teenager teaching water safety and lifeguarding. She then found herself active again after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. Now, nearly 20 years later, she serves her community as a Disaster Health Services leader, providing health resources to those affected by disasters and inspiring the next generation of nursing leaders.
In her role, Crews has navigated numerous challenges, from logistical hurdles to complex health emergencies. Her primary focus is on ensuring the health and safety of those affected by disasters. This role requires a delicate balance of medical knowledge, logistical planning and emotional intelligence. Crews has demonstrated an exceptional ability to manage this balance, ensuring that health services are delivered effectively, efficiently and with the utmost care.
Genia Crews’ approach to serving communities affected by disasters goes beyond just understanding different cultures; it’s about actively engaging and respecting them. This is particularly evident in her work in diverse communities like Maui. “Everybody is welcome,” she asserts, highlighting the Red Cross’s commitment to inclusivity. Crews understands that effective disaster response requires not just physical aid but also cultural empathy. Her experiences across various cultures, from the Hawaii islands to diverse communities in California, have equipped her with a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. This cultural sensitivity ensures that the aid provided is not just practical, but also emotionally supportive.
Crews places significant emphasis on the mental health of those involved in disaster response, including volunteers and survivors. “Laughter is the best medicine,” she shares, acknowledging the stress and emotional burden that comes with disaster work. The Red Cross provides resources for mental health support, recognizing the importance of addressing emotional needs alongside physical ones. This holistic approach to disaster relief reflects Crews’ understanding of the comprehensive nature of recovery and the importance of supporting mental well-being.
Crews views each new experience as an opportunity to learn and grow, a mindset that has been instrumental in her success as a leader in disaster management. Looking back on her career, Crews reflects on the impact she and her team have made.
“For me, it’s the facial expressions, the gratitude, the hug and the fact that you’re able to help somebody. It’s a giving, satisfying, fulfilling experience. There’s nothing like it.”
Genia Crews, RN
Her work with the Red Cross is a story of unwavering dedication and impactful service, marked by countless instances where her leadership and compassion have made a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by disasters.
Become a Volunteer
We hope that you consider volunteering with the Red Cross – you can have a meaningful impact by serving individuals and communities. Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday and get started on what will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
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