Champions of Change

The best ideas come from the American people. Everyone has a story to tell, everyone has a part to play.

All across the country, ordinary Americans are doing extraordinary things in their communities to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world. Every week, we will invite these Champions of Change to the White House to share their ideas to win the future.

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Champions of Change: American Red Cross

The White House honors Red Cross staff and volunteers for their work building resilient communities at home and abroad.


Brian Boyle

In 2004 a horrific car crash almost claimed Brian Boyle’s life. His heart moved across his chest and all major organs were damaged. When he emerged from a medically-induced coma, doctors...

Dom Tolli

Dom Tolli has led the team that has developed and implemented new services to help people and organizations be prepared for emergencies. Dom and his team have built Smartphone apps that put...

Kay Wilkins

Kay W. Wilkins, the Chief Executive Officer for the Southeast Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross, has over 25 years of experience with the organization, serving in roles ranging from...

Mahogany Thomas

The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive Program, for which Mahogany Thomas serves as Blood Drive Coordinator, began in 2007 as an opportunity for Southern California’s badge carrying personnel to...

Monica Owens

A native of Warner Robins, Georgia, Monica was serving in AmeriCorps when Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. After her AmeriCorps service ended, she wanted to continue to serve—so she moved to...

Nan Buzard

Responding to over 20 international crises each year, and providing life-saving programs in dozens of countries each year, Nan Buzard is responsible for the international disaster response and...

Stephanie Phillips

Stephanie Phillips is a nursing student and Red Cross volunteer. The daughter of a nurse, she became interested in volunteering when her mom received a lifesaving blood transfusion during heart...

Suzanne Horsley

A Public Relations professor at the University of Alabama and a long-time volunteer for the American Red Cross, Suzanne experienced disaster herself in 2011. When tornadoes swept through...

Mary Basiliere

In her 25 years of service to her community through the American Red Cross, Mary Basiliere has had some interesting experiences. None are more interesting than last year when, as the Senior...

Champions Blog Posts

  • September 14, 2012 at 12:07 PM EDT

    Finding Teaching Moments after a Disaster

    Suzanne Horsley is a public relations professor at the University of Alabama and a long-time volunteer for the American Red Cross, helping with disaster response and incorporating work for the public good into her teaching, research and service responsibilities.

  • September 14, 2012 at 11:58 AM EDT

    Bringing Nursing and Volunteerism Together to Help My Community

    Stephanie Phillips' mother is alive today because of the medical care and 12 units of blood she received during heart operations. This experience inspired Stephanie to become a nurse and volunteer for the American Red Cross.

  • September 14, 2012 at 11:37 AM EDT

    Be Prepared: Helping Communities Bounce Back After Disasters

    Nan Buzard is responsible for the international disaster response and programs of the American Red Cross. Nan believes disasters will always happen, but families and communities can better withstand and recover if provided with preparedness opportunities ahead of time.

  • September 14, 2012 at 11:23 AM EDT

    Creating Community Resilience

    Monica Owens is a Community Resilience Coordinator for the Red Cross in South Mississippi, pilot testing a new strategy for the Red Cross to build resilience at the community level by leveraging and connecting community networks.

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