“Leading with compassion transforms good intentions into meaningful action.”

Sara joined the RCRC movement as a volunteer in 2011. As one of only two independent monitors for the Measles and Rubella Partnership, her diverse skills have enabled her to contribute to many initiatives, from US congressional advocacy to fieldwork in developing countries and the development of training materials – all dedicated to stopping measles and rubella.

“I joined the movement to be a change-maker in one of the world’s largest and most influential humanitarian organizations. As a supervisor, monitor, and advocate leader, I’ve worked alongside hundreds of Red Cross volunteers to support vaccination campaigns in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, and Indonesia. Every mission trip I go on, I am inspired by women’s ability to persevere. When I worked in Malawi, I met a mother and her two children who walked 3 miles so that she could get them vaccinated. She had every right to be frustrated and tired, yet she was proud to show me that the current campaign had vaccinated her two kiddos. Meeting women and mothers like her keeps me going "all-in" because our impact is life-changing, and means everything to those we serve. Most recently, I also had the opportunity to travel to Zambia as an independent monitor to support the American Red Cross's 5-Point Plan.

Volunteering with the Red Cross has shaped me in ways I never expected. It has deepened my understanding of what it truly means to serve—how humanitarian work isn't just about responding to crises but also about creating lasting change through empathy and action. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is the power of storytelling. People connect with human experiences. Whether sharing the journey of a community rebuilding after a disaster or advocating for stronger health initiatives, I've seen how amplifying voices can drive real change. It has also made me even more committed to inclusivity. The Red Cross isn’t just an organization—it’s a movement that thrives on representation, equity, and ensuring that every person has access to the support they need.

Most of all, this work has reaffirmed that leadership isn't about titles—it's about showing up. It's about listening, making space for others, and leading with the heart. And that's something I carry with me in everything I do.

I have learned that empathy is my superpower -  it fuels connection, drives meaningful change, and transforms leadership. As Gail McGovern, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the American Red Cross, once said, “If you want to lead, have the courage to do it from the heart.” Women have long been the driving force behind humanitarian efforts—not just as participants, but also as visionaries, advocates, and change agents. Some of the best experiences that I’ve had in the past 14 years within the Movement have come from other women and being mentored. I would not be a volunteer leader within the organization without the women who have impacted me: not only volunteers, but also women leaders such as Gail McGovern and Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. Whether responding to disasters, advancing health initiatives, or uplifting future leaders, our collective power sends ripples far beyond what we can see. But perhaps the most transformative force of all is how we show up, with unwavering compassion and a commitment to creating a better world.

I'm particularly passionate about ensuring inclusivity in leadership because representation matters—not just in numbers but also in the perspectives and lived experiences that shape humanitarian response. Affecting meaningful change requires strategic action, inclusivity, and a commitment to sustained local impact. In my experience, progress occurs when we focus on a few key areas of improvement. First, elevating voices—especially those from marginalized communities—is essential. When those most affected by crises have a seat at the table, solutions become more informed and effective. Then, leveraging storytelling and data-driven solutions helps mobilize resources and influence policy. Numbers tell one side of the story, but personal narratives paint a fuller picture.

Most importantly, leading with compassion transforms good intentions into meaningful action. Compassion is a driving force for transformation. It turns passive support into active advocacy, moves organizations from policy statements to tangible initiatives, and empowers local communities to take ownership of their futures.

At its core, my dream is about making a lasting, global impact on as many people as humanely possible, which is one of the reasons I’m part of the Movement. We are a humanitarian organization that has the power to make that impact. I feel like I am living part of my dream - it is very inspiring and humbling, and I wish more people had the same one.”

Sara Horein