Editor’s Note: In this monthly blog series, we’ll introduce readers to American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania staff members. A new profile will be published on the second Thursday of every month.

By Alana Mauger

Helen Munizza has worked for the American Red Cross for 30 years, all in the Biomedical line of service. She held 11 job titles in Donor Recruitment – scheduling blood drives and securing blood donors – before moving into management as a district manager, then as the director of Acquisition, Planning and Scheduling. In her current role as Regional Donor Services Executive (RDSE), Helen oversees all mobile blood drive functions for the Penn Jersey Blood Services Region.

Q: Summarize your role as a Regional Donor Services Executive for the Red Cross?

A: I am responsible for red cell donations in Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA), New Jersey and Delaware. My top responsibility is to achieve the blood collection goal for the Penn Jersey Region. Our team focuses on recruiting and collecting blood donations. The recruitment team members work with blood drive sponsors to schedule and plan for successful blood drives. Our collections team members run the blood drives and collect the precious blood donations.  There are more than 235 team members in our department. Each person plays a critical role in meeting our mission.

Q: What initially drew you to the Red Cross?

A: My mother-in-law worked in the platelet lab. She enjoyed being a Red Crosser and encouraged me to apply for a job. I gave her my resume, she took it to HR, and I got an interview right away. I planned on having a long career and didn’t want to spend my time doing something that I wasn’t passionate about just to get a paycheck. I wanted a job where I felt like I made a positive difference for people that needed help.

Q: Describe the most rewarding aspect of your work.

A: The most rewarding part of my work is seeing our mission in action. Hearing stories about people that have been positively impacted by blood transfusions inspire me. 

Q: Share an impactful Red Cross experience or memory.

A: Being a part of the team that stood up two convalescent plasma collection sites early in the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the best experiences in my career. The power of our mission and the strength of the employees and volunteers in our organization was evident.  We worked quickly and successfully on a project that helped very sick people to survive COVID-19. We worked together to achieve something that seemed impossible. I was blown away by the talent and commitment of our co-workers and volunteers. 

Q: What’s a fun fact about yourself?

A: I enjoy baking, going to Disney and spending time at the shore with my family and friends.