Continuing our series of exceptional professionals who commit their time and energy on advancing youth involvement within the organization, in this issue we give you one of the finest: Kristin Tewksbury - Senior Youth Services Manager, West Bay, American Red Cross Bay Area in San Francisco, California.

Born in Tunkhannock, Pa., with bachelors in psychology Kristin is one of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic youth directors in the field. She leads by example, empowering her young volunteers to have a strong presence in the local communities, and she is a firm believer in the huge impact youth make here and now.

Kristin gracefully answered our questions and we invite you to meet the individual behind a successful youth program.

Suppose you could live anywhere in the world. Where would that be?
New Zealand

What one word would you use to describe yourself?
Peaceful

Among your professional accomplishments what are you most proud of?
At Red Cross, I am most proud of the large event planning skills I have mastered. Planning our annual Leadership Development Center was very daunting my first year—now it gets easier from year to year—and I feel our camp becomes stronger annually.

Tell us something about you that people would be surprised to learn?
That I have my bachelor’s degree in music therapy. It is not something that I use day to day in my current position—but I do still enjoy playing the piano and flute. Music is such a great tool for relaxation.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A psychologist.

Who were the most significant people in your life? Why?
My parents were and are the most significant people in my life. They were exceptional role models growing up—and really knew how to foster a sense of independence, confidence and interest in others in both me and my sister. I am forever grateful to them for providing such a fantastic childhood—and for their continued support.

If you could change one thing about the work you do, what would it be?
I would like to have more time. There are so many more things that I would like to be doing to strengthen our youth leadership and school preparedness programs—so many great opportunities and partners and services that could benefit the community. Prioritizing is essential—but if I could take it all on—I would!

What are some of the challenges you face in working with youth?
I have had the opportunity to work with some very dynamic, creative and dedicated youth volunteers. It can be challenging to provide leadership opportunities that appeal to all youth—from all backgrounds and experiences. I would like our programs to attract many more youth who could utilize the leadership opportunities and volunteer experiences as a means of empowerment, giving them the skills and confidence to accomplish all that they want in life.

What is one memorable event you have experienced working with the Red Cross?
Most memorable for me is our Chapman-Holcombe International student intern program. American Red Cross Bay Area Youth Services annually hosts two Red Cross youth from societies around the world. It is such a rewarding, enriching experience for me, our youth volunteers and the students we host. I have been honored to learn about Red Cross youth volunteer experiences from Sri Lanka, the Gambia, Canada, Jamaica and Kenya.

What would you like to be remembered for?
I would like to be remembered for making a positive impact on other’s lives—whether it be youth experiencing Red Cross leadership opportunities, children learning how to prepare for emergencies and disasters or others that I might impact in my daily life.

What motivates you to do the work that you do?
I am very fulfilled by helping and empowering others. I am always inspired by youth working to make a difference in the world—something that the Red Cross prepares them for and provides opportunities for. I am continually motivated by the Red Cross—in learning about all that the Red Cross does nationally and internationally, and mastering the many opportunities that Red Cross provides, from being an employee to a disaster relief worker to a health and safety instructor trainer.