Gwen T. Jackson, on leadership, in 2007
Gwen Jackson, American Red Cross condensed bio
• 1961 – started volunteering with Service to Military Families Committee, where she served until 1972
• 1969, 1972-87 – Milwaukee delegate, American Red Cross National Convention
• 1974 – National Convention Organizing Committee, member
• 1981-84 – American Red Cross Greater Milwaukee Chapter Chairman
• 1983 – National Committee on Resolutions, member
•1984-85 – African Famine Relief Committee Chairman
• 1985-87 – Health and Emergency Services Committee Chairman
• 1987 – Minority Initiatives Committee Chairman
• 1988 – National Chairman of Volunteers (highest volunteer position)
• 1988 – implemented the results of a study on volunteerism that became a national blueprint for civic engagement
• 1992 – Elected to American Red Cross Board of Governors (re-elected in 1995)
• 2003 – Honored with the Cynthia Wedel Award, given to outstanding volunteers, for her more than 50 years of service
• 2007 – The Gwen T. Jackson Leadership Endowment was founded in her honor to support leadership in civic involvement
As she consistently volunteered during this time, Gwen was also notably involved in support during national disasters such as Hurricane Hugo and for service members during the Persian Gulf War. Since the 2000s, she has held a Chair Emeritus role with the Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Mark Thomas, CEO and Southeast Chapter Executive, American Red Cross of Wisconsin said: “Gwen Jackson’s compassionate and thoughtful volunteerism here in Milwaukee became the national model for the American Red Cross. As we walk by her pictures and quotes posted throughout our Milwaukee office–where she was a smiling fixture for years–our staff, volunteers and supporters are consistently inspired by Gwen’s commitment to guide and help those in need. Gwen’s decades of service came to embody all that the American Red Cross stands for from her beginnings in support of our military, to efforts she led in volunteer engagement, famine relief, diversity, health services, and more. Our thoughts are with Gwen’s family at this time. May they find solace in the immeasurable positive impact Gwen has had and continues to have in Milwaukee and across the United States.”
Friday, March 29, 2019
Central United Methodist Church, 639 N. 25th Street, Milwaukee, WI
Visitation: 10:00 a.m. Service: 12:00 Noon
Cards and flowers can be sent to: Krause Funeral Home, 9000 W. Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53222.