On June 15, Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin Chair Emeritus Gwen T. Jackson was named one of two 2009 Business Journal Women of Influence. Jackson was chosen from a pool of more than 200 nominees.

Jackson has been a leader throughout the Red Cross, as well as in the community. Remarkably well known at both the local and national level, Jackson has positively impacted the lives of thousands and has greatly influenced the significance of volunteerism.

Jackson began her Red Cross career in the Service to Military Families Department. By 1988, she had risen to one of the highest volunteer positions in the organization, National Chair of Volunteers. She has served as a member of the American Red Cross Board of Governors and as a member of the Chapter's Operations Team and Human Resources, Financial Development and Service Delivery Committees.

In 2008, the Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin recognized Jackson for her 50 years of volunteer leadership with the establishment of the Gwen T. Jackson Leadership Endowment. Thanks to the commitment of the Founding Leadership Members, the Gwen T. Jackson Leadership Endowment will help develop and recognize volunteer leadership among youth and other individuals in our community. To contribute to this fund, visit our donation page.

The American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin relies on donations of time and money so they can provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in Dodge, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties. To donate your time, please visit our Volunteer page. Financial donations can be made online through our secure contribution site.