Nashville Area Volunteer Spotlight: Cindy Manley - June 2019

Cindy Manley’s involvement with the American Red Cross has extended through several positions where she has dedicated so much of her time ton serving her community in times of need. Cindy moved to Nashville three years ago to be closer to family. She had a varied career providing her with knowledge, many wonderful experiences, and skills she could bring to the Red Cross mission. Cindy still works, but freely gives her time to the Red Cross. She loves being with her grandchildren, so when she’s not at work or volunteering with the Red Cross, one can be certain she is with them.

Cindy’s Red Cross volunteer career began after her move to Nashville. Her first deployment was to Hurricane Katrina where she did mostly logistics, bringing her years of expertise from vocations including law, accounting and starting up a small business. Since then Cindy has deployed but mostly stayed in the Nashville area where she continues serving the community with her talents and hard work. She typically works in volunteer engagement where she engages with new volunteers once they have been recruited and retains these volunteers to provide much needed help to people during times of disasters.

She loves to see people being connected to the work they are passionate about. “When this happens, people feel as if they are not working,” she said. “They become more engaged with their work and not only find it satisfying but meaningful.”

Cindy’s advice for a new volunteer is, “Be persistent until you find the work you will be passionate about. There are so many opportunities a position can be found for every person. Keep an open mind when looking.”

Cindy’s smiling and kind demeanor while engaging new volunteers makes each one feel welcomed, and in turn, they have a mentor and friend to help them through the onboarding process. Thanks to people like Cindy, the Red Cross can continue the mission of serving those in need.