Story contributed by Tyler Moyer

When Ebony Fowler graduated from college with a communications degree she never thought she’d be the person running toward disaster, but it seems destiny has lead her on this journey.  Before joining the American Red Cross, she was employed by FEMA where she handled disaster survivor assistance, individual assistance and the manufactured housing unit project.

Fast forward to the year 2017, Houston and the surrounding communities were in survival mode as Hurricane Harvey touched down.  In true Ebony fashion of running toward disaster, she joined the Red Cross smack in the middle of Harvey.  All of her hard work paid off, Ebony can now move the mission forward as Sam Houston Territory Disaster Program Manager, a promotion that makes her feel empowered, “Now that I have my own territory I can affect change locally.”  It took no time at all for her to solidify relationships with local officials, build shelter capacity, continually promoting preparedness and building the capacity in her team to respond to disasters. 

Although Ebony loves what she does, her favorite part of the job is working on the Pillowcase Project, a preparedness program that teaches third to fifth graders home fire preparedness and what to do in the event of an emergency.  “I love to connect with the youth,” she adds, “children do not know what to do with their emotions.” 

When not at work and affecting change, Ebony loves planning events and attending festivals. Her favorite event is the South by Southwest Festival held every year in Austin where she also volunteers to help the public relations team.  “I’m still very much a pop culture girl even though I’m in this disaster world.”