The Red Cross has a long and storied history, touching lives, communities, and generations.
Recently, the Houston chapter had the privilege of unveiling a remarkable history display that
celebrates the organization’s impact, diversity, and dedication to service. Behind this inspiring
exhibit are the efforts of dedicated individuals, longtime supporters, students, and volunteers,
whose work ensures that the Red Cross’s past continues to guide and inspire its future.


Dorothy Baker: Championing History and Service
Dorothy Baker, a longtime member of the Houston Red Cross community, first became involved
with the organization through the University of Houston. Serving as director of undergraduate
studies in the Department of English, she placed students in positions across the city, from
federal courts and law firms to the March of Dimes and the Red Cross itself. Through her
students’ work. producing public interest stories for the communications director, Dorothy saw
firsthand the dedication and mission-driven work of the Red Cross team.


Today, Dorothy serves on the Executive Board of Directors and chairs the Philanthropy
Committee. Her commitment to the organization’s mission inspired her to spearhead the
creation of the Houston Red Cross history display. She explained, “The people at the Red Cross
have always amazed me, and I wanted to make sure that the history of this organization, and
the generosity that has sustained it, could be celebrated and seen by all.”


The display highlights the vital contributions of women to the Red Cross, from nurses and
members of the Motor Corps to volunteers of diverse backgrounds, including Hispanic and
Black women who have helped shape the organization’s legacy in Houston. It also honors
influential figures such as the first African-American biomedical director and showcases iconic
posters by artists like Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth, and Alberto Vargas. Dorothy emphasized,
“If we don’t know our history, we have no idea where we stand now. This exhibit not only
inspires donors, but it also boosts staff morale, reminding us that we are following in the
footsteps of remarkable women and men who worked under challenging conditions.”


Miranda Ruzinsky and Alexander Kelly: Preserving the Past
“University of Houston graduate students Miranda Miranda Ruzinsky and Alexander Kelly
played a pivotal role in bringing the exhibit to life. Hailing from backgrounds in public history and
art leadership, both students approached the project with curiosity, creativity, and dedication.
Miranda focused on archiving and processing historical pieces, from women’s uniforms to safety
kits and inspirational posters, documenting each item and exploring the stories they told. She
reflected, “We realized how prevalent the Red Cross was, how it touched so many historical
figures and events.”


Alex, who had previously volunteered as a lifeguard for the Red Cross, helped curate and install
the display, even working during Hurricane Beryl to ensure the project stayed on track. He
fondly recalls handling 16 millimeter film reels and iconic imagery of Red Cross nurses, carefully
constructing the exhibition to showcase the organization’s history and honor the city’s unique
contributions to its mission.


The exhibit premiered in 2024 at a special dinner for former board members, offering a nostalgic
walk down memory lane and a tangible connection to the Red Cross’s enduring mission. The
incredible work of graduate students Miranda Ruzinsky and Alexander Kelly in researching,
archiving, and curating the display was recognized with the Harris Historical Society Award,
honoring their contributions to preserving and celebrating local history.


For Dorothy, Miranda, and Alex, the display is more than an exhibition. It is a testament to the
power of volunteering and the enduring impact of service. Dorothy reminds us, “For your life to
have meaning, you have to reach out to your fellow man. Volunteering for the Red Cross is one
way to be of service to the world. There is no better way.”


Through the dedication of volunteers, staff, and supporters, the Red Cross in Houston continues
to honor its past, serve its present, and inspire future generations to carry forward its life-saving
mission

Story By: Joseph Ruiz