March of Dimes selects Carrie Brown as the 2023 Heroines of Washington Lifetime Achievement Award Winner for her volunteering efforts in the Washington D.C Metro Area and around the world.
Carrie Brown has volunteerism imprinted in her DNA, which is driven by her passion “to make things better for others.” From helping American Allies escape war-torn areas in Afghanistan, to tutoring students in under-served areas in the Washington D.C. metro area, Carrie’s spirit of service knows no limits.
“I get a lot of personal fulfillment from the volunteer work I do. I never set out to get super involved – it just happened,” says Carrie, who is a senior project manager on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) contract. “For me, it’s often just about an opportunity presenting itself and going for it – thinking I can have a positive impact here. There are so many societal ills, and I want to make things better. And if not me, then who?”
Carrie’s commitment to caring for others hasn’t gone unnoticed. Recently, she was named as a finalist for the Heroines of Washington, which is one of the area’s most unique events, recognizing and honoring women in the D.C. Metro Area for their dedication to community service.
Since 2001, the March of Dimes has honored 143 “heroines” and raised more than $4 million to make sure one day all babies are born full-term and healthy. Guests include directors, CEOs and other high-level individuals from local corporations and government agencies. Carrie, along with 22 other finalists, were honored on November 8 at a special event in McLean, Va. In 2021, Jennifer Felix, ASRC Federal President & CEO, served as the co-host for the March of Dimes 21st Annual Heroines of Washington Awards.
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. The organization supports research, leads programs and provides education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, March of Dimes empowers every mom and every family. Since 2021, ASRC Federal has served as a proud sponsor for March of Dimes’ Annual March for Babies.
“I love that March of Dimes takes the time to celebrate the great work that is being done by women in the Washington D.C. area. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to share these organizations with other people,” she says.
In addition to this, Carrie serves as operations director for Allied Airlift 21, an organization that helps individuals seeking evacuation from Afghanistan. Amidst the withdrawal of United States and NATO forces from Afghanistan in August 2021, Carrie stepped up and responded to a request to help with evacuations. The following month, she was named Operations Director and spent 40 hours a week developing processes, recruiting and training 50 volunteers, and setting organizational priorities. On top of her full-time job, she was crucial in evacuating thousands of Afghans. While the pace has slowed to date, she continues to direct operations and serve as the liaison to #AfghanEvac, a coalition of organizations involved with evacuations and resettlement.
In 2019, Carrie started Traveling with a Purpose, an organization that plans service trips to Jamaica in support of Childrens’ Homes on the island. The nonprofit and volunteers bring much-needed supplies, eager hands to help with daily chores and upkeep, and a readiness to share their unique skills. Carrie, who is a founding board member, has personally visited four times and has mentored teen girls who have been rescued from abusive homes.
From 2005 to the present, Carrie has tutored and mentored four children from elementary school through college via the nonprofit Horton’s Kids. She also attended PTA meetings, school events and met with teachers to advocate for mentees when problems arose. In addition to her extensive gift of time, she has raised over $10,000 to help cover costs associated with college for mentees.
“Carrie is an inspiration to all those who know her, and her generosity also applies to her work community,” says Shaveta Joshi, Chief Human Resources Officer, who served as the 2023 Washington DC Metro March for Babies chairperson. “She is always willing to help a colleague, mentor junior team members and work hard to ensure her team succeeds.”
In May, Carrie received the ASRC Federal 2022 Polaris Community Engagement Award, a new award that honors employees making significant contributions to their local community through their time, actions, talents and dedication. They serve as a role model for compassion, service to others, and striving to make the world a better place, including assisting others in supporting community work.
Carrie encourages others to get involved in their communities because help is always needed somewhere.
“If you have a particular passion, look for something in that area,” she says. “But also, just go for it when an opportunity comes your way. Look for ways to say yes. Lots of people with kids feel like they can’t take on new time commitments, so look for something you can do with your kids.”
Carrie adds that volunteering doesn’t have to be a big-time commitment.
“I also know lots of people who have found volunteer opportunities, like tutoring or reading with kids, that they can do on a lunch break once a week,” she says. “It’s great to try out a bunch of things to find an organization that will work with you, but I recommend finding a place and making a commitment to it.”
