Erica Mani
Regional Chief Executive , American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region
Photo by Tracy A . Toler Photography .
OLIVIA MILLER
HELPING FELLOW WEST VIRGINIANS in their time of greatest need and giving back to the state that raised her is what drives Erica Mani to do the work she does day in and day out .
As the regional chief executive of the American Red Cross Central Appalachia Region , in the event of an emergency , Mani is the orchestrator of a highly complex army of frontline workers and volunteers who respond to events ranging from individual disasters such as house fires to large-scale natural disasters such as the deadly flash floods that occurred across West Virginia in 2016 .
By overseeing the robust delivery of all five lines of service provided by the Red Cross , including disaster cycle services , service to the armed forces , biomedical services and training and international
services , Mani ensures the reach of the Red Cross is felt throughout every corner of the state and beyond .
“ I was born , raised and educated in West Virginia and am happily raising my family here ,” she says . “ Giving back in a direct and meaningful way to the place and people that have given so much to me brings me joy and satisfaction in my work .”
A native of Weirton , WV , Mani graduated from the West Virginia University ( WVU ) College of Law in 2001 after receiving her bachelor ’ s degree in journalism in 1998 . As an undergraduate student , she spoke with law students about her interest in the field , and as a result volunteered to be a witness in mock trials , which solidified her interest in pursuing a career in law .
“ Being involved in student government at WVU laid the foundation for lifelong friendships with people who are in local , state and federal government and other leadership roles today ,” she says . “ These are still people I turn to for collaboration and support .”
Her first job following the completion of her Juris Doctor was a summer clerkship at the Kanawha County Prosecutor ’ s Office . She recalls this experience as the first place she saw the legal and judicial system impacting people ’ s lives on a daily basis , not limited to just an individual person , but also impacting the families , friends and neighbors of those involved .
As a gifted upcoming lawyer , Mani was selected as an international Pegasus Scholar in 2005 . She was one of only two young lawyers in the U . S . chosen by the American Inns of Court Foundation to travel to the Inns of Court in London , England , to study the system upon which the American legal system was based .
“ This opportunity was through my membership with the American Inns of Court , which promotes and fosters excellence in professionalism , ethics , civility and legal skills ,” she says . “ It was quite an honor to not only be invited to be a member of this organization but also serving as president in our local inn , the Judge John A . Field Jr . Inn of Court . Receiving the Pegasus Scholarship to work abroad with barristers , judges and law lords provided me with a unique perspective and education regarding justice and civility here and abroad .”
As a young lawyer in Charleston , WV ,
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE