Ohio State alumna Erika Millet has found a new home in New York, where she can make a difference.

Millet, 40, is a founding member of Tiffany Circle of the American Red Cross and co-chairwoman of the New York chapter.

Tiffany Circle is a women’s organization dedicated to raising money to help people affected by national emergencies and disasters.

There are more than 53 chapters across the U.S. that focus on local disaster efforts, while also raising money for the Red Cross’ global initiatives.

“I’ve always really admired the Red Cross,” Millet said. “I think most people do.”

Millet got involved with the organization after attending the International Red Cross Ball with her husband.

“While we were there, you could feel the passion from the speakers and the attendees,” she said. “I just wanted to be more involved.”

Millet searched for volunteer opportunities, but she said she didn’t know exactly what she was looking for at first.

“Then I learned about Tiffany Circle, which was perfect,” she said.

To become a member of Tiffany Circle, women donate $10,000 per year to the cause.

“Once you make your pledge of $10,000, you’re considered a member,” Millet said. “You pledge to make that every year, but you’re not obligated to do that for any length of time.”

All women are welcome to join if they can donate.

“Tiffany Circle members include small business owners, executives, mothers, corporate counsel and major leaders from the entertainment, fashion and business sectors,” according to Parish Public Relations.

Millet has become a lifetime member by pledging $100,000 over the next 10 years.

Millet said most recruitment for Tiffany Circle is through word of mouth. Members host parties and invite potential members to introduce them to the cause.

“It’s expanding pretty rapidly,” Millet said. “I think women just recognize how critical it is to have the funding in order to respond to these local disasters and disasters abroad.”

Tiffany Circle has beaten its goals each year since it was founded in 2007. To date, it has raised more than $15 million, according to a release by Parish Public Relations.

“It’s the single most successful fundraising model of the Red Cross’ history,” Millet said.

Members can also get involved with volunteer opportunities, such as going with the Red Cross to respond to local disasters.

“I would love to do a ride-along,” Millet said. “If you wanted to get more involved, there is pretty much an opportunity in whatever you would like to do.”

Millet, originally from Mansfield, Ohio, said she values the time she spent at OSU, even after living for 10 years in New York.

“I loved my time at Ohio State, the people from different countries and students from all walks of life,” she said. “I loved that it was so big. Lots of people think that it would have been overwhelming, but I loved that about Ohio State.”

She decided to move to New York while visiting with friends.

“It just felt like home to me,” she said. “I knew I wanted to live there some day.”

Millet is married and has a 14-month-old daughter. Other than being a mother, she focuses mostly on her work with Tiffany Circle and said she hopes it continues to grow.

“I would love to be able to expand Tiffany Circle as much as possible,” Millet said. “Anything I can do to expand that network because the more members we have, the stronger the Red Cross is.”