As we approach the end of the year and enter the season of giving, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to each of you — our partners, staff, donors, volunteers, and supporters. When I stepped into the CEO role in May, I was profoundly thankful for the decades of dedication that shaped Direct Relief into the organization it is today. That sense of stewardship has only grown stronger over these past months.

This season invites reflection — not just on what we’ve accomplished, but on why we do this work. At its core, Direct Relief exists to ensure fairness — that people have access to the same chance at health and life, regardless of where they live. It’s a belief that began early in my life, shaped by parents who always made service a priority, and reinforced through years of volunteer work and nonprofit engagement. It is that same belief that guides me now.

Expanding Direct Relief’s Global Impact

This past month, Direct Relief launched its European entity in Frankfurt, Germany — a meaningful milestone as the organization expands the reach and efficiency of its pharmaceutical partnerships across Europe. The Founding Forum brought together representatives from more than a dozen pharmaceutical companies and humanitarian partners, as well as government officials and local leaders. Their presence underscored the importance of this moment and the urgency of bolstering access to medicines globally.

At the same time, Direct Relief’s engagement in Asia deepened through growing collaboration with Peace Winds Japan — a group with exceptional expertise in emergency response. Their annual disaster simulation exercise was a vivid demonstration of preparedness in action, and the groundwork now underway will strengthen search-and-rescue capacity and medical response networks across the region.

Responding with Speed and Purpose

When Hurricane Melissa struck the Caribbean, Direct Relief mobilized quickly. Planning began even before landfall, and within days Direct Relief emergency response teams were on the ground with field medic backpacks and critical supplies. On November 8, the organization chartered a Boeing 757 carrying more than 16 tons of medical supplies — over $1 million worth of requested medicines and equipment.

Leading With Purpose and Accountability

Some of you may have read the recent profile published in the Montecito Journal’s Giving List, which reflects on my journey from corporate leadership into humanitarian work. While the transition may appear dramatic on the surface, in many ways it has felt like a continuation of what has mattered most to me: community, service, and the belief that resources — whether financial, operational, or organizational — should be used in service of others.

One lesson I’ve carried forward from the corporate world is the importance of transparency and accountability. Just as SEC filings and investor disclosures drive discipline and clarity, I believe nonprofits benefit when they hold themselves to similarly high standards. That approach has guided Direct Relief for decades — and the results speak for themselves.

This year, Charity Navigator again awarded Direct Relief a 100% rating and the organization’s 15th consecutive Four-Star designation — a distinction held by just four organizations in the country. It’s a recognition not simply of financial efficiency, but of trust — the most essential currency in humanitarian work.

The Giving Moment Is Now

There is a line from the interview with The Giving List’s Steven Libowitz that bears repeating:
If people have been waiting for the moment when their giving can have the most influence — that moment is now.

Global challenges are growing faster than public funding can address them. That creates both an opportunity and a responsibility — for nonprofits ready to scale and for individuals looking to make contributions with meaningful impact.

Whether through major philanthropy or a modest donation, whether through volunteering or simply sharing this work with someone else — it matters. All of it matters.

Ending the Year with Hope and Resolve

In these closing weeks of the year, I hope this community finds time for connection, reflection, and generosity of spirit. I believe the real measure of our work — and our lives — is not simply what we do, but whether we did all we could with what we were given.

I’m honored to be on this journey with you, and deeply grateful for all that you make possible.

Warmly,
Amy

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