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IBX Insights

Blue Crew Volunteer Close-Up: Debra Brown

By October 17, 2016September 8th, 2023Community Volunteerism
We're honoring blue crew volunteer Debra Brown for all of her hard work with the Independence Blue Crew.

Blue Crew volunteer Debra is pictured above holding her Outstanding Achievement in Volunteer Service Award.

Meet Blue Crew Volunteer Debra Brown

Debra Brown, Senior care management specialist
Years at Independence Blue Cross: 15

How did you become a Blue Crew volunteer?

I started volunteering with the Blue Crew in 2008.

What organizations and/or service projects do you support with the Blue Crew?

I support a lot of projects through the Blue Crew, including Fred’s Footsteps, the Heart Ball, the Blue Cross Broad Street Run (giving out the bibs to the runners), and the Drexel Neumann Academy. I am also a member of my church women’s ministry… we empower women to be all they can, whether they are in a nice home or a shelter.

How do you think the Blue Crew impacts the corporate culture at Independence?

The Blue Crew impacts our corporate culture [through the opportunity to give] to the community and to help raise money for worthy causes. I am grateful for the honor of being one of the top 10 volunteers, and I look forward to giving more of my time working with the Blue Crew.

What motivates you to donate so many volunteer hours?

I love to talk and meet new people, so I felt working with the Blue Crew would give me the opportunity to do this. My other motivation is helping people of all ages and to give back to the community — doing this makes me feel good. I never count the hours when I am volunteering because I enjoy what I do!

Is there a particular volunteer project or achievement you are most proud of?

I am proud of all the volunteering I do.

When you aren’t at work or volunteering, how do you like to spend your free time?

Things I like to do when I am not working are crocheting and reading.

Our Independence Blue Cross (Independence) Corporate Volunteer Program — the Blue Crew — celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2016. Collectively, our Blue Crew volunteers donated more than 7,900 community service hours in 2015. In this series, we’re profiling our Blue Crew volunteers with the most individual service hours. Know an organization or a local event that could use some enthusiastic volunteers? Contact the Blue Crew.

Mary Eileen O'Connor

My personal philosophy about health and well-being is to have simple goals and stick to them — whether it’s drinking more water, working in a few extra steps each day, or just making time to unplug. When I’m not busy writing creative content for a variety of audiences, my favorite ways to unwind include enjoying local arts and culture, reading a good book, and watching TV cooking shows.