PLU Alumni and Community Public Service Volunteers

Anna Chacon ’22, Americorps Volunteer, graduated from PLU with her degree in Biology and a Minor in Statistics. She then went on to complete her Master’s In Public Health from University of Puget Sound in 2024. Afterwards, she joined the American Red Cross as part of the Public Health AmeriCorps program, where she is currently serving her second term. Throughout her AmeriCorps service, Anna has worked in Disaster Preparedness for the Disaster Cycle Services department of the South Puget Sound and Olympics Chapter of the Red Cross, which includes overseeing the three disaster preparedness programs and delivering informative presentations about ways to be prepared for natural disasters common in the area such as home fires, earthquakes, and floods. Additionally, she also assists with volunteer management, welcoming new volunteers, and making sure that they are supported throughout the onboarding process. In her free time, Anna like to listen to music, read books, and complete puzzles.

Kerry Dolan (she/her) graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 2022 with majors in Political Science and Global Studies and a minor in Hispanic Studies. Kerry’s lifelong devotion to service work, accompanied by her passion to expand her global perspective, emboldened her to pursue many of PLU’s enriching opportunities: Kerry studied away every year, was awarded a Wang Center Research Grant, and was exceptionally involved in student life. In fact, in her senior year, Kerry was awarded the Leadership in Living the PLU Mission Award, the highest honor presented by the Division of Student Life. After graduation, Kerry interned at Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s District Office where she bore witness to the influential and necessary work of the Congresswoman’s office. This formative experience furthered Kerry’s resolve to one day serve others through policy. Upon completing her internship, Kerry answered her call to serve others through the YAGM program. She spent 11 months in Buenos Aires, Argentina living in accompaniment with people she now calls dear friends. Currently, Kerry is the grassroots coordinator for the Washington Hospitality Association (WHA). In her position, Kerry helps advocate for WHA members and connects them with their state lawmakers. In the future, Kerry is interested in pursuing graduate school in international relations. When Kerry isn’t advocating for hotels, restaurants, and small businesses in Washington State, you can find her playing ultimate frisbee, hiking, or reading.

Amy Siegesmund is a Professor of Biology at Pacific Lutheran University. She holds a Ph.D. in microbiology from Washington State University and a B.A. in Biology from Alverno College. She regularly teaches microbiology for majors and allied health students, introductory biology, cellular biology, and immunology. Her current research focuses on student sense of belonging; student challenges; metacognition and learning; the use of self-assessment to increase metacognition; and student theories of intelligence, learning, and failure. She is an alumnus of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Biology Scholars Research Residency. Amy has won the Pacific Lutheran University Faculty Excellence Awards for teaching and service and the American Society for Microbiology Carski Award for Undergraduate Education. Amy is currently serving as a literacy resource specialist in the Peace Corps Eastern Caribbean.

Daniel Wirth is the Executive Director for the South Puget Sound and Olympics Chapter of the American Red Cross, overseeing operations in Pierce, Lewis, Thurston, Mason, Grays Harbor, Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam counties. Dan’s journey with the Red Cross began in March 2014 with the Indiana Region, and by 2016, he was appointed as the Regional Disaster Officer for the Kentucky Region. In January 2020, he transitioned to lead the South Puget Sound and Olympics Chapter, continuing his dedication to disaster relief and community service.
Throughout his Red Cross career, Dan has served in multiple operational leadership roles, including during major crises such as the Flint Water Crisis, Texas Flooding, South Carolina Flooding, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, and Hurricane Florence. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he took on virtual leadership as Job Director for the California Wildfire response, while also deploying to Kentucky for tornado recovery, Oregon for wildfires, and Florida for Hurricane Ian.

Before joining the Red Cross, Dan served with the U.S. Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic (2010–2013). He has held various professional roles, including working with adjudicated youth in Colorado, serving in admissions at Fort Lewis College, completing a Master’s in Intercultural Youth and Family Development from the University of Montana, and consulting internationally with GrassrootSoccer in Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, El Salvador, and Jamaica. He also earned a Nonprofit Management Certificate from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance in 2010.

Dan is an active member of Tacoma Rotary 8, where he serves as a Board Member, co-chair of Community Service Projects Committee and a member of the Scholarship Committee. He volunteers with the Tacoma Rescue Mission, serves as Treasurer for the KBTC Association, and is Board Chair for the Joy thru Tears Foundation. Dan recently celebrated his 5-gallon blood donation milestone with the American Red Cross.

Dan values the time he gets to spend traveling and exploring the outdoors through recreational activity with his wife and participating in youth sports with his children in Tacoma, WA.

Dan’s leadership and commitment to service have made him a valued figure in his community and beyond, driven by his deep passion for helping others and making a lasting impact.