Growing up, Angela Karren-Costanzo remembers her Boise family regularly receiving messages from the American Red Cross asking them to donate blood. Angela and five members of her family have O-negative blood that is also CMV negative, a rare combination that is especially valuable for premature babies. Cytomegalovirus is generally harmless to adults but can be fatal to newborns.

“We have learned that between me, my siblings and our parents, our blood has helped save 888 lives. And my blood has gone as far away as Washington, D.C.,” Angela said.

Knowing the importance of the Red Cross and blood donation, she brought that message to a national competition recently in Irvine, Calif., where she was named National Mrs. Elite U.S. Woman of Achievement, 2025.

Her award came as part of the 10th Annual Woman of Achievement Pageant, a celebration of women who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, service and personal growth.

“This pageant is platform driven,” she explained. “All competitors have a platform. We have to explain it and know what it is all about.  … That wasn’t hard, with Red Cross being my passion.”

This wasn’t the 53-year-old Boise woman’s first entry in the pageant. She competed 10 years ago for the same title and brought home the award for first runner-up. There, she met another contestant whom she now considers her best friend.

“This is a sisterhood,” she added.

Angela has also worked as the chief people officer for the Idaho Humane Society since 2023. As busy as she is, however, she will always prioritize the Red Cross.

“Even on my 18th birthday, I took the day off to go donate blood,” she said.