National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and cultural heritage of Hispanic and Latino Americans. We could not deliver the Red Cross mission without our many Hispanic staff, volunteers and donors. Among our dedicated Red Crossers is Marcos Osorio, a volunteer on our Communications and Latino Engagement Teams.
Here is a conversation we had with him around Hispanic Heritage Month, how diversity impacts us and the importance of giving back.
How has your heritage shaped you into the person you are today?
My father is from Guatemala, while my mother is from Nicaragua, both of which are culturally vibrant and beautiful countries in Central America. My mother’s journey to the United States was driven by the necessity to escape the conflicts in Nicaragua and her dream of providing a better life for her children. Notably, my father’s upbringing in a town that was owned by an American banana company (google it-for a fun dinner conversation) in Guatemala gave him a unique perspective, and love for the United States. He possesses a deep knowledge of American history, pop culture and humor. He raised us to be proud Americans with a deep appreciation for our Central American roots. This rich blend of backgrounds has enriched our family’s cultural tapestry and continues to shape our experiences in the United States.
What motivated you to pursue higher education?
I take great pride in being the first in my family to graduate from college. My family instilled in me a deep appreciation for the value of education. Witnessing my parents dedicate their evenings to attend adult school and learn English after long workdays was especially inspiring. This experience served as a powerful motivator, sparking a profound determination within me to create a brighter future for both my family and myself.
I grew up just on the other side of the hill from what I once considered a beautiful yet seemingly unattainable campus. One day that perspective changed when I had the chance to visit the campus during a school field trip. It quickly became my dream school. I set my sights on attending college, and when I achieved that goal, I realized there was still much more to accomplish. This realization fueled a new sense of purpose. I became motivated to break down barriers and serve as a role model for my younger family members, demonstrating that education is the pathway to unlocking new opportunities.
How has your immigrant experience shaped your perspective?
It has given me a deep appreciation for the opportunities and diversity that America provides. It has also taught me the value of hard work, resilience and the importance of embracing different cultures. In this dynamic environment, we continuously adapt to evolving norms, fostering a growth mindset that fuels my passion for learning, traveling and embracing new experiences.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I hope that my children perceive me as a source of inspiration, instilling in them the belief that with determination, a commitment to learning, and unwavering resilience, they can achieve anything their hearts desire. When they see me juggling long days yet still making time to help with homework, prepare their favorite meals, and engage in their favorite games, my purpose in life is to inspire them. They will know to dare to dream big and reach for the stars, recognizing that hard work and perseverance will guide them toward their goals.
Alongside these ideals, I also intend to cultivate a deep sense of empathy, self-control, and the importance of helping others. This way, they will not only be inspired to succeed but also to make a positive impact on the world around them.
What does it mean for you to give back?
When I was five years old, my parents took me to volunteer on Thanksgiving at Skid Row in Los Angeles. Their intent was to instill in us the values of selfless service and the significance of giving back. Now, as an adult, my aim is to mentor and offer opportunities to young individuals, helping them discover paths to purposeful lives and make a positive impact on our community.
I’m also passionate about telling stories, shedding light on the remarkable work already underway. My belief in open communication and sharing resources drives me to mentor others, volunteer and support initiatives that uplift our communities.
He joined the Red Cross a year ago after considering additional ways to serve his community. “When I think back to my childhood, I remember the Red Cross stepped up big time during the Northridge Earthquake, the 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the San Fernando Valley. It’s pretty clear that the work the Red Cross does is important. It gave me this strong feeling that I needed to pay it forward and be there for those who need help, just like others were for me.”
On top of that, “the Red Cross’s long history of helping out military families hit close to home, as I have multiple family members and friends who’ve served in the armed forces. Seeing how committed they were to supporting these brave individuals inspired me to jump on board with this awesome organization. I started off by donating blood periodically, and now I try to help out whenever I can. Like many others, I joined the Red Cross to make a positive impact in the lives of those going through tough times, keep our communities safe, and spread that kindness I’ve been lucky enough to receive myself.”
What does diversity mean to you, and how has it influenced your perspective on the world?
This reminds me of a quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt, “We are a nation of many nationalities, many races, many religions—bound together by a single unity, the unity of freedom and equality.” Diversity, to me, means embracing and celebrating differences in people, cultures and perspectives. It means creating spaces where people feel that they are safe to be themselves. Diversity has shown me the richness that comes from different backgrounds and the strength that can be found in unity through diversity.
What are your long-term goals, considering your background and values?
My professional journey has encompassed various roles and entrepreneurial ventures. Looking ahead, I envision a future centered around my passions. I’ve recently embarked on a consulting business venture alongside my sister, leveraging both our professional expertise and personal life experiences to pursue the work that energizes us. Also, I am currently collaborating with another artist on a collection of short stories that employ humor to narrate tales from our parents’ homelands and our shared experience of being American. My love for storytelling, family and working with others will continue to be my guiding force.
If you’re looking to join a team of diverse and talented individuals, sign up to become a Red Cross volunteer today. You can help people impacted by disasters and big and small. Learn about our most needed positions at redross.org/VolunteerToday.
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