Reyna Pearce: Inspiring Lives and Building a Culture of Volunteerism

Written by 有天若 Tianruo You, Red Cross Volunteer

Women have played an important role in fulfilling the lifesaving American Red Cross mission since Clara Barton founded the organization more than 140 years ago. This March — which is recognized as both Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month — we take a look at some of the Red Cross women who exemplify Clara’s humanitarian spirit and serve their communities through the Red Cross.

Reyna Pearce’s journey at the American Red Cross Central California Region is a compelling story of purposefulness, compassion and transformative community impact. As the Senior Volunteer Recruitment Specialist, her role goes beyond than just a job; it represents a lifelong commitment to serving others.

With a bachelor’s degree in sociology, Reyna’s academic journey laid the foundation for her career in the nonprofit sector. Her vision has always been clear: to forge meaningful connections and make a significant difference in the community.

This vision is reflected in her daily work, where she not only recruits volunteers but also inspires them with her unwavering dedication and passion for service. Reyna’s approach goes above ordinary recruitment; she cultivates a sense of purpose and community in every interaction, fostering a culture of care and support that defines the Red Cross.

Advocating for Diversity and Creating Lasting Impact

Central to Reyna’s mission is her unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Recognizing the critical importance of a diverse volunteer base, Reyna has taken significant strides to engage underrepresented communities, with a particular focus on the Latino community. Her efforts extend beyond numerical goals; they aim to ensure that the Red Cross volunteer workforce reflects the vibrant tapestry of the communities it serves.

From actively participating in community events to seeking out spaces where the Red Cross can connect with different cultural groups, Reyna’s proactive approach enhances the inclusivity of the volunteer base. Moreover, it enriches the organization’s understanding and responsiveness to the unique needs of various communities. Reyna’s work in the Central Valley highlights the Red Cross’s responsibility in creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and empowered to contribute.

A Day in the Life: The Heart of Volunteer Recruitment

Reyna’s typical day is a blend of strategic planning, community engagement and heartfelt conversations. From updating online volunteer listings or organizing and attending recruitment events, her role is dynamic and influential. Each task is filled with her passion for the Red Cross mission.

Reyna understands that successful volunteer recruitment goes beyond fulfilling roles; it involves identifying individuals who share the Red Cross’s values of service, compassion and community support. Her approach is thoughtful and strategic, focusing on identifying and prioritizing positions crucial for the Red Cross’s various initiatives. Reyna’s role is pivotal in ensuring that the Red Cross maintains a strong and prepared team of volunteers, ready to respond to any situation, from disaster relief to community outreach programs.

Envisioning the Future: Volunteers as Ambassadors

Looking ahead, Reyna envisions a volunteer force that is not only active in service, but also in recruitment. Volunteers, in her vision, become carriers of hope and compassionate action in their communities.

This approach to volunteer recruitment empowers volunteers to be storytellers and advocates of the Red Cross mission. Reyna is not simply recruiting volunteers; she is nurturing a community of dedicated individuals passionate about the Red Cross and its impact. By empowering volunteers to share their experiences and the importance of the Red Cross’s work, Reyna establishes a powerful, self-sustaining cycle of recruitment and engagement. This innovative strategy ensures that the Red Cross continues to thrive as a vibrant, responsive and inclusive organization, ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Reyna Pearce’s journey within the American Red Cross is not just a testament to professional dedication; it is a story of how one person’s passion and commitment can create a ripple effect, touching lives and strengthening communities. Her work exemplifies the core values of the Red Cross and serves as an inspiring model for anyone looking to make a meaningful difference in the world.

March is Red Cross Month, the perfect time for the American Red Cross to celebrate our wonderful volunteers who make our lifesaving mission possible. More than 2.000 individuals give their time to support the Red Cross Central California Region, making up 90% of the Red Cross workforce. These remarkable people step up to help someone get the relief and care they need on what is often the worst day of their lives. Visit redcross.org/RedCrossMonth to learn how to get involved.