The American Red Cross has harnessed the compassion and determination of women to deliver its lifesaving mission since Clara Barton founded the organization in 1881. In honor of Women’s Month History Month, the Red Cross is amplifying the voices and contributions of women who further our mission in communities across the globe every day.
Born and raised in the sunny climes of Scottsdale, Arizona, Candy Campbell-Ursu‘s path has wound through Burkina Faso, Paris, London, Washington, D.C., Toronto and now Ventura, California where she serves as the Disaster Program Manager for the American Red Cross.
Candy credits several women who have inspired her throughout her youth and career. “My inspiration has always started at home. Growing up, watching my mom juggle her career and raising six kids with unstoppable energy was awe-inspiring. My sisters, each strong in their own right, showed me the kind of impact we can all make on others. They have been my inspiration to push harder and aim higher.”
“But inspiration doesn’t stop with my family. At work, I’ve been fortunate to partner with two amazing volunteers, Diana and Nancy. Their unwavering support and commitment to our mission motivates me every day. They show up eager to help our volunteers and community and to ensure I too feel that same support, driven purely by the desire to give back. Their dedication fuels my drive to achieve more for our territory.”
From internships in Bangladesh to living in a small village in Burkina Faso with the Peace Corps, and from working with various NGOs, to earning her Master’s in Disasters, Adaptation and Development at King’s College London, Candy’s journey has “offered me a panoramic view of our world’s diverse landscapes – both literal and metaphorical.”
“These experiences have deepened my understanding of resilience, highlighted the invaluable strength of community bonds, and underscored our profound interconnectedness, particularly in times of need,” she shared. “They’ve also reinforced in me the critical role that diverse perspectives play in crafting truly inclusive and effective approaches to bolstering community resilience, a principle I always try to apply to my work.”
When asked who motivates her, her response is immediate. “It’s the volunteers, hands down. Their dedication is something else. They’re there after hours, over weekends, and holidays, giving their all to help others. Seeing that kind of commitment is what keeps me going and reminds me why we do what we do.”
Candy has been deployed across the Central California Region, as well as to Florida for Hurricane Ian relief and to Guam after Typhoon Mawar struck the U.S. territory. The deployment that left a meaningful impact was one that hit close to home. “When flooding occurred in Ventura County last December and January, our team didn’t miss a beat. When that call came, my team rallied and responded, working through multiple holidays to support the community and help meet their needs. Their dedication during such a critical time was nothing short of amazing.”
Another Red Cross moment that makes her proud are the Sound the Alarm events held in Ventura County over the last several months. “Working with the Oxnard Fire Department, our volunteers and the community to implement six events, together we installed more 3,000 alarms and prepared more than 3,500 people. That is a feeling I’ll never forget. It shows what we can achieve together.”
Candy wanted to expand her disaster response skills both domestically and internationally, which led her to applying and being accepted into the International Disaster Responder Team. Since then, she’s attended International Mobilization and Preparation for ACTion (IMPACT) training and just returned from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Society’s Practical Emergency Cash Transfer training in Panama.
“Being a part of the International Services deployment roster is an incredibly rewarding feeling. It means I get to help people all over the world in their most challenging times, offering support and opportunities for community empowerment,” she expressed.
“It’s a privilege to get the opportunity to train and one day work alongside other Red Cross societies and support their communities.”
Candy Campbell-Ursu
Her advice to someone looking to get involved with the Red Cross? “There’s something at the Red Cross for everyone! The experiences you’ll gain, the connections you’ll make, and the impact you’ll have are beyond rewarding. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of contributing to your community.”
This March — which is recognized as both Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month — we celebrate the people who make our mission possible. Join them at redcross.org.
Red Cross Central California Blog 