The Sky is the Limit for Leticia Leon

“I am a firm believer that united communities are stronger and more resilient.”

By: Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the American Red Cross honors the rich contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to our society. From disaster responders to dedicated blood donors, the impact of Hispanic heritage is woven into the fabric of our mission. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to spotlight one of our long-standing volunteers, Leticia Leon, a volunteer leader on the Latino Engagement Team.

A first generation Mexican American, Leticia is determined to inspire members of the Hispanic and Latino community to become “Red Cross Ready.” The first of 70 cousins to acquire a higher education, Leticia is not only a role model to her family, but to everyone she encounters. When asked what advice she would give her 10-year-old self, Leticia responds confidently and without hesitation. “The sky is the limit,” she says.

Six years ago, Leticia was compelled to join the Red Cross after witnessing a preparedness presentation in her apartment complex. When she learned about the Hispanic and Latino community members she could help by being a bilingual English and Spanish speaker, she was eager to get involved. Hispanic volunteers like Leticia bring invaluable perspectives and skills to the Red Cross. Their understanding of cultural nuances, language proficiency, and deep-rooted connections within their communities significantly enhance the organization’s ability to serve all people effectively.

Today, Leticia is a Preparedness Outreach & Presentations Coordinator for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. She attends local community events on behalf of the Red Cross to educate the public on how to stay safe and prepared. “I find it valuable as a Spanish speaker to go to these events where I can communicate with the other portion of our community members who are not fluent [in English],” she says. She also gives Red Cross preparedness presentations in hopes of inspiring members of the audience to volunteer, much like she was inspired to do so six years ago.

“My Mexican heritage is embedded in me. It’s running through my veins. It’s in my DNA,” Leticia explains. “I take it wherever I go,” she says. Realizing that not everyone has the time and privilege to attend Red Cross tabling events, Leticia was not keen on waiting around. She grabbed her Red Cross preparedness handouts and got to work pitching a tent in the middle of a strawberry field in Nipomo, CA. She stayed for hours, handing out preparedness information to hundreds of farmers and translating in Spanish for those who were not fluent in English.

For Leticia, overcoming language barriers and inspiring other Latino and Hispanic community members to become proactive is her main mission. “We’re a unique culture that has so much to offer. By more individuals being proactive and self confident, we are able to achieve so much in the community and other communities as well,” she says proudly.

Earlier this year, Leticia had a goal of wanting to build and foster professional relationships between the Red Cross and other trustworthy organizations. She worked alongside other volunteers and within just six months, she helped forge a relationship between the Red Cross and the Consulate of Mexico in Oxnard, CA. This is important because it means that the Red Cross can continue to help, support and reach people in a way that brings the organization and its helpful resources directly to Hispanic and Latino communities.

Leticia is confident that the Red Cross is making a positive impression in other people’s lives as she’s experienced the organization’s impact in real life. She shares a touching story about giving a Prepare with Pedro presentation to young children at a YMCA summer camp in Lompoc, CA. Leticia and another volunteer spent time with the kids, going over lifesaving information such as how to come up with a fire safety plan and what to do in case of a natural disaster. A few days later, Leticia was thrilled to hear from the YMCA site supervisor that the kids had loved the presentation and couldn’t stop talking about the Prepare with Pedro resources. Reflecting on this encounter, Leticia says, “I feel so enriched inside of my soul and I’m so fortunate to be making a positive impact in my community.”

When asked what advice she has for those considering becoming new volunteers, she says, “The Red Cross has so much to offer that every single volunteer will find something that they will be comfortable doing and that they will love doing.”

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let us unite behind the power of community. and the difference we can make together. We are actively seeking bilingual individuals who can help us deliver our mission. There are many ways to get involved including outreach volunteers, preparedness education presenters, disaster action team members, shelter volunteers and blood drive ambassadors to name a few.

To join the Red Cross team, visit redcross.org/volunteer.

Your commitment can help ensure that all communities receive the care and support they need, no matter the challenge.