Breaking Barriers and Building Trust: Noor Qwfan’s Red Cross Story

By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Volunteer

Like so many dedicated American Red Cross volunteers, Noor Qwfan’s unwavering commitment to her community blossomed long before she officially joined the Red Cross.

She took the initiative to start a support group for young women in her mosque, empowering them to navigate the challenges of applying for college while providing vital social-emotional support. She also worked to educate the public about her community, striving to dismantle the stigma surrounding Islam and fostering a desire for understanding and connection. Alongside other women from her mosque, she organized fundraisers to assist families overseas in regions like Yemen, Syria and Palestine.

“Being able to contribute in a meaningful way keeps me motivated to continue being a volunteer.”

Noor Qwfan

Noor’s journey with the Red Cross began with a conversation with Isabel Bravo, who encouraged her to get involved. Since then, Isabel has been a steadfast mentor, guiding Noor and many fellow Red Crossers along the way.

“Isabel is present with women in her community in a way that I strive to be. And I really wouldn’t be where I am with the Red Cross today if it wasn’t for her,” shared Noor.

Now, Noor hopes to inspire current and future volunteers just as Isabel inspired her. She has already begun by encouraging her own family to get involved—her brother, Mohamed has joined her in volunteering and has since become a Community Volunteer Leader.

The community that shaped Noor’s younger years is now at the heart of her mission with the Red Cross.

“How can I educate my community to be aware of these vital resources?”

Grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with an organization that empowers her to make a tangible difference, Noor is dedicated to bridging gaps and ensuring her community has access to essential resources. She leverages her deep community connections to amplify awareness of local needs and highlight the impactful work of the Red Cross across Kern County.

“Looking back as a child, knowing now the different things that I wish we had known about or had access to, I realize I’m now in a position to educate my community about those resources.”

Noor hopes her legacy will resonate within her cultural community, striving to make the Red Cross a household name among her mosque members and beyond—a trusted resource in times of crisis. Her mission is to foster lasting trust between the Red Cross and communities across Kern County.

“As women, it’s important we trust our voices and perspectives, by putting ourselves outside of our comfort zones, and putting ourselves in spaces where women weren’t before.”

Committed to making an even greater impact, Noor has joined the Red Cross Board of Directors for the Kern County and Eastern Sierra division. She aspires to strengthen the organization’s reach and ensure its mission reflects the true diversity of the communities it serves.

“It’s one of the things I love about the Red Cross—when there’s a disaster, we will take care of everyone. We don’t care about your background or documentation. We are a humanitarian organization, and we care about humans.”

Noor joined the Red Cross to drive meaningful change within her community, and she is just one the countless women across the world transforming their communities for the better.

“Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity—just get involved with the Red Cross.”

March is Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month. During this dual observance, we celebrate the stories of women whose unwavering dedication has touched lives and made a lasting impact over the past 140-plus years of our lifesaving mission.