By Taylor Poisall, Red Cross Communications Team
For Maricela Rodriguez Montelongo, joining the American Red Cross wasn’t just a career move, it was a calling.
Since stepping into her first role as a Disaster Program Specialist in 2023, Mari has quickly become a vital part of the Central California Region’s disaster response efforts. Now serving as the Regional Disaster Action Team (DAT) Manager, she leads with heart, purpose and a deep commitment to helping others.
“I was drawn to the humanitarian aspect of the Red Cross,” Mari shared. “We go out to assist anyone in need — being the shoulder they can cry on or lean on in a devastating circumstance.”
In her current role, Mari ensures that volunteers are trained and supported, facilitates virtual courses for new and aspiring volunteer leaders, and compiles weekly reports that summarize the region’s disaster response activities to inform her peers about the daily impact of the Disaster Action Team’s work. She also supports national-level calls, stepping in when an urgent resolution is needed. Her work is both strategic and deeply personal.
One of her most cherished memories is attending the annual Central Valley Heroes Awards, where community members are honored for lifechanging acts of service. “Being able to recognize those who have saved lives or made a difference in their community is so humbling and rewarding to see,” she said.
Mari’s impact is felt not just in the logistics of disaster response, but in the quiet, powerful moments of human connection. “I’ve spoken directly with home fire survivors who’ve lost their homes, their belongings and sometimes even loved ones,” she reflected. “Witnessing their shock and being able to transform that into a sense of relief when they see the Red Cross, it’s a humbling and powerful experience.”
Her dedication is deeply rooted in her upbringing and heritage. As the youngest of three sisters in a close-knit family of five, Mari was raised with strong values and a deep appreciation for education and culture. “My parents were incredibly supportive of what we were passionate about,” she described. “They made sure we had access to higher education, an opportunity they never had themselves.”
Her Hispanic heritage continues to shape her approach to service. “Going to Mexico and seeing strangers treat you like family falls hand in hand with how we treat our volunteers, staff, and those in need,” she explained. “We treat everyone with respect and open arms.”
Her parents instilled in Mari and her sisters the importance of learning the Spanish language properly for better opportunities, but also to remember their roots and the generations before them, ensuring they would carry them for their lifetime and pass them on to their future generations.
Mari believes that kindness is the most valuable legacy one can leave behind. “Wealth isn’t measured through financial streams. It’s created with the people you surround yourself with. Stay curious when meeting new people, you never truly know the story they carry.”
She’s especially passionate about encouraging Hispanic and Latino communities to prepare for disasters like home fires. “Language barriers can make people hesitant,” she noted. “But simply reassuring them that someone is always there to help can make a huge difference. Taking the time to build a plan and walk through real-life scenarios can boost confidence and save lives.”
Mari’s story is a testament to the power of compassion, culture and community. Through her work with the Red Cross, she continues to uplift others by one training, one conversation and one act of kindness at a time.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the generations of Latino Red Crossers who have turned compassion into action and service into tradition. Their stories remind us that when we give back, we build stronger communities and inspire the next generation to do the same.
Join the American Red Cross and help us create a more inclusive, compassionate and empowered future ─ one where every voice matters and every story is celebrated.
Get involved today at redcross.org and make a lasting impact in your community.
Red Cross Central California Blog 