De Guerrero a California: La Revolución Silenciosa del Servicio de Jesús Sotelo

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Por Alvaro Martinez y Mason Hodges, Voluntarios de Comunicaciones Cuando ocurre un desastre, Jesús Sotelo no lo duda: actúa. Nacido en Acapulco, Guerrero, México, Jesús creció en una comunidad donde la música, la fe y el servicio estaban profundamente entrelazados en la vida cotidiana. En los años 80, él y un grupo de amigos formaron … Continue reading De Guerrero a California: La Revolución Silenciosa del Servicio de Jesús Sotelo

Lessons Learned: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

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By Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer Maria Stevens believes that through adversity, we build strength. Her journey began long before she joined the American Red Cross as a Community Disaster Program Manager in 2023. At just 8 years old, Maria and her family moved from their comfortable home in Mexico to Downey, California, as political refugees. … Continue reading Lessons Learned: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Honoring Heritage, Humanity and the Impact of Kindness

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By Taylor Poisall, Red Cross Communications Team For Mari 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 … Continue reading Honoring Heritage, Humanity and the Impact of Kindness

A Volunteer’s Lifelong Commitment to Preparedness

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From nuclear power to neighborhood safety, Jude Fledderman has spent his life preparing communities before emergencies strike By Mason Hodges, Red Cross Communications Volunteer From operating utilities at a nuclear power plant to teaching engineering at Cal Poly, Jude Fledderman has worn many hats in his lifetime, but it’s his passion for service and his … Continue reading A Volunteer’s Lifelong Commitment to Preparedness

Max’s Mission: Leading with Heart and Purpose 

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By Mason Hodges, Red Cross Communications Volunteer At Oak Park High School, senior Max Beatty is known not just for his academic excellence, but also for his unwavering commitment to service. As president of his school’s Red Cross Youth Club, he has spent the past three years turning compassion into action. His leadership and dedication … Continue reading Max’s Mission: Leading with Heart and Purpose 

A Red Crosser’s Reflection on the Creek Fire

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By Kaytlin Crough, American Red Cross Disaster Leader My name is Kaytlin Crough, and I currently serve as the Senior Community Disaster Program Manager for the Central California Region of the American Red Cross. It’s an honor to reflect on a moment in our shared history that changed the way many of us view disaster … Continue reading A Red Crosser’s Reflection on the Creek Fire

Celebrating Young Leaders: Annika’s Journey with the Red Cross

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By Cynthia Rodriguez, Communications Volunteer Bold. That is how one could describe the ambitious, driven and altruistic Annika Garcia. Annika comes from humble beginnings as a first-generation Latina, and often visited her mom at work. Her mom’s work in the medical field introduced Annika to the American Red Cross. On one of her visits to … Continue reading Celebrating Young Leaders: Annika’s Journey with the Red Cross

Community First: How the Red Cross Community Adaptation Program is Building Resilience in Tulare County

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By Jake Dean, Red Cross Communications Volunteer When climate disasters strike, they often do so unevenly. Tulare County, California, is on the front lines of the climate crisis, which is testing the community’s limits. From record-breaking heatwaves to food insecurity and aging infrastructure, the stakes are high. But through the American Red Cross Community Adaptation … Continue reading Community First: How the Red Cross Community Adaptation Program is Building Resilience in Tulare County

Meet Our 2025 Clara Barton Leadership Honoree: Julie Doyle

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“Once somebody is helped by the Red Cross, they never forget it. They’ll never forget how the Red Cross came in and helped them, and it’s around the country, it’s around the world—the Red Cross is out there making a difference everywhere, every day.”Julie Doyle By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Named after the … Continue reading Meet Our 2025 Clara Barton Leadership Honoree: Julie Doyle

Debby Dailey Awarded the 2025 Florence Nightingale Medal

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On International Nurses Day, Debby Dailey received the Florence Nightingale Medal for exceptional nursing service and dedication. With over 40 years at the Red Cross, she has responded to numerous disasters, mentored future healthcare professionals, and advocated for inclusivity. Her humanitarian efforts have significantly impacted communities and inspired countless individuals.