Margarita Moreno: Building Trust, One Connection at a Time 

Written by Mason Hodges, Communications Volunteer You don’t need a disaster to see the impact of the Red Cross. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation at a community table. Sometimes, it’s a smoke alarm installed in a quiet home. And sometimes, it’s someone like Margarita Moreno, a Red Crosser whose presence alone keeps the beat … Continue reading Margarita Moreno: Building Trust, One Connection at a Time 

From Guerrero to California: Jesús Sotelo’s Quiet Revolution of Service

By Alvaro Martinez and Mason Hodges, Communications Volunteers Click here to read this story in Spanish When disaster strikes, Jesús Sotelo doesn’t hesitate — he acts. Born in Acapulco, Guerrero, México, Jesús grew up in a community where music, faith and service were deeply woven into everyday life. In the 1980s, he and a group … Continue reading From Guerrero to California: Jesús Sotelo’s Quiet Revolution of Service

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

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

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

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 … Continue reading Honoring Heritage, Humanity and the Impact of Kindness

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 … Continue reading The Sky is the Limit for Leticia Leon

Marcos Osorio is Building a Legacy of Service

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and cultural heritage of Hispanic and Latino Americans. We could not deliver the Red Cross mission without our many Hispanic staff, volunteers and donors. Among our dedicated Red Crossers is Marcos Osorio, a volunteer on our Communications and Latino Engagement Teams. Here … Continue reading Marcos Osorio is Building a Legacy of Service

Meet Janessa, a Champion of Preparedness and Community

This month, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the many Red Cross volunteers who give their time and talent to our mission. Volunteers like Janessa Paez, who are driven with passion to serve others. Janessa is on a mission to promote preparedness education and is committed to building a safer and more resilient community for … Continue reading Meet Janessa, a Champion of Preparedness and Community

Siana-Lea Gildard on Embracing her Heritage and Advocating for Others

Siana's dedication to inclusivity, preparedness and community service represents the Red Cross's mission to alleviate suffering and create a more compassionate world. Her story serves as an inspiration to all, emphasizing the importance of embracing heritage and fostering diversity in our shared humanitarian efforts.

Diana Manzo-Prado is Bridging Communities Together for a More Resilient Future

This month, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the many Red Crossers who give their time and talent to our mission. Employees like Diana Manzo-Prado are driven with passion to serve their community. Diana recently sat down with us to share about her culture, what it means to her and how it has impacted her work with the Red Cross.