What is the Field Ambassador Program?
The Field Ambassador program is a program during the school year for outstanding high school Red Cross volunteers who want to take their Red Cross volunteerism to the next level.
With only 1 Field Ambassador per region, these volunteers serve as liaisons between their local region and the National Youth Council, promoting monthly national initiatives and working closely with local chapters and clubs to develop youth programs tailored to their region’s needs.
The Field Ambassadors work as a cohort to plan social media campaigns, spread information about opportunities for Red Cross youth, and report to their National Youth Council member liaison with regional updates regarding youth volunteers.
What are the responsibilities of a Field Ambassador?
Purpose:
Field Ambassadors have a knowledge of local clubs and region-specific youth programs. They share information with the National Youth Council and to the field, promote national initiatives, and work closely with regional contacts to expand youth opportunities and involvement in the field.
Here’s what a few former Field Ambassadors have said about their experience with the program:
“It’s given me a lot of fun experiences, especially talking to other students and adults invested in the Red Cross. Before becoming a Field Ambassador, I had little contact with my chapter but now I have a more in-depth relationship. It feels good to know that I’ve left a mark on my chapter.” — Sujai Jaipalli
“It’s going well and I’m definitely more active than I was before. My past two years with the Red Cross have been isolated to just my club, but now I have a broader perspective and would like to continue through college. The program is quite advantageous.” — Megan Zachariah
“The program is really great. I get to see Red Cross come together in a national level and bigger perspective. Before that, my involvement was just local. Now I’m reaching out to not just my chapter, but all 10 chapters. I’ve been helping out with resources and connecting presidents.” — Amisha Chowdhury
Applications
Applications will OPEN for Field Ambassadors on September 5, 2023 and will become available on this page. Please scroll through this page to understand the application steps, timeline, and position responsibilities for this great leadership opportunity! Applications have CLOSED and will open up again in fall 2024.
**Click here to apply!**
Where can I learn more about the current & former Field Ambassadors?
Click here for the biographies of the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Field Ambassadors and to read about previous Field Ambassador projects.
Questions?
Contact the National Youth Council at [email protected].
- Applications open September 5, 2023
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline, September 25, 2023
- All applicants will be notified of their application by early October
- Field Communication of confirmed FY23 Field Ambassadors will be sent by mid October
- First FA meeting will be held on Sunday, October 15th at 8:00 PM EST**
**Please take the meeting day/time (2nd Sunday of each month at 8:00pm EST) into consideration as you apply as it will stay consistent for the duration of the year!
The goal of the partnership between Field Ambassadors and the National Youth Council is to engage and connect youth volunteers in the field, create a positive experience with the National Youth Council, recognize outstanding volunteers, understand the many different types of youth Red Cross leadership positions, take initiative to increase local youth involvement, and standardize the procedure for youth programs. Field Ambassadors are expected to:
- Maintain an active relationship with region; continue submitting volunteer hours under your regional position as well as Field Ambassador position.
- Complete and submit monthly reports with regional updates regarding youth programs and Red Cross Clubs
- Attend monthly conference calls with National Youth Council
- Attend monthly Field Ambassador conference calls
- Working in collaboration with the regional Youth Engagement Team, ensure that all regional Red Cross Clubs are active and registered in Volunteer Connection
- Maintain an updated contact list of Red Cross youth volunteer information
- Identify, plan and implement one project to build local youth programs with regional approval and support.
- Work together on selected group projects to increase coverage on national youth initiatives.
- Current high school student
- Registered in Volunteer Connection
- At least one (1) year of Red Cross volunteer experience
- Experience with Red Cross Clubs or volunteers in a role that supports youth engagement
- Resume Required
- 10 hours per month
- Monthly conference calls with representatives of the National Youth Council and other Field Ambassadors (2nd Sunday at 8:00pm EST).
- Filing monthly reports
- Supporting local Clubs, in partnership with local region
- Updating and receiving updates from your local region
- Project planning
- Promoting national initiatives
Upon acceptance, the National Youth Council will host an onboarding call for upcoming Field Ambassadors where they’ll learn how to properly engage with their chapter, how to report information, and how to serve as a liaison between the national and regional levels. Please note that all meetings afterward will be conducted on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 8:00pm EST. Meeting attendance is required to be a part of the program and crucial to the success of Field Ambassadors. Please keep this in mind as you are applying.
Reports to the National Youth Council. Field Ambassadors receive individualized support from the National Youth Council liaisons for regional activities and youth programs.
October 2023 – June 2024
- Learn and practice professional development skills such as leadership, project and time management, marketing, public speaking, business writing, networking, etc.
- Potential of having your project make an impact on regional and enterprise-wide youth engagement
- Connectivity to a network of youth and youth supporters
- Professional development workshops hosted by the National Youth Council, advisors, or guest speakers
- Receive individualized support from National Youth Council liaisons and Field Ambassador Leads based on the size and development of youth programs in your region
Vidhatri Iyer
![Vidhatri lyer, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/vidhatri.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Vidhatri Iyer is Freshman at University High School of Indiana and is the Field Ambassador for the Indiana Region. She started volunteering with the Red Cross when she was in Eighth grade. Currently she is an academic service intern for the Red Cross and focuses on volunteer recruitment for the Disaster Action Team. She is also a Blood Ambassador and has volunteered at local drives. As a Field Ambassador for the Indiana region, Vidhatri would like to work with the National Youth Council to create different initiatives and encourage more youth engagement in her region. She is the president and founder of the Emergency Preparedness Club at her school. She is currently serving as a Region 5 FEMA Youth Preparedness Council member. She would like to encourage more youth participation in emergency preparedness through local schools and homeless shelters. Vidhatri enjoys biking, swimming, reading, and baking.
Kenisha Nanda
![Kenisha Nanda, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/kenisha.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Kenisha Nanda is the Field Ambassador for the Eastern North Carolina Triangle Region. She is a junior at Green Level High School in Apex, North Carolina, where she first became involved with the Red Cross over the pandemic. Starting off as an online volunteer for the Youth Red Cross Club, Kenisha worked her way up the organization by creating the bi-weekly newsletters and becoming the Secretary for the club this year. She also held her first Sock Drive for Veterans in her neighborhood December of 2021, collecting 149 pairs of socks in all! Kenisha is quite active in the community, as she leads 2 service-based clubs at school and wants to get further involved within the Red Cross by becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador. She enjoys trainings, online events, and meetings with her Youth Red Cross clubs and is a creative, hardworking individual. Being a member of the Sunshine Committee of the Youth Red Cross Club, Kenisha truly feels that it is important for each person to feel welcomed and loved in a new environment. As a Field Ambassador, she is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this new team and cannot wait to take her work in the Red Cross a step further. She enjoys facilitating communication, collaborating with others, meeting new people, as well as working hard towards any goal she sets for herself. Outside of volunteering for the Red Cross, Kenisha enjoys cooking, traveling, working at the YMCA, playing guitar, dancing, taking leadership initiatives, going for walks and runs, and spending time with family and friends. She also handles her own small jewelry business, KN Designs, which she handles through social media and donates 20% of sales earned to a different non-profit organization each donation. At school, Kenisha leads the Volunteering Made Easy (VME) Club, as well as the UNICEF Club, both devoted to serving the community and is taking further initiatives to make her school an even more diverse and inclusive environment!
Mohammed Bari
![Mohammed Bari, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/mohammed.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Mohammed Bari is a senior at Amherst Central High School, and he represents the Western New York region. He began volunteering for the Red Cross during his sophomore year, working under the Fundraising initiative. He currently works under the Research Recruitment volunteer service. His work mainly comprises of remote data entry work, a direct homage to his personality of someone who likes helping behind the scenes. With the ambassador program, he hopes to increase volunteer involvement in the WNY region, as this is an area that could develop. His hobbies include rock climbing, basketball, and weightlifting.
Emily Wang
![Emily Wang, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/emily.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Emily Wang is a senior at Clear Creek High School and has been a youth volunteer with the American Red Cross for three years. Emily is the founder and president of the Clear Creek High School Red Cross Club, the first Red Cross Club in her school district. Emily is now serving her third term on the Texas Gulf Coast Region's Youth Service Council as its Vice Chair. Emily has also been heavily involved in the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Youth Action Campaign (YAC) program for two years and currently serves as the Texas Gulf Coast Region's lead coordinator. Additionally, Emily is a Preparedness Regional Program Lead and works to support various disaster programs in the region like Sound the Alarm and Be Red Cross Ready. Outside of these activities, Emily is dedicated to creating an inclusive community of volunteers with her work to grow diversity initiatives and connect clubs across the region. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, playing piano and listening to music.
Namitha Reddy
![Namitha Reddy, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/namitha.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Namitha Reddy is currently a Junior in Seattle Washington and serves as a Field Ambassador for the Northwest Region. She is part of the IB Diploma program and hopes to pursue a career in Medicine. Namitha began volunteering for the Red Cross almost a year an a half ago, by starting a Red Cross Club at her school. She is also part of the Regional Red Cross Council and write the Northwest Disaster Services Newsletter. In her free time she likes to go on bike rides, read, draw and play tennis! Namitha is looking forward to serving as your Field Ambassador this year!
Harnoor Riar
![Harnoor Riar, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/harnoor.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Harnoor Riar is a senior at George School and represents the Southeastern Pennsylvania region. She started volunteering with Red Cross her Sophomore summer and now serves as the founder and president of her schools Red Cross Club. She loves to volunteer as it gets her to engage with all ages. Harnoor loves Red Cross, and how it helped her connect with others, and hopes to create a small counsel of Red Cross presidents within Pennsylvania. She hopes to continue her passion with Red Cross as it changed her life.
Angelina Sun
![Angelina Sun, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/angelina.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Angelina Sun is a junior at North Farmington High School and serves as the Field Ambassador for the Michigan Region. She began her Red Cross journey by joining her local Red Cross Club, and from there serving as Secretary and Vice President, organizing various events like fundraisers and city council presentations. Although she hasn't been a part of the Red Cross for long, she is excited to be part of the Field Ambassadors, and hopes to ensure that more people can also participate in Red Cross activities. She also participates in BPA, HOSA, student government, and plays for the tennis team. In her spare time, she likes picking up hobbies and going out with friends. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in either medicine or business.
Hong Shui
![Hong Shui, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/hong.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Hong Shui is a senior at Yorba Linda High School in Yorba Linda, California, where she first became involved with the Red Cross as a freshman. Throughout her four years with the American Red Cross, she has served as Blood Drive Coordinator and IHL Lead Advocate of Yorba Linda High School’s Red Cross Club. In addition to being involved in her school, Hong has been a part of the OC Chapter’s Special Events and Volunteer Connection Committees and volunteered as a Blood Donor Ambassador and Youth Intake Volunteer in her region. As a Field Ambassador, Hong hopes to strengthen her intraregional connection and expand youth involvement within her region. She looks forward to working alongside other like-minded youth volunteers and giving back to her community through meaningful projects. Outside of volunteering, Hong enjoys spending time with her family and friends and playing music in her school’s band.
Anvesha Sharda
![Anvesha Sharda, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/anvesha.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Anvesha Sharda represents the Kansas-Oklahoma Region. She views the Red Cross as her connection to volunteerism in the community, making her feel like a part of a group that is taking action to help change the status quo. She is the president of her school's RC Club and that especially, has helped her realize that most people don't realize their potential to make change and craft the kind of impact they want to make. Being a part of that process, helping guide them, and making sure that they have the support they need, is something that Anvesha enjoys. When she attended the IHL-YAC crossover events this past summer, she was super excited to bring it to her school and give them a chance to go present their work in DC. Taking her RC leadership to the next level is not just a privilege for her, but it's also an opportunity to bring her community in the spotlight for the amazing work they've done.
Michelle Voicu
![Michelle Voicu, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/michelle.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Michelle Voicu is a senior at Saint Andrew's School and is serving as a Field Ambassador for the South Florida Region. Michelle has been volunteering for the Red Cross since her freshman year participating in events as both a participant and section leader for the National READYteens Program. Last year, she served on the SF Youth Executive Board as a Co-International Services and Services to the Armed Forces Officer conducting events like Holiday Mail For Heroes, an MM&R Vaccine Initiative, and starting International Humanitarian Law Courses on modern conflicts and refugee crises. As a Field Ambassador, she hopes to continue and grow this initiatives and implement engaging new ones as well! Outside the Red Cross, Michelle loves to cook, hang out with friends, and go to the beach! In the future, she hopes to carry the Red Cross's mission and pursue a career in social justice and equity and inclusion.
Riley Regan
![Riley Regan, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/riley.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
A senior at ‘Iolani School, Riley is co-president of the school’s Red Cross Club. Riley’s favorite part of the Red Cross mission is how it allows teens to make a positive impact in their communities. As a Field Ambassador, he aspires to increase youth engagement across the Hawaii region through communication and fun, signature projects that can be implemented across his island state. An Eagle Scout, he serves as Chief of his Order of the Arrow Chapter, and enjoys golfing, running cross country, and playing taiko.
Sabrina Kazi
![Sabrina Kazi, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/sabrina.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Sabrina is a senior in high school and the field ambassador of the Colorado Region. She became a part of the Red Cross in her sophomore year as she co-founded a Red Cross Club at her school. Sabrina enjoys being a part of the organization as leading the club allows her to meet various people and gain new opportunities. Through the work of the field ambassador, she would like to create a stronger base for youth in her region and further her mission with the Red Cross. When not volunteering, Sabrina enjoys competing, hanging out with friends, and playing badminton.
Aditi Jayanth
![Aditi Jayanth, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/aditi.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Aditi represents the Northern California Coastal Region. She is a junior at Homestead High School and is the president of the Red Cross Club. Last year, she was a youth advocate for International Humanitarian Law (IHL), as well as a part of her chapter's International Services Committee. This year, she looks forward to being a Field Ambassador and is proud to be volunteering at her local Veterans Hospital. Outside of the Red Cross, Aditi enjoys playing waterpolo and baking. She is most excited this year to help youth engage with the Red Cross by making events more accessible and hands-on.
Prisha Vithalani
![Prisha Vithalani, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/prisha.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Prisha Vithalani is a junior at Plano West Senior High School and the Field Ambassador for the North Texas Region. She first became involved with the Red Cross in middle school, founding the first middle school club in the region and successfully completing multiple school-wide projects. Over the past few years, Prisha has been actively involved in club leadership in her school, serving as founder and president, as well as within the Volunteer Intake Processing Center as a current Intake Lead. Additionally, she has been heavily involved in regional leadership: first serving as the Red Cross Club Officer on the North Texas Youth Council, later as the Line of Service Officer on the Youth Services Executive Board, and currently as the Vice President for the Youth Services Executive Board. During this time, she has been involved in developing initiatives and leading team projects across all Red Cross Lines of Service, including Missing Maps, IHL, Blood Drives, Tabling, and more. As Field Ambassador this year, she hopes to bolster youth engagement within her region and promote national initiatives within the region. Outside of Red Cross, Prisha actively competes in Speech and Debate, loves to read, travel, spend time with her friends, and try new food.
Jahnavi Palarapu
![Jahnavi Palarapu, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/jahnavi.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Jahnavi is a senior at Nashua High School South and is the current field ambassador for the Northern New England Region. She has been volunteering for the American Red Cross since her freshman year of highschool. She is currently Co-President and Co-Founder of the American Red Cross Club at her high school and serves as a Blood Donor Ambassador, Leaders Save Lives Participant, Monthly Newsletter Writer, and GDPC Teen Preparedness Toolkit Creator. Through these roles, Jahnavi has helped organize four blood drives, hosted a virtual hands-only CPR session, held a Chipotle fundraiser, made Blood Donor cards and holiday cards for veterans, and organized a gift drive for a local Veterans Hospital. Outside of the American Red Cross, Jahnavi likes to take lots of naps, bake banana bread, run, read, and binge watch Criminal Minds. As a Field Ambassador, Jahnavi hopes to expand exposure to available youth programs at both the local and national level and is excited to work with her other fellow leaders!
Raymond Ahmadi
![Raymond Ahmadi, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/raymond.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Raymond, a senior at Bethpage High School, serves as this year’s Field Ambassador for the Greater New York Region. His engagement with the Red Cross started during the summer before his freshman year when he founded his local club. As a co-founder of his club, a four termed Vice President, and Youth Action Campaign Advocate of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), he is excited to acquire new skills and advocate on a National scale. In the past three years, Raymond participated and organized several successful events, such as the first documented "Battle of the Bands" on Long Island where the main goal was to fundraise and support the American Red Cross's natural disaster effort. Raymond also facilitated and participated in "SAFE Halloween " (Halloween on the Field/Halloween in the Halls), a community event hosted by his local high school during halloween, where the club educated youth and their families on Red Cross safety skills. Outside of the American Red Cross activities, he is active in serving his community, through working as a server, engaging in other school club activities, and taking on leadership roles. Raymond's self care involves cooking different types of food, listening to new music, and spending time at the gym. Since joining the American Red Cross, Raymond grew as a person, spiritually, socially, academically, and emotionally.
Zachary Reid
![Zachary Reid, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/zachary.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Zachary represents the Greater Carolinas Region and has been a part of the Red Cross for about 4 years. Since he started High School, he had always wanted to help people in many ways. One weekend, he had a chance to help out at a Blood Drive in Fort Mill, which started his journey. He has also helped at a Leader Saves Lifes Blood drive, which sparked his drive and passion to help people in need.
Mandy Zhang
![Mandy Zhang, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Riddhi%20Bansal.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Mandy is a senior at Roy C. Ketcham High School and the Field Ambassador for the Eastern New York Region. Her Red Cross journey started after her village engulfed in flames and was determined to prevent another tragedy in her community. She is the Founder and President of her school's Red Cross Club and a Blood Donor Ambassador. She has led various projects such as Prepare with Pedro, where she taught 400 elementary students about fire safety and first-aid. She also lit the Mid-Hudson Bridge in red for Red Cross Giving Day, participated in IHL movie nights, Missing Maps, and hosted bake sales for Ukraine. This year, she is planning to host a puppet show to teach kids what to do during an emergency. As a field ambassador, Mandy hopes to create new projects for the national activity guide. Outside of the Red Cross, Mandy is the President of STEM Club, President of Math Team/Math Honor Society, and President of National Honor Society. She also enjoys coaching the Wappingers Junior High School Science Olympiad Team and teaching STEM to underserved students through her non-profit organization, Young STEMists.
Huda Memon
![Huda Memon, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/huda.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Huda is a senior at the Academy for Allied Health Sciences in Scotch Plains, New Jersey and first became involved with the Red Cross when she was a freshman. After experiencing the strong sense of community and realizing the potential of all she could do as a Red Cross member, she became more involved through the New Jersey Youth Council. She served as a Training Committee member and then Training Committee Lead, where she worked with volunteers all over the region to find and promote various trainings. After becoming secretary of the New Jersey Youth Council, she was able to continue making connections with volunteers from around the region and help new volunteers become more involved in NJYC and the Red Cross, as other officers once did for her. She hopes to continue to foster an open and welcoming environment for all youth Red Cross members so that all those eager to volunteer can have the opportunity to do so. She will continue to work with the Red Cross after she graduates high school, where she plans to pursue a pre-med track in college, go to medical school, and become a doctor that works in diverse communities and helps overcome cultural barriers.
Akaash Surendra
![Akaash Surendra, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Sanjana%20Velu.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Akaash Surendra is a high school senior at BASIS Chandler in Arizona. He represents the AZ/NM Region and has been involved with the Red Cross since his freshman year of high school. He has had the pleasure of working with amazing people across the Arizona/New Mexico region and is very excited to continue improving his community. Some of his hobbies include hiking, rewatching The Office, and playing soccer.
Tenica Zhou
![Tenica Zhou, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/tenica.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Tenica Zhou is a junior attending Mark Keppel High School in Alhambra, California. She is the field ambassador for the Los Angeles Region. Tenica’s Red Cross journey started as a sophomore general member at her school. During the summer of her sophomore year she got more involved with the Red Cross, participating in different events like Sound the Alarm, Ready Teens, and Blood Ambassador. Through these events, she was able to meet other youth volunteers and youth leaders. As a field ambassador, she hopes to increase youth involvement and create community events in her region. During her free time, Tenica likes to listen to music, watch American drama shows, and dance.
Maysoon Khan
![Maysoon Khan, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/maysoon.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Maysoon Khan is the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region's field ambassador. She is a sophomore at Briar Woods High School and the secretary of the Red Cross Club at her school. Maysoon took part in a variety of campaigns and activities last year, including Vaccinate A Village, Totes of Hope, and various donation drives. She intends to become a blood donor ambassador this year, as well as participate in the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Youth Action Campaign (YAC) Task Force. Maysoon is excited to broaden her ability to advocate for the Red Cross Initiative, meet other people who share her passion, and assist those around her by becoming a field ambassador for her region. You may also find her participating in many other activities such as the Minority Student Council, HOSA, and Speech/Forensics. Outside of school, Maysoon enjoys volunteering at her local library, playing numerous types of music on the guitar, painting, crocheting, and reading horror/thriller books.
Riya Rauniyar
![Riya Rauniyar, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/riya.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Riya is a senior at Rickards High School and is the Field Ambassador for the North Florida Region. She is the secretary of her school’s Red Cross club where she has volunteered for missing maps, holiday cards for heroes and more. She is also involved with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). She began her Red Cross journey her freshman year. Outside of Red Cross, Riya also enjoys advocating for mental health and healthy lifestyle, dancing and contributing to her community. As a field ambassador, she hopes to bring in more engagement and incentives for the youths in her region.
Harnoor Riar
![Harnoor Riar, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/harnoor.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Harnoor is a senior at the George School and represents the Southeastern Pennsylvania Region. Her involvement with the Red Cross started her sophomore year as a blood donor ambassador. Harnoor loved this role and realized that she wanted to further her envelopment. In eleventh grade Harnoor became the founder and president of her schools Red Cross club. Harnoor loves Red Cross is because it allows her to meet new people. Harnoor's goal is to spread engagement throughout her region, and to continue giving back to an organization that has made her who she is today.
Joshua Kwon
![Joshua Kwon, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/joshua.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Josh is a senior at Union High School and represents the Cascades Region. His involvement with the Red Cross began in eighth grade and he is currently the President of his high school's Red Cross club where he led various events including the Sound the Alarm initiative and multiple blood drives. He deepened his commitment with the Red Cross by serving as the Secretary of the Southwest Washington Youth Council and chair of the board of representatives for the Cascade Board of Directors. He is excited to work alongside other Field Ambassadors to increase opportunities for youth volunteers across the Cascades Region. In his free time, Josh loves to watch movies, listening to music, swimming, and playing the clarinet.
Madison Modlin
Madison, a senior at Olympia High School in Orlando, Florida, is the Field Ambassador for the Central Florida region. She has been involved with her school’s Red Cross Club for three years and took over as President her senior year. Madison has been fascinated with Red Cross’ mission since she dressed up as Clara Barton in elementary school, and she enjoys spreading the word about IHL and showing appreciation for our veterans. As President, she coordinated her school’s first Disaster Preparedness Donation Drive and plans to lead her club in advocating for IHL, writing cards for veterans, fundraising for Vaccinate a Village, and creating the second edition of her school’s Taste of Diversity cookbook. Outside of her involvement with the Red Cross, Madison loves to read, organizes volunteer events through Key Club, competes in Science Olympiad, plays softball, and designs the yearbook as the lead editor of photography. As a Field Ambassador, she hopes to encourage more collaboration between youth in the Central Florida region and help keep the spirit of volunteerism alive in her community.
Chuer Yang
![Chuer Yang, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/chuer.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Chuer is a senior at Mira Loma High School and represents the California Gold Country Region. Her involvement with the Red Cross began in her freshman year and she now serves as President of her high school’s Red Cross club. She joined the Gold Country Region’s Youth Executive Board in her sophomore year and is excited to serve as the chair this year! Her goal as a Field Ambassador is to cultivate a Red Cross youth community within her region to support youth volunteers in their different volunteer efforts and to create opportunities for them to take their volunteerism to the next level. In her free time, Chuer enjoys rowing, playing the flute, and visiting art galleries.
Rachel Berger
![Rachel Berger, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/rachel.png.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.png)
Rachel, a senior at Whitney Young High School in Chicago, serves as the Illinois Region Field Ambassador. She is the founder and president of the Red Cross Club at her school. She is certified in First Aid, CPR and AED-BL through the Red Cross, and among other initiatives, is helping her chapter members get their certifications. Rachel hopes that as a Field Ambassador she will engage members in her region and work with other Field Ambassadors throughout the country. Rachel is also the founder and communications director of a non-profit organization that delivers meals to in-need seniors. She also loves to dance and dances for two prestigious pre-professional dance teams.
Ana Sadler
![Ana Sadler, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Ana%20Sadler.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Ana represents the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Region. She is a senior at Briar Woods High School and is the President of the Red Cross Club. Last year, she was the Youth Administrative Board Representative and participated as a youth advocate and lead of the Outreach Specialization Group in her region's International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Youth Action Campaign (YAC) Task Force. This year, she is a Coordinator for an IHL YAC task force. Ana also volunteers as a Biomed Greeter for the ADVANCE Study located in D.C.. Outside of volunteering with the Red Cross, Ana sits on the National Panel as a Conference Representative for the Girls Academy Soccer League and she is the Vice President of the Shanti Bhavan Northern Virginia Chapter.
Andrew Dong
![Andrew Dong, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Andrew%20Dong.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Andrew is a sophomore attending Iowa City West High School. He is the founder and president of the school's Red Cross Club, a Blood Donor Ambassador, and Disaster Action Team Associate. His favorite part about the Red Cross mission is how it allows for youth in high school to make a large impact in their community. As a Field Ambassador, he hopes to organize events that teach CPR for free to local youth. Outside of the Red Cross, Andrew runs varsity cross country and loves volunteering at his local retirement community, where he has received the President's Volunteer Service Award Gold.
Bella Kim
![Bella Kim, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Bella%20Kim.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Bella is a senior at Arnold O. Beckman High School and is the current Field Ambassador for the Southern California Region. She serves as the President of her school’s Red Cross club and as the Fundraising Committee Lead of the Youth Advisory Council in her region. She has participated in the summer Leadership Development Camp, staffed for the virtual Growing Leaders Of the World (GLOW Red) Camp, and been a part of the Orange County Chapter’s Volunteer Connection and Fundraising Committee. As the Field Ambassador, Bella aspires to promote an environment for all youth to unite and champion the American Red Cross mission as well as emphasize the importance of diversity.
Cassandra Leo
![Cassandra Leo, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Cassandra%20Leo.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Cassandra, a junior at Quarry Lane High School, is the Field Ambassador for the Northern California Coastal Region. She began her Red Cross journey during her freshmen year, first serving as a Blood Donor Ambassador and Workforce Engagement Onboarding Team Member. Throughout her three years, she founded her school's club chapter and now oversees other Red Cross Clubs in the region as the Club Liaison Coordinator for the East Bay Youth Executive Board. She hopes that as a Field Ambassador, she is able to connect her region to engaging initiatives. Outside of the Red Cross, she runs her own photography business and is training to become a lifeguard.
Clara Yu
![Clara Yu, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Clara%20Yu.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Clara is a junior at the Union County Academy for Allied Health Sciences and is the Field Ambassador for the New Jersey Region. She currently serves as the Vice President of the UCVTS Red Cross club, where she plans blood drives, preparedness events, and fundraisers. She is also an active contributor of the youth International Humanitarian Law (IHL) initiative and the Prepare with Pedro program. Clara is the Club Relations Committee Central Jersey Chapter Lead of the Youth Council, where she writes and edits the monthly newsletter. Outside of Red Cross, Clara enjoys competitive swimming, playing the cello, watching Netflix, listening to music, and hanging out with friends.
Hans Bach-Nguyen
![Hans Bach-Nguyen, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Hans%20Bach-Nguyen.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Hans (he/him/his) is a senior at Adolfo Camarillo High School in Ventura County. Hans’s involvement with Red Cross began his sophomore year when he joined the Red Cross Club. Inspired to lead, he became the club’s president his junior year and led projects such as Sound the Alarm and organizing blood drives. Through impactful initiatives, he grew the club to be the largest club at his school and the most active Red Cross club in Central California. This year, he is serving his second term as co-president of his Red Cross club and Ventura County’s co-coordinator of youth. His main goal is to improve youth engagement across his region through available communication. Outside of Red Cross, you can find Hans enjoys composting, hikes, and digital design.
Katherine Son
![Katherine Son, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Katherine%20Son.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Katherine is a senior at West Career & Technical Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is currently president of the WCTA Red Cross Club and has been involved with the club since her freshman year. She deepened her relationship with Red Cross when she re-founded the club during the 2020-2021 school year. Katherine’s focus is to increase awareness of local and global current events and provide a fun and rewarding volunteering experience to other high schools. She is also involved in many other service clubs and projects such as HOSA, Key Club, and National Honors Society. Katherine hopes to create a lifelong connection with Red Cross and continue to help others after high school.
Katie Clark
![Katie Clark, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Katie%20Clark.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Katie is a junior at Columbia River High School in Vancouver, Washington and serves as the Field Ambassador for the Cascades Region. She is in the International Baccalaureate Program. Interested in volunteer work, public health, and the biomedical field, Katie began volunteering with the Red Cross her freshman year to learn more about blood donation. She currently serves as president of the Southwest Washington Youth Council, chair of the board of representatives for the Cascade Board of Directors, and member of the Cascades Youth Executive Board. During her term, she hopes to bolster local youth engagement by making more events accessible to clubs in the region. In her free time, Katie enjoys swimming, playing piano, and painting.
Katie Nakai
![Katie Nakai, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Katie%20Nakai.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Katie is a sophomore at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School and is the Field Ambassador for the Massachusetts Region. Katie started her journey as a Blood Donor Ambassador the summer before her freshman year. In her freshman year, Katie created a global platform for high school students interested in medicine. She shared her volunteer experiences with over 2,000 students and helped many start volunteering with the Red Cross. During her sophomore year, she became a member of the Massachusetts screening team, helping prospective volunteers. Katie is excited to work with others who are passionate about the Red Cross and looks forward to expanding youth engagement.
Maia Campbell
![Maia Campbell, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Maia%20Campbell.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Maia’s first experience with the Red Cross was in September of 2018. Hurricane Florence had viciously struck the North Carolina coast and many people were displaced and being sheltered to inland NC cities like Charlotte. As she saw her parents volunteer all weekend at the Red Cross temporary shelter at a local high school, collecting donations, delivering supplies, and checking in on evacuees, she remembered asking, “What could the kids do to help?” Since that summer, a fire lit beneath her and a passion for community activism, youth leadership, and volunteerism was ignited.
Melissa Lee
![Melissa Lee, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Melissa%20Lee.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Melissa is a senior at Davis Senior High School and represents the California Gold Country Region. Her involvement with the Red Cross began in her sophomore year and she now serves as the President of her high school's Red Cross Club. Additionally, she is the chair of the Gold Country Region's Youth Executive Board. Melissa enjoys connecting with people from all walks of life to volunteer for a greater cause. Her goal as a Field Ambassador is to increase access to and quality of opportunities in the Gold Country Region. During her free time, Melissa enjoys figure skating, playing badminton, watching Netflix, and spending time with her golden retriever.
Nicole Tsaroukian
![Nicole Tsaroukian, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Nicole%20Tsaroukian.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Nicole is a junior at Clark Magnet High School and serves as the Field Ambassador for the Los Angeles Region. She began volunteering for the Red Cross her freshman year and now serves as the Graphics lead for her high school’s Red Cross Club. She also participated in the READYTeens summer preparedness program as well as the Leadership Development Virtual Conference. Nicole hopes to collaborate with her fellow Field Ambassadors to create successful projects and build lasting connections. She is excited to work alongside other passionate volunteers to increase youth involvement and cannot wait to leave her mark in the Red Cross community. Outside of volunteering, Nicole enjoys watching films/making movies, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Niya Patel
![Niya Patel, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Niya%20Patel.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Niya is a senior at Hawken High school and represents the Northern Ohio Region. She began volunteering for the Red Cross after the summer of her sophomore year as a Youth Blood Donor Ambassador. She founded her school's Red Cross Club the following year, and raised money to make first aid kits for a local Women's Shelter. Niya hopes to create more youth volunteer opportunities in her region. Her favorite aspect of volunteering is being able to meet new people and work with others to help the community stay safe and healthy. In her free time, Niya likes to bake, dance, and play soccer.
Olivia Lombardo
![Olivia Lombardo, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Olivia%20Lombardo.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Olivia is a senior at Minisink Valley High School in Orange County, New York. She is beyond honored and excited to serve as the Field Ambassador for the Eastern New York Region. Olivia has been volunteering in various nursing units at a local medical center as well as shadows a medical professional in her prospective field. She wishes to inspire youth engagement region-wide, initiate valuable service projects, and develop meaningful relationships with the incredible Red Cross volunteers in the area. In the future, she hopes to continue her involvement with the American Red Cross as she pursues her medical career.
Owen Zhang
![Owen Zhang, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Owen%20Zhang.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Owen is a senior at Bellaire High School in Houston, Texas. He currently serves as the TGCR Youth Service Council Executive Chair, where he plans and coordinates youth projects and events for the region, including blood drives, STA campaigns, disaster preparedness trainings (RedCrossReady), youth socials, diversity calls, and fundraising events. Additionally, he serves as the region's IHL Lead Coordinator. His favorite events are Sound the Alarm campaigns and Missing Map-A-Thons, which he has trained hundreds of Red Cross volunteers on. Owen has received the President's Volunteer Service Gold Award, Points of Light Inspiration National Honoree, the TGCR International Service Award, as well as the Most Exceptional Youth Volunteer Award for his ARC work. In his free time, he loves to play volleyball.
Patrick Bednarz
![Patrick Bednarz, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Patrick%20Bednarz.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Patrick, a senior at BASIS Goodyear High School in Goodyear, Arizona, is the Field Ambassador for the Arizona and New Mexico Region. Patrick first became involved with the Red Cross in 2019 when he joined his school’s IHL Youth Action Campaign team. Since then, he has served as both a IHL YAC regional coordinator and a lead advocate in his region. As part of the IHL YAC Campaign program, Patrick attended the IHL YAC summits in 2020 and 2021. Outside of volunteering with the Red Cross, Patrick swims competitively for the YMCA Westside Silver Fins, serves as a commissioner on the City of Goodyear’s Youth Commission, and is President of his school’s Pre-Med club. As a Field Ambassador, Patrick hopes to extend his volunteerism with the Red Cross outside of the IHL YAC program to have an impact on other areas of need.
Rebecca Stephenson
![Rebecca Stephenson, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Rebecca%20Stephenson.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Rebecca is a junior at Inglemoor High School and is the current Field Ambassador for the Northwest Region. She has been involved with the Red Cross for two years, serving as the Red Cross Club President at her school for the 2021-22 school year. Rebecca has successfully led projects with broad participation, like Holiday Mail for Heroes. She hopes to grow participation and youth engagement, and looks forward to being more involved with the Red Cross and its mission. Outside of her involvement with the Red Cross, Rebecca enjoys writing, listening to music, and being a HOSA club officer at her school. In the future, Rebecca hopes to pursue a career in medicine.
Riddhi Bansal
![Riddhi Bansal, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Riddhi%20Bansal.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Riddhi is a current junior at East Lyme High School and serves as the Field Ambassador for the Connecticut/Rhode Island Region. She began volunteering with the Red Cross as a freshman. Throughout her time at the Red Cross, she has served as a Coordinator for the IHL Youth Action Campaign. Outside of the Red Cross, she’s involved in HOSA, Model UN, and Women in Stem. She is also a varsity tennis player and a dancer. Additionally, she has EMT training and volunteers in hospitals to become a medical doctor one day. As a Field Ambassador, she hopes to engage more youth in her region, educate youth on Red Cross topics, and positively impact the community!
Saima Hoque
![Saima Hoque, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Saima%20Hoque.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Saima is a senior at Deer Park High School and the Field Ambassador for the Greater New York Region. She is the Red Cross club president and an International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Youth Action Campaign Advocate. In the past three years, she has participated in and organized several successful events, such as Vaccinate-a-Village and the annual Deer Park Red Cross Scavenger Hunt. Outside of Red Cross, she is actively involved in her community; she serves as the president of five clubs and continually draws inspiration from the Red Cross volunteer spirit. You can always find Saima whipping up a new recipe in the kitchen or immersing herself in a good book.
Sanjana Velu
![Sanjana Velu, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Sanjana%20Velu.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Sanjana, a junior at William Mason High School, serves as the Central and Southern Ohio Region Field Ambassador. Her involvement with ARC began two years ago as a freshman when she founded a Red Cross Club at her high school. She currently serves as Co-President of the Club and leader of Central and Southern Ohio region's youth council. Within her roles, she has helped organize projects such as food drives, a newsletters, Measles and Rubella fundraisers, Preparedness Fairs, Totes of Hope for homeless veterans, Blood Donor cards, blood donation campaigns, and many more. In her free time, Sanjana enjoys reading, running, and baking. As Field Ambassador, Sanjana hopes to increase youth membership and involvement in the Central and Southern Ohio Region.
Sanjeev Varma
![Sanjeev Varma, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Sanjeev%20Varma.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Sanjeev, a student at C. Leon King High School is the current Field Ambassador for the Central Florida region. He started his Red Cross involvement summer of 2021 and has been an active participant in the weekly Be Red Cross Ready presentations. From there, he took his volunteerism to the next level by serving as the Central Florida Region’s Field Ambassador and his club’s Treasurer. Sanjeev enjoys bringing together ideas of many volunteers in order to foster an active environment of Red Cross participation and enjoyment. Through his position as Field Ambassador, Sanjeev hopes to work together with others to have a successful year.
Srijan Oduru
![Srijan Oduru, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Srijan%20Oduru.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Srijan is a senior at Green Hope High School and is the Field Ambassador for the Eastern North Carolina Region. He began volunteering as a Blood Donor Ambassador in middle school and is now a Regional Committee Member and a volunteer in his school’s Red Cross Club. Srijan enjoys connecting with other volunteers, whether they be teenagers or senior citizens. As a Field Ambassador, he is especially excited to work in concert with the National Youth Council to promote national initiatives, and to collaborate with the regional Board of Directors and Youth Engagement Team to support regional youth volunteer clubs. Srijan is highly interested in biology, loves listening to music, plays the harmonium, and can be frequently found playing basketball.
Vybhavi Kotireddy
![Vybhavi Kotireddy, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Vybhavi%20Kotireddy.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Vybhavi, a senior at Alpharetta High School, is the Field Ambassador for the Georgia Region. She volunteered at her first blood drive during the summer of her freshman year and enjoyed the positive interactions and impactful service, which inspired her to begin her Red Cross journey. Since then, she serves as a Volunteer Recruitment Team member and has initiated the launch of the Georgia Youth Advisory Council, which she now leads with a team. She also serves as the Vice President of her high school club, in which she has organized Disaster Preparedness Fundraisers, Card projects, kit drives, and more. Vybhavi hopes to continue encouraging youth involvement and facilitate greater communication across clubs. She is excited to work with many other leaders and make lasting relationships.
Yuvraj Bhallar
![Yuvraj Bhallar, Field Ambassador for the American Red Cross.](/https/www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/red-cross-youth/opportunities/2021-2022-field-ambassadors/Youth%2021-22%20FA%20Yuvraj%20Bhallar.JPG.transform/1288/q70/feature/image.jpeg)
Yuvraj began his Red Cross Journey in 2019. Since then, he has worked on numerous regional and national projects in Volunteer Services, Information Technology, Disaster Cycle Services, Biomedical Services, International Services and Finance. It is a true joy for him to serve in so many capacities and to make a difference. He possesses great interpersonal skills and is a team player. When Yuvraj is not volunteering for the Red Cross, he enjoys reading, playing basketball, swimming, and golfing. He is ecstatic to be working with other Field Ambassadors and with the National Youth Council.
Hamid Torabzadeh
The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region READYteens Program is a region-wide initiative designed for Youth and Young Adults, with a mission of educating high school and college students in the areas of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Youth have the opportunity to gain extensive, real-world experience to become leaders in community preparedness, safety and public health. After becoming Field Ambassador, Hamid wanted to do more with READYteens, and truly incorporate meaningful disaster preparedness work into the LA Youth Program. Since taking on this project alongside Youth Advisor and NYC Advisor Anna Giang, AmeriCorps Youth Coordinator Matthew Martinez, and his fellow youth volunteers, he has expanded the program into four main components.
The READYteens Program facilitates three main training programs including the Summer Program, Bootcamp, and Club Academy, which is currently in development, providing opportunities for Red Cross Youth Volunteers to lead presentations and community work, engage with READYteens content and curriculum, and prepare their own communities. In fact, Hamid is expecting around 150 participants for his virtual summer program which will be held from July 1 – July 29 in Summer 2021. The READYteens Program also now coordinates the LA Region Disaster Preparedness Workforce, which consists of Disaster Preparedness Officers (DPOs), E-Board Officers, and other Youth Volunteers around the region. The workforce engages with leading the READYteens training programs, Homes Made Safer Campaign (Sound the Alarm), and related community engagement. READYteens is committed to providing youth volunteers the opportunity to gain leadership experience, enhance their personal and professional expertise, and be actively involved and productive in serving as volunteers for the Red Cross – Hamid says that “it has been [his] honor to expand this outstanding program regionwide.”
Larry Huang
With the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been difficult to communicate and connect with others, so Larry wanted to put together a virtual LDC with the help of the SWWA Youth Council in order to bring everyone together across the entire Cascades and not just SW Washington. Larry helped conduct service activities during this LDC like putting together the region’s first-ever regional MAPathon or holding a disaster relief care-kit drive where participants can drop off materials at their school while social distancing. This benefited the region as it not only taught valuable leadership skills like public speaking, but also skills regarding disaster preparedness. This event also further introduced the different service branches of the American Red Cross and allowed volunteers to be more involved in IHL YAC since it was determined that the International Services branch was among the weaker points of the region. This event also allowed for more connection and networking opportunities due to how the team drew out the event over a few days with group chats and team building activities to further inforce friendships and opportunities for further collaboration.
Jessica Lin
Jessica is the Field Ambassador from the Texas Gulf Coast Region and her project was planning a Youth Recognition Ceremony. During their annual Leadership Development Conference in June, she will recognize the youth for their hard work throughout the year and give them a tier to show off. Additionally, the event will feature a video from other volunteers and employees showing their appreciation toward the youth for their dedication to the Red Cross.
Carolyn Lin
Carolyn is the Field Ambassador for the Southern California Region! Throughout this fiscal year, she has worked with her region to develop a regional initiative called Clubs Consortium Calls (CCCs). These are quarterly calls open to all Red Cross Club members on Zoom. Members join to hear about national initiatives, regional updates, and engage in discussion with Clubs across the region! She hosted the calls 3 times this year, for an hour each time. Initiatives and updates discussed in each meeting, including but not limited to:
IHL Campaign, NYIM, Blood Services Volunteering, Graduation Cords, Navin Narayan Scholarship, Logging Hours/Demographic Information, Black History Month, Youth Diversity Pledge, Navin Narayan College Scholarship, FEMA National Youth Preparedness Council, MIRCM History & Activities, 18+ Volunteer Opportunities, National Volunteer Week events, World Immunization Week, Vaccinate a Village fundraising campaigns, and Sound the Alarm activities! These virtual calls were extraordinarily successful, gaining over 215+ members! She’s looking forward to seeing how these calls will progress in the future!
Allyson Kang
Allyson is the Field Ambassador for the Gold Country Region. This past year, she has set up her region’s Youth Advisory Council and led the projects they have been working on. Gold Country’s youth engagement leaders strived to set up a long term support and engagement system for youth in their region. To do this, Allyson created a welcome call program with scripts for volunteers and set up an outreach system for our region’s high schools. Additionally, she planned a region-wide missing mapathon and the region’s first virtual Leadership Development Camp utilizing advice from many volunteers across the nation. Allyson is excited to see what her region can accomplish in the coming years!
Nikhil Reuben
For his Field Ambassador project, Nikhil created a section in the Nebraska-Iowa regional newsletter for youth and Clubs in my region. In the youth section of the newsletter, he posted volunteer/engagement opportunities for youth volunteers throughout the region, such as upcoming blood drives, Club events, virtual activities, national youth initiatives, or specific requests/messages from Clubs or volunteers within the region. He also posted youth spotlights to highlight the efforts of volunteers or Clubs within his region; the newsletter was somewhat similar to the YouthWire newsletter, but more specific to the Nebraska-Iowa region. The purpose of establishing a youth section of the Nebraska-Iowa newsletter was to help youth volunteers and Clubs throughout the Nebraska-Iowa region become more connected and engaged with Red Cross youth activities and initiatives. The newsletter would provide youth in his region with easy access to all regional youth updates and upcoming youth engagement opportunities. To make this newsletter accessible to youth throughout the region, Nikhil shared it through the youth volunteer group in Volunteer Connection by emailing it to the volunteers, as well as posting it in the group using the Groupshare features on Volunteer Connection. Nikhil’s goal for his youth newsletter was to help youth volunteers and Clubs throughout the Nebraska-Iowa region become more connected, as they would be able to easily see all of the regional youth updates, and would be able to use the newsletter to communicate more easily with other volunteers and Club leaders throughout the region. By accessing the newsletter through Volunteer Connection, this project was also implemented to help youth volunteers use Volunteer Connection more actively and explore more volunteering opportunities on Volunteer Connection.
Justin Chan
As a Field Ambassador, Justin strived to connect passionate Red Cross youth volunteers in the Central and Southern Ohio region to implement more volunteer opportunities and activities. By working with his region, Justin helped lead multiple Youth Council Projects. The Youth Council conducted a food drive competition between the Red Cross Clubs in the region and collected over 200 food items for a local food bank. The Youth Council also started the first ever newsletter in the region. The first edition highlighted all accomplishments from all the Red Cross Clubs throughout the school year. To successfully reach his goals, Justin took inspiration from previous Field Ambassadors and observed the existing youth councils in other regions. Justin’s project provided an opportunity for youth volunteers in his region to be a part of a passionate group of Red Cross volunteers. The Central and Southern Ohio Youth Council hopes to do more projects over the summer and into next school year.
Katherine Li
Katherine’s project focused on getting the high school Red Cross Clubs in her region more connected with each other! She knows this virtual year has made running Red Cross Clubs different and difficult to handle, so she thought being able to connect with local Red Cross Clubs gives Club leaders another resource they can reach out to for any questions or ideas.
She worked with her Youth Engagement Lead, Aparna Kachoria, to create a “Networking Guide” that offered advice and information on how to utilize Red Cross contacts (information on zoom meeting topics, how to maintain contact with each other, how to collaborate with each other, etc). All high school Red Cross Clubs in MA were grouped into small areas depending on their location and an email was sent out to each of these subgroups with information on their nearby Clubs and the Networking Guide attached. This project gave her a lot more insight on how widespread the Red Cross is in my state and allowed her to get more familiar with the Clubs in her area!
Hansika Gaddamanugu
Hansika’s goal in her project was to create more collaboration between all of the schools in the Central Florida region, and discuss events they could do collaboratively. Initially the plan was to host a seminar, however due to the chaotic nature of COVID-19 and exam schedules, it ended up being an emailed powerpoint that served more as a tool. By distributing the presentation via email, club leaders have been provided with a new helpful resource that they can continue to access and were able to direct any questions regarding it towards Hansika. Hansika found it very interesting to look into actions other regions have taken to work together within a virtual setting as her region is newer. Further, Hansika took advantage of the resources and connections facilitated by the National Youth Council. She believes that this project opened not only her eyes but her entire region’s eyes on the many things we can do to be more connected!
Sujay Rao
Sujay is the Field Ambassador from the Georgia Region for 2020-2021. This year, they held their region’s first region-wide Missing Maps campaign. This campaign aimed to increase awareness of the Missing Maps project in Georgia and to expand online volunteering on the platform. As Field Ambassador, he led the campaign which they called “Missing Maps Week ”, that took place at the beginning of April. The campaign was structured as a competition between Red Cross clubs around the state, with club members acting as teams to map the most buildings. Prizes were offered to the clubs who mapped the most. To drive the campaign, he hosted three region-wide Missing Maps Mapathons: one for club leaders to prepare them to host Mapathons at their own clubs, and two which were open to all volunteers in the region.
By the end of the campaign, several clubs had hosted their first ever Mapathons at their schools, and had even planned future events. Also, more volunteers in the region have learned of this incredible new way to volunteer and help communities around the world. In addition, through regionwide Mapathons, clubs made deeper connections with one another, promoting teamwork among youth volunteers in the region. Looking forward, they have provided activity guides for the “Missing Maps Week” campaign that can be used by future Field Ambassadors to ensure that this amazing event is an annual project that will continue to grow volunteering on Missing Maps in Georgia!
Natasha Banga
The North Texas Region lacked a well-defined program for recognizing outstanding youth volunteers, something that Natasha sought to change by introducing a comprehensive Youth and Young Adult Recognition and Appreciation Program. This Program consists of several components including monthly volunteer spotlights, initiatives to log and recognize worked hours, an Annual Awards ceremony, and monthly birthday and anniversary recognition. A majority of the project goals were executed successfully. She says she truly enjoyed her experience in leading this initiative and gained a multitude of valuable skills. For example, she set up a Recognition and Appreciation Team within her Region to carry out anniversary birthday recognition calls and text messages, in addition to planning for the Youth and Young Adult Recognition Ceremony. This experience gave me an opportunity to apply my leadership skills and also communicate and interact with other dedicated, passionate youth volunteers across North Texas. She says she was truly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve in the position of Field Ambassador and implement this initiative.
Sanjana Vadrevu
Being the Field Ambassador of Michigan, Sanjana realized that her region needed motivation during these testing times. So, she came up with the idea of The Articles of Feat. There are many amazing active and involved volunteers that do incredible things for the Red Cross everyday but she would always love to see more involvement as it was starting to decline. So, she wanted to highlight the efforts made by volunteers by making articles that displayed the great efforts, achievements, and experiences of volunteers. This would allow such stories to be highlighted but also inspire others to do the same or even more. She also thought it would be important to recognize efforts made during difficult times. In the beginning it was difficult for her to gather people to join hands for this project but slowly they started trickling in. She remembers her first meeting having about 5 people but now they have 20 or more people regularly. She worked with many eager volunteers from different high schools and it was exciting for her to see where they were coming from and their stories.
Cecilia Wang
Within Cissy’s Field Ambassador term, she was able to immediately connect with youth volunteers in my region, and one of the most frequent questions that she received was how youth could get involved in the American Red Cross beyond their high school club experience. There are so many amazing youth volunteers in the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region who Cissy knew were ready to take initiative in pursuing new opportunities and positions within the organization so long as they had the resources and contacts to do so. From her interactions with these stellar volunteers, she was inspired to create a guide for volunteers to reference, including timelines, contacts, descriptions, recommendations, and other relevant information in opportunities such as the IHL YAC, Regional Youth Advisory Board, Blood Donor Ambassador, National Youth Council, and more. She compiled contact information and all the opportunities beyond Club that my region had to offer and reached out to a team of leaders in charge of town halls within the region’s chapters to set up dates to present and spread the word. She also hopes for her guide to support the region’s Executive Youth Advisory Board in creating more extensive guides in the years to come. She’s beyond excited to see how her Field Ambassador project will encourage NC&GCR youth volunteers to explore new ways to be involved and make impacts within the American Red Cross even after their high school Club experiences.
Arthi Venkatakrishnan
Witnessing the success of our statewide youth diversity pledge, Arthi thought to myself: why stop there? Hence, she coordinated with my regional contacts to further promote the Red Cross’s inspiring diversity and inclusion mission. Together, they developed the idea for “Speaking Red Cross,” an event that would celebrate the diversity of language skills within our volunteers and connect them with relevant opportunities in disaster recovery casework. They built upon the earlier themes of inclusion from the youth diversity pledge while fulfilling the needs for updated Volunteer Connection profiles as part of the “Tell Us More About You” initiative. Although seemingly minor, the information on a volunteer’s profile plays a major role in recruiting volunteers of certain skill sets and gauging demographics. Thanks to the joint efforts of our region and national resources, they were able to host the event at the end of April with 30+ participants. Just as they didn’t stop with the youth diversity pledge, they aren’t stopping; they plan to continue working on different parts of the Volunteer Connection profile and potentially expanding the “Speaking Red Cross” initiative nationwide.
Meghana Bhupati
As a youth of the Eastern NY Region, Meghana had no idea that they had Red Cross clubs until she became a Field Ambassador. In the past, she had volunteered as a CPC speaker separate from the club system. She thought that connecting these clubs and encouraging them to collaborate would strengthen our region’s youth presence and allow for exciting new ideas to sprout – so that’s what she did. She created monthly presidential summits for my region’s Red Cross clubs to receive regional and national updates, fundraising tips, event guides, and more! Over the past few months, clubs have hosted trainings, fire safety presentations, and bracelet fundraisers. Due to meeting with each other, many new projects have been planned such as Map-a-thons and field trips. They have a strong start for next school year and we can’t wait to see what they do next!