by Quinn Aftab

Every individual grows up in a different community–the Red Cross, as a global organization, encompasses so many stories from these divergent backgrounds. Being able to give back to their communities and make an impact is a great gift for volunteers. That’s why so many youth have resonated with the American Red Cross to serve as members of the Youth Executive Board (YEB), like Connor Siu, Yesha Sacatani, and Monisha Raju from North Bay and Heart of the Valley Chapters (NBC/HOV).  The variety of ways in which these youth volunteers have been influenced by their communities is what inspires their distinctive journey:

“I originally joined the Red Cross’ Leadership Development Camp over the summer on a whim” shared Connor Siu, president of NBC/HOV Chapter’s YEB.

“It was my first camp back since the pandemic, and I found myself clicking more with the Red Cross after this.” The Leadership Development Camp was a magnet for Connor–not only did he learn leadership skills, but he also picked up many valuable life lessons. “Often, I had to jump out of my comfort zone–being in the wilderness with 150 other strangers for three full nights and four full days. It was quite the introduction, and we learned so much about the Red Cross as a whole,” Connor recalls.

A key moment in Connor’s journey with the Red Cross was when he realized that the organization does “more than just blood drives.” After diving into more areas of volunteering with the Red Cross, he learned about the mission’s involvement in disaster services, humanitarian aid and relief for everyone across the country and around the globe–Connor was more than happy to contribute to these efforts. Inspired by learning this, Connor applied for his region’s Youth Executive Board. As an aspiring doctor, Connor has learned a lot about blood services through school, but the Red Cross helped him learn so much more about this field just by paying attention to people’s stories. Sometimes, treating people transcends symptoms on a chart. Sometimes, treating people means understanding the experiences they hold closest to their hearts. Connor’s goal is to strengthen the integrity and purpose of the Red Cross’s volunteering efforts and is grateful to have found that through YEB.

Yesha Sacatani, a youth volunteer managing the NBC/HOV Youth Executive Board’s disaster services, joined her high school’s Red Cross Club in year. As she is also pursuing the medical field, she shares a similar outlook on the organization as Connor. “I thought that the Red Cross was mainly blood drives. But when you go deeper and beyond that surface– when I became a secondary officer [for my Red Cross Club] and had experience with public relations–I got to see more about it. The Red Cross is really going out of their way to help people.” Yesha reflects on the fact that the volunteers who contribute to the organization’s mission have devoted their lives to helping people in need not only locally, but also around the world. Yesha reflects, “Volunteering for the Red Cross mission is a privilege not just because of the work, but because of the people I’ve met. It is really hands-on and every volunteer is dedicated.”

Being interested in pediatrics, it is notable to mention that Yesha enjoys being around volunteers of all ages. “Contributing your life to save someone else is huge in my family” Yesha explains, drawing lines towards her Filipino heritage. “It is really important that my values align with the things I am doing. Having a family that grew up in the Philippines, they did not have much opportunity and suffered from many disasters.” Her family’s values continue to inspire her work and her purpose. From childhood memories such as giving food to homeless people, Yesha has grown to give back on a larger scale thanks to the opportunities that the Red Cross provides her.

Monisha Raju is a high school Red Cross volunteer on the NB/HOV Chapter’s YEB as the Club Liaison Coordinator. Originally joining the Red Cross Club at her school because one of her friends was an officer, support was her objective. An impressive 250 club members are involved at her school–she claims that “Thanks to the club officers, everyone feels like we belong; actually, the events that we conducted and beautiful memories we sparked together formed my interest in the club. I want to be a surgeon, and the Red Cross has the Red Cross has helped me serve people and make an impact in our community.”

The Red Cross has taught Monisha the value of leadership in diverse ways. “Each position has its own requirements. Some value instructions, some value support more. Certain positions have taught me the value of trust as well.” As for Monisha’s background, she relates to Connor and Yesha in that she also has a very competitive school environment. Additionally, being first-generation, her parents were both born in India. She states: “Gratitude is huge in my family and because of this, you need to do things out of love. Sometimes you will not get anything back, but you will strengthen that love. Sometimes you are not rewarded, but that love is more than rewarding.”

We are grateful for Connor, Yesha and Monisha’s dedication to our mission and how they are engaging their peers to give back in the community!