Nicole Maul knows she is not the person most people expect to see leading efforts to expand Spanish-language media outreach. As someone who does not identify as Hispanic, she could have stayed focused on traditional communications channels. Instead, she chose to listen, learn and use her position to help ensure Hispanic communities are seen, heard and served.

For Nicole, this work is personal.

She says people of Hispanic heritage have shaped her life at every stage. Friends, mentors and colleagues welcomed her into their homes, supported her growth and helped shape the person she is today. Those experiences created a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to give back through her work.

That commitment became even clearer during moments when Spanish speakers approached the Red Cross seeking help and she could not communicate with them directly. Nicole remembers feeling the urgency of those interactions and the frustration of not being able to provide meaningful support herself. Rather than accept those limitations, she looked for ways to strengthen the organization's ability to reach communities in their preferred language.

Today, that commitment extends beyond her professional responsibilities. Nicole is currently learning Spanish, reflecting both her respect for Hispanic communities and her belief that growth begins with a willingness to learn from others. As her understanding of the language continues to grow, so does her appreciation for the diversity, nuance and cultural richness it reflects.

Over the years, Nicole has become one of the strongest champions of Spanish-language communications and AVANZA, a program that helps develop confident and effective Spanish-speaking Red Cross spokespersons. Through the program, she has helped train more than 60 Spanish-speaking spokespersons, strengthening the organization's ability to connect with communities and media outlets in culturally relevant ways. She believes culturally relevant communications are not optional. They are essential to fulfilling the Red Cross mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering. For Nicole, expanding language access is more than a communications strategy. It is a way to help ensure every person has an opportunity to receive critical information and connect with Red Cross services when they need them most.

What stands out most about Nicole's approach is her humility. She does not claim expertise in Hispanic culture simply because she has worked alongside Hispanic colleagues. Instead, she speaks openly about the diversity that exists across Hispanic and Latino communities and the importance of understanding differences in experiences, traditions and language. She has developed a deep appreciation for the care and thought that go into choosing the right words, especially when communicating across regions and cultures.

Her advocacy has also helped strengthen relationships with Spanish-language media outlets. Nicole has worked to ensure the Red Cross can provide timely, relevant and culturally appropriate information in Spanish, particularly during disasters and emergencies. Today, the Red Cross has stronger tools, processes and partnerships in place to provide Spanish-language resources quickly and consistently, helping critical information reach families when they need it most.

Colleagues who have worked with Nicole know that her support goes beyond strategy and programs. She consistently creates opportunities for Hispanic voices to lead conversations, represent their communities and share the Red Cross story through their own experiences. She sees her role not as speaking for others, but as helping remove barriers so others can be heard.

When asked what advice she would give to fellow allies, her answer is simple: show up for others and elevate their voices. She believes there is always more to learn and that cultural competence grows when people are willing to listen, challenge their assumptions and embrace perspectives different from their own.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the rich cultures, contributions and impact of Hispanic communities, while also recognizing the allies who help create space for those voices to be heard. Nicole's story reminds us that allyship is not about having all the answers. It is about choosing to listen, invest in others and use our influence to create opportunities. Through her actions, Nicole has helped ensure more communities can access the information and support they need, demonstrating that some of the most meaningful forms of leadership begin with listening.