By Lori Baker, Communications Volunteer

Becca Havens jumped into the Red Cross family of volunteers headfirst, full of energy and enthusiasm.

“In my time working for the Red Cross and in working with new volunteers, no-one has poured themselves into helping others like Becca has,” said Denny Preisser, Red Cross Volunteer Recruit Representative, who nominated Becca for the New Mexico Chapter’s Rookie of the Year Award along with Mark Gordon, Northwest New Mexico Disaster Program Specialist.

Becca, who lives in Aztec and owns a spray tan business, was recognized for her outstanding volunteer work along with five other Red Cross volunteers during an awards celebration on May 31.

“I am very proud of Rebecca’s can-do attitude and am grateful to have her on the team. She is a warm, friendly, compassionate person, and her selflessness shows every time she responds to clients,” Mark said.

“Regardless of the fact that she has been a volunteer for only a few short months. She has taken on more roles in this short time than most volunteers do over a longer period of time,” he added.

After Becca joined the Red Cross team in Farmington, New Mexico in October 2024, she quickly trained for and responded to six calls as a member of the Disaster Action Team (DAT) and was soon promoted to DAT Supervisor. She recently completed training to become a Disaster Duty Officer.

She also stepped up to train and take the lead for Prepare with Pedro presentations in schools.   Prepare with Pedro is a Red Cross preparedness education program for grades K-2 to teach kids how to be prepared and take action for either home fires or a local hazard.

“I believe wholeheartedly that preparing our youth for disasters is key to saving lives,” Becca said.

Having spent time in emergency services as a 911 operator, Becca wanted to pursue volunteer work that would allow her to serve her community during times of crisis.

“I’ve always felt a pull towards service to others,” Becca said. “I knew that I wanted to pursue something that would allow me to serve my community, specifically during times of crisis. I was watching the news on TV when a person walked across the frame wearing a Red Cross Vest. I asked myself, ‘Why aren’t I doing that?’ I felt compelled at that moment to sign up immediately.”

If you’re interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer, go to redcross.org for more information.