By: Francis Huezo and Jessica Wurst
When Jaime Reyes arrived in the United States from Chile three years ago, he brought decades of experience as a computer engineer and IT project manager. He also brought a desire to contribute to his new community.
“When I moved from Chile to the United States in 2023, I wanted to become part of my new community, improve my English and use my professional experience to help others,” he said. “Volunteering was also a way to give back to the country that welcomed my family and me. The Red Cross gave me that opportunity, and I found a new purpose in community service.”
Reyes began volunteering with the American Red Cross Diverse Community Investment Program, where he supported his local chapter while building confidence and connections in his new home.
His dedication and skills quickly stood out to those around him. Recognizing his potential, the Red Cross offered him an AmeriCorps position, providing another opportunity to serve communities across California.
“During my AmeriCorps service, I supported disaster preparedness, community outreach and disaster recovery activities. I delivered preparedness presentations, participated in community events and supported recovery efforts in Altadena and Pasadena following the wildfires,” he said.
Jaime Reyes and his wife, Mayelin Fernández
After completing his AmeriCorps service, Reyes continued his work with the Red Cross as a Temporary Disaster Employee. Drawing on his background in information technology and project management, he helped develop digital tools that streamlined processes and improved efficiency for Red Cross teams.
One of those innovations was the Community Engagement and Partnerships (CEP) Tracker, a tool now used by the California Gold Country Region disaster team to manage community partner information and strengthen collaboration with local organizations.
“Previously, community partner information was managed through Excel spreadsheets, which presented challenges. Now, the CEP tool allows the Red Cross team to spend less time managing spreadsheets and more time building and strengthening relationships with community organizations, which directly supports the mission.”
Along the way, Reyes found more than opportunities to serve. He found a community.
Through the Red Cross, Reyes and his wife, Mayelin, met fellow volunteer MariaIsabel Mandujano and her husband, Rubén Ramírez. United by a shared commitment to service, culture and sustainability, the families formed a lasting friendship.
Inspired by their volunteer experiences, they later founded Casa de la Cultura Herencia Viva, an organization that celebrates cultural heritage and strengthens Latino families through education, culture, digital skills and community development.
“For me, this project is a beautiful example of how community service, teamwork and a shared vision can grow into something that creates more opportunities for others,” Reyes said.
Today, Reyes, Mandujano and their loved ones continue to serve with the Red Cross and are grateful that the organization connected them with one another and community partners.
“For me, community service is not just another responsibility. It is something I truly enjoy, and seeing the positive impact on other families keeps me motivated.”
What began as a desire to give back in a new country has grown into a network of friendships, professional opportunities and community initiatives that continue to support others. Through each step of that journey, service has remained at the center of Reyes’ work and purpose.
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