September 14, 2023. Los Angeles, CA. Diana Boyd, director of Service to the Armed Forces and International Services for the Los Angeles Region photographed at the Los Angeles Region Q1 Workforce meeting at the American Red Cross Los Angeles Mark S. Taper headquarters. Photo by Mimi Teller/American Red Cross.
National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 in the U.S. is a time for unity and appreciation of the diverse contributions and cultural heritage of Hispanic and Latino Americans. By acknowledging achievements and values, this celebration reinforces the idea that diversity strengthens the nation and fosters a more inclusive society. This month Red Cross LA celebrates the contributions of four local Latinos.
By Kennedy Benjamin/American Red Cross
Diana Boyd’s 11-year Red Cross journey began in 2012 when she took a class to become a certified lifeguard. For eight years following, Boyd worked in biomedical services where she eventually became a senior account manager.
Today, Boyd is director of the Los Angeles Region’s Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) and International Services (IS) lines of service. Boyd and her SAF workforce help members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service, and as part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, the IS team helps reconnect families separated by crises and educate future humanitarians.
When it comes to helping Hispanic families, Boyd feels her heritage helps to provide an extra layer of comfort and understanding to those who need it. Boyd says that with her parent’s South American culture at home and the rich Hispanic culture that comes from being an LA native, she was always around the richness of a Spanish speaking collective.
“I’m definitely proud of the work we do for our community and I’m so proud of my roots here,” said Boyd. “I love being able to serve and give back to the community I grew up in.”
This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month aimed to highlight power, progress and prosperity throughout the Hispanic community, of which, Boyd says she’s drawn to the theme of progress.
“Within Hispanic backgrounds, there’s so much intersection and so many different people that have made so many different impacts to lead the path for others,” said Boyd.
The reach of the Red Cross mission relies on our Hispanic workforce and donors to provide support and hope in a manner that feels safe and trustworthy. Boyd’s dedication is an example of how compassion and commitment to community is instrumental to the success of our humanitarian mission.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA.
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