In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Rigo Aguilera's story reflects the impact of cultural connection, showing how shared experiences can help build understanding, trust and stronger communities. (Photo by Eddie Zamora/American Red Cross).
Angie van Lingen/American Red Cross
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the American Red Cross is proud to highlight volunteer Rigo Aguilera and his contributions to the Red Cross mission. Through his bilingual skills and medical training, Aguilera helps connect Spanish-speaking individuals and families with critical resources, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service, compassion and leadership.
Aguilera’s path to the Red Cross has been anything but ordinary. A former heavy metal musician and missionary, Aguilera became involved with Red Cross work throughout Latin America while serving as a medical interpreter. Those experiences introduced him to people from around the world united by a common goal: helping others.
Originally from San Tangancícuaro, Mexico, Aguilera earned a degree in electromechanics before making his home on California's Central Coast.
One of Aguilera’s most memorable experiences came during the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Using his Spanish-language skills, Aguilera was assisting a couple impacted by the disaster when he discovered the woman was from Jacona de Plancarte, a town neighboring his own hometown in Mexico. The shared connection immediately put her at ease as they reflected on the region they both knew so well. The experience reinforced for Aguilera how his background could help build trust and provide comfort to people facing some of their most difficult moments.
Beyond his cultural background and medical training, Aguilera believes in treating every person with dignity and compassion. He encourages people of all backgrounds to get involved, stay connected to their communities and support those in need.
Aguilera continues to serve with the same spirit of generosity and enthusiasm. For him, volunteering with the Red Cross is not only about helping others during disasters but also about building meaningful connections and finding joy through service.
"If I'm not having fun, I don't want to do it," Aguilera said, a mantra that reflects the positive outlook he brings to both his life and his volunteer service.
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 or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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