Mia Payne/American Red Cross

November is Youth Involvement Month, a time to celebrate the young people who strengthen the American Red Cross through their leadership, service and commitment to helping others. Across the Los Angeles Region, youth volunteers are developing new skills, building lasting connections and discovering the many ways they can make a meaningful impact in their communities. One of those volunteers is Abby Gallardo, who joined the Red Cross Leadership Development Camp (LDC) team hoping to step outside her comfort zone and discover her leadership potential.

One challenge she faced early on was her shyness. Gallardo wanted to build a strong connection with her assigned mentor, Ava Tasharoffi, but opening up to new people did not come easily. As Gallardo and Tasharoffi spent more time together, that began to change. Tasharoffi created an environment where Gallardo felt comfortable being herself, and the pair bonded over shared interests. Their relationship grew stronger with each conversation, establishing a foundation of trust and support.

Tasharoffi describes the LDC Mentor-Mentee Program as a “family tree that keeps on growing,” with many mentees returning the following year to serve as mentors themselves. Throughout the program, campers, known as delegates, build meaningful connections while learning about various opportunities that exist for youth volunteers in the Red Cross. As Gallardo expanded her network through the camp experience, Tasharoffi was always there to guide her and offer support.
 

Throughout the program, Tasharoffi and Gallardo were able to exchange valuable skills and lessons that ultimately enriched their leadership development. For instance, Gallardo taught Tasharoffi how to build personal connections with individuals in large groups and the greater impact those connections can have. In turn, Tasharoffi modeled and taught Gallardo how to become a confident leader who embraces new opportunities and new beginnings.

The lessons and perspectives that Gallardo gained from Tasharoffi were put into action when Gallardo was tasked with leading the “Post-Graduate Paths” segment. In this session, Gallardo presented to a large group of delegates the many paths and opportunities to consider after graduation. The opportunity to lead and inspire change within a group is something that Gallardo had admired about Tasharoffi, and watching Gallardo to do that independently gave Tasharoffi a strong sense of fulfillment.

The following year, the LDC family tree branched out a little further, as Gallardo decided to return to serve as a mentor after the enriching experience she had with Tasharoffi. Each mentor-mentee pair experience is unique, but the relationship is grounded in its commitment to personal growth, impact and deep connections to the Red Cross mission as the team learns, grows and overcomes challenges alongside one another.

Interested in joining the next generation of Red Cross leaders? Visit the Leadership Development Camp page for 2027 program updates and application information as it becomes available.

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.