(Photos courtesy of Dana Kim).
By Dana Kim/American Red Cross
Dana Kim wasn’t sure what to expect when she first joined the American Red Cross youth club in high school. She didn’t know much about the organization and felt nervous walking into her first youth meeting. But the moment she arrived, everything changed.
“The [Red Cross Youth] executive board greeted me so warmly,” Dana said. “They made me feel seen and welcomed right away. It was inspiring to watch people my age leading events and serving with such purpose.”
That first experience sparked a lasting commitment. Over the years, Dana has served as Communications Officer, Club Liaison and now President of her Red Cross youth club. Her leadership journey has been shaped by the same kindness she received as a freshman, and by the unwavering support of her Youth Advisors.
“They’ve been there through every stage,” Dana said. “They celebrated my growth and helped me through challenges, like when I felt overwhelmed running the Red Cross International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Youth Action Campaign.”
One of Dana’s proudest moments came during that campaign. Recognizing that transportation barriers kept some students from attending in-person events, she created a 10-minute educational video on IHL and distributed it to more than 60 Red Cross clubs across Southern California, reaching over 1,200 students.
“What made me proud wasn’t just the scale, it was what it represented,” she said. “Leadership isn’t about who can show up to a room; it’s about making sure everyone has a seat at the table.”
Dana’s Red Cross experience has shaped how she sees herself as a leader. “Volunteering taught me that leadership is rooted in empathy—meeting people where they are,” she said. “I don’t see my role as President as one of authority. It’s an opportunity to help people grow and feel valued.”
One unforgettable experience was attending the IHL Youth Action Campaign Summit in Washington, D.C., where Dana participated in a simulation called Strike with Distinction. The activity mirrored the complexity of real-world conflict, challenging participants to balance military objectives with humanitarian principles.
“That moment made IHL feel real to me,” Dana said. “It showed me that compassion and responsibility must guide every action, even under pressure.”
Dana encourages other students to get involved. “Don’t be afraid to stand out,” she said. “The Red Cross gives youth a voice and the freedom to make a difference in their own way.”
Beyond titles and projects, Dana says the Red Cross has felt like a second family. “We’ve celebrated successes, handled challenges and built a genuine sense of trust and friendship,” she said. “It’s a place where I belong, grow and know I’m part of something much bigger than myself.”
Looking ahead, Dana plans to pursue a career in medicine, carrying the Red Cross mission with her. “The Red Cross taught me that empathy and compassion aren’t soft skills—they’re essential,” she said. “It helped me understand who I want to be: someone who serves, listens and makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
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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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