Volunteers like Sabeeka Vadakkan make a difference every day. By taking on a multiple of duty officer shifts every month, she ensures people get help when they need it most. Her commitment to answering the call—day or night—reflects the heart of the Red Cross mission. (Photo courtesy of Sabeeca Vadakkan).
Ray Orecchio/American Red Cross
Born in India and raised in California, Sabeeca Vadakkan found purpose and growth through the American Red Cross. After earning a biology degree from UCLA and working as a microbiologist, she realized she wanted a more direct impact on people’s lives. That calling led her to join the Red Cross in 2023 as part of the Disaster Action Team in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valley Chapter, where she quickly stepped into a coordinator role, helping new volunteers gain confidence and learn the work.
“It’s enjoyable to see people grow and bloom,” Sabeeca said. “Through my work with the Red Cross, I’ve built so many skills—leadership skills, interpersonal skills, tech skills. Stuff that’s immeasurably valuable to me.”
In September 2024, she began medical school at UC San Diego. Despite a demanding schedule, she stayed connected to the Red Cross by moving into a disaster duty officer role, where she reviews requests for assistance, confirms details with local authorities, and deploys teams when needed. “Disasters can happen any day,” she said. “Knowing how to respond feels important.”
In April 2025, she took on a new challenge as the interim duty officer coordinator for the Metro Los Angeles region. Working virtually from San Diego, she supports trainees, strengthens the duty officer program, and collaborates closely with disaster program staff. The mentorship aspect is what she values most. “The training takes three to six months,” she said. “When calls come in, trainees shadow the process. I really enjoy guiding people through it.”
One moment that stays with her came during a July Fourth weekend response, when a family in Pomona lost their home in a fire that displaced eight people. “It was a beautiful home, a generational home,” she said. Her team provided blankets, supplies, and guidance during the first hours after the disaster. As she prepared to leave, the family’s grandmother handed her a small potted succulent. She still cares for the plant today.
As she prepares for more intensive years of medical school, she hopes to return to Red Cross service once she becomes an attending physician. She encourages others to get involved because “there’s a role for everyone,” and the community is flexible and supportive. “If anyone is interested, try it,” she said. “All the while, you’re doing something super meaningful.”
Add more meaning to your life and become a Red Cross volunteer today. Visit redcross.org/volunteer.
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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