By Joe Gutierrez, American Red Cross volunteer

Ananya Kshirsagar is quick to point out that what initially attracted her to become an American Red Cross volunteer: Clara Barton, a humanitarian and nurse during the Civil War, who founded the American Red Cross.

“I was inspired by how she helped soldiers regardless of which side they were on,” said Ananya, who is a senior at San Marco High School. “That mission of helping people regardless of background, identity, or circumstance really aligns with my own values and the way I believe service should be approached.”

Ananya, who volunteers for the American Red Cross San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter, first got involved with the non-profit at the start of her sophomore year of high school when she was accepted into Red Cross youth leadership camp, GLOW (Growing Leaders of the World) Red.

“I remember being so excited when I was accepted because I truly didn’t think I had a chance,” she said. “That experience introduced me to the Red Cross community and the impact volunteers can have, and it inspired me to stay involved.”

That commitment led to her being named the March 2026 Volunteer of the Month for the Southern California Region.

She was recognized for her outstanding dedication and service across multiple Red Cross mission areas, including Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) and Youth Engagement, an International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Youth Action Campaign Advocate, a former GLOW Red Youth Staff member, Youth Council Chair and is an active Red Cross Club member at San Marcos High School.

According to the announcement, Ananya’s “willingness to assist across multiple lines of service highlights her flexibility and passion for humanitarian work. Whether supporting youth initiatives or contributing to SAF efforts, Ananya consistently shows up ready to make a difference and uplift those around her.”

She believes she is a good fit for the Red Cross because of her passion for service and community engagement. Outside of the Red Cross, she is president of her school’s Bring Change to Mind club, which focuses on mental health advocacy and she also serves on the organization’s National Teen Advisory Board. In addition, she is a Feeding San Diego Ambassador.

“These experiences have helped me develop leadership, collaboration and a deep commitment to serving others,” she said.

Along with her listed activities, Ananya is also involved in many Red Cross volunteer events such as Sound the Alarm smoke alarm installation events, Service Saturdays, holiday caroling and more.

“My role often involves helping organize events, encouraging youth engagement and supporting community service projects,” she said.

Ananya’s motivation to stay involved “is seeing the real impact volunteers can make in people’s lives,” she said. “Whether it’s installing smoke alarms, organizing community service projects, or simply showing up to help others, every experience reminds me that even small actions can make a big difference.”

The Red Cross moment when she knew she was volunteering with the right organization came while participating in Sound the Alarm, going door-to-door in mobile home communities and installing smoke alarms.

“It was such a hands-on experience. I loved being able to directly help families stay safer in their homes,” Ananya said. “Seeing the gratitude on people’s faces made the work incredibly rewarding.”

She also appreciated how supportive the adult volunteers were. “They treated youth volunteers with respect and encouraged us to do our best. That moment really reinforced that I was volunteering with the right organization.”

She added that the best part of volunteering with the Red Cross is the community.

“You’re surrounded by incredibly passionate and talented people who all care deeply about helping others,” Ananya said. “Being part of that environment constantly motivates me and inspires me to keep giving back.”

Her message to her fellow Red Cross volunteers would be that the work they do truly matters.

“So many of the programs and services the Red Cross provides wouldn’t be possible without volunteers,” she said. “Your dedication has a real impact on communities.”

And as for potential Red Cross volunteers, she would tell them that there is no better feeling than helping someone else.

“The Red Cross is an incredible place,” Ananya said. “Not only do you make a difference in your community, but you also become part of a supportive network of people who share the same passion for service.”