By Joe Gutierrez, Red Cross volunteer

Ashima Kuriakose, a senior at Rancho Cucamonga High School, doesn’t hesitate to share what inspired her to become an American Red Cross volunteer.

“It was this sense of community that the Red Cross has both with peers, volunteers and workers, but also with the people that the organization supports,” said Ashima, who will graduate in 2027.

But what attracted her even more was the willingness of Red Cross volunteers and staff to build relationships with those individuals in need of support.

“I think having the dedication to get to know and go out of your way to aid someone in any way possible, even if you don’t know them well or might never see them again, is an incredible show of community and commitment, and that drew me to Red Cross,” she said. “There’s such a tight-knit bond between everyone involved.”

Ashima is the Red Cross Youth Action Council Outreach Lead for both San Bernardino and Riverside counties, putting her and her co-chair in charge of organizing and planning events for youth across the two counties and ensuring they are properly supported.

Ashima’s dedication and leadership earned her the title of San Bernardino County Volunteer of the Month for 2026.

The nomination stated that “in her role she has worked diligently to expand outreach efforts, build strong partnerships with schools and community organizations and ensure that youth voices are actively integrated into our (Red Cross) programs.”

The nomination added that Ashima’s “work has filled a critical need for deeper, more consistent youth engagement, ultimately enhancing our department’s ability to connect with and serve the community,”

Ashima believes her adaptability has made her a good fit for the Red Cross.

“Over time, I’ve met a lot of different types of people, and I’ve had to learn how to communicate and work with them in a way that is the best for both of us,” she said. “I’ve been able to apply that skill not just to communication, but also to the work that I do.”

For Ashima, seeing the hard work by Red Cross volunteers and staff keeps her motivated to stay involved.

“I recently went to an awards event and I heard a lot of different stories of people’s amazing work, the time and resources they put in, and how many people their efforts helped, and that really gave me a new perspective on the work that we do, which pushed me to embody that same sense of dedication,” she said.

Ashima’s Red Cross moment came at a Sound the Alarm event.

The people they were helping spoke many different languages so it was difficult to communicate with them, Ashima said. But the Red Cross volunteers were helped by others who translated to ensure everyone received the same information regardless of language or culture.

“That really stood out for me,” she said. "The Red Cross is such an accessible and inclusive organization, and there’s such a commitment to the cause that we won’t let any obstacle or challenge stop us from achieving it.” 

She believes that is the best thing about being a Red Cross volunteer.

“I think that there’s a role for everyone, no matter their skills or background,” Ashima said. “There’s always a new opportunity or role for people to take on that is aligned with their skill set and interests.”

She believes that’s why there is such a close sense of community within the organization.

“Everyone is doing their part and with one another to reach the same goal. There’s not a single thing that’s more important than another, and so everyone has to trust and work with one another.”

Her advice for other volunteers is to know that their work matters no matter if they’re in a school club, a first-time volunteer, or workers of many years.

“Each person’s input matters equally, because at the end of the day, it’s the combination of all of those efforts and all of that time that allows us to get to where we need to be and help those who need it,” Ashima said. “Everything you do, every hour volunteered, every event organized, no matter how big or small, is equally vital and you are making a difference.”

Her message to potential Red Cross volunteers is that they can and should do it. It may seem daunting at first, she said, especially since new volunteers are going into a brand-new community of people who make such big contributions.

“The Red Cross offers so many opportunities to grow, to meet new people, and to make a difference in our community,” Ashima said. “You don’t have to be an expert or a veteran with years of experience to contribute. What matters most is your willingness to help others and be a part of this effort. That’s what really makes the difference!”