By Aleesia Benkey, American Red Cross intern

Susan Tovey has volunteered with the American Red Cross since 2011 and has responded to 20 disasters and counting. Susan’s deployments have varied from fires and floods in California, volcano eruptions in Hawaii and tornados in Alabama and Mississippi. Susan volunteers in disaster services and communications in the Southern California Region.

Last month, Susan deployed to Northern California to support ongoing wildfire recovery in the Region. On a typical deployment, Susan often works closely with clients in lodging and providing services. Although on her recent assignment, she stepped into a new position, workforce assistant director.

As the workforce assistant director, Susan oversaw staff services including local community volunteers, staff planning and support, disaster event-based volunteers, staff relations and training.

Susan shares what inspires her to give back. “I get so much out of each call I go on; I think it makes me see life differently. I can see it from their eyes and heart, and I think it makes me a better person.”

Her well-versed background set her up for success in her new role and the team made her feel comfortable and supported.

Over Susan’s 11 years with the Red Cross, she has connected with clients across the country. As she supports the Red Cross mission she looks back on a memorable moment.

“I was working with a gentleman one time, and he had lost his home, he was standing in front of the rubble, and I asked him how he was doing,” said Susan. “He just looked up at me and said, ‘I think I’m going to build a bridge and I’m just going to walk on over it.’ That was amazing to me, as I don’t know if I could handle it this such a dignity as he did. I hope I could, but I just don’t know.”

Her deployment to Northern California became a learning experience that was memorable and rewarding. Susan is inspired daily by the communities that rally to help people in need and she is honored to be a part of their support system.

To learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, please visit redcross.org/volunteer.