By Joe Gutierrez, American Red Cross volunteer

Three youth volunteers from Orange County have been chosen for their dedicated work as liaisons for the Growing Leaders of the World (GLOW) Red Youth Leadership Camp as the American Red Cross August Volunteers of the Month.

Ashley Guo, Evonne Lam, and Ian Encarnacion were recognized for their tireless work over the last few months to prepare and facilitate every element of the GLOW Red Camp and in leading training sessions to take charge during camp operations.

The GLOW Red Youth Leadership Camp is an in-person four-day, three-night leadership camp where a diverse group of high school-age youth (in grades 9-11) from Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties gather together to develop character and leadership skills.

GLOW Red creates an environment that builds leadership in youth beyond the traditional norm of lectures and workshops by utilizing fun, interactive, and innovative activities to encourage youth leaders to not only foster new relationships, but to also embark on a journey of self-discovery.

The trio “helped play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of leaders, and their unwavering commitment shines through in every aspect of their work,” according to the Red Cross selection committee.

Evonne, who graduated from Cypress High School earlier this year, learned about the GLOW Red Youth Leadership Camp from her older sister, who introduced her to the Red Cross. Lam, who will be attending the University of California, San Diego this fall, said what attracted her to the Red Cross was serving as a camp delegate. “The community and inclusivity allowed me to truly express myself and get out of my comfort zones!”

A recent Costa Mesa High School graduate, Ian, learned about GLOW Red from a school friend. “She was a camp staffer at the time searching for delegates. I was one of the lucky three that she reached out to,” said Ian, who will attend the University of California, Irvine in the fall.

He was attracted to the Red Cross by the monthly chapter “Get Involved Forums for Teens” (GIFT) meetings, which he called super social, an environment he thrives in. “I always enjoy making new connections.”

Ashley’s introduction to GLOW Red was at the new officer’s orientation during her first Red Cross Orange County chapter event. Also, one of her closest friends, Lauren Ko, last year’s OC Youth Advisory Council Chair, attended the camp last year and highly recommended it to Ashley, who graduated from the Orange County School of Arts and will be attending Brown University in the fall.

Ashley said she joined the Red Cross because of her passion for philanthropic work. “I decided to join my Red Cross club at school. What truly got me involved in the American Red Cross was attending the GLOW Red Summer Leadership Camp that Youth Services holds annually. Everyone was so incredibly welcoming, encouraging, and supportive, and I truly mean it when I say that my GLOW Red family is one of the most special of communities to me.”

GLOW Red also stands out to Ashley, who said it was one of her “Red Cross moments” when she knew she was volunteering for the right organization.

“Being surrounded by so many passionate youth leaders, watching delegates step out of their comfort zones, and seeing them grow in just a few days was life-changing,” Ashley said. “GLOW Red is genuinely the best thing that has happened to me, and is literally my second family/home, and it always reminds me of how powerful, special, and loving this community is, and how much of an impact we can have on one another.”

Evonne’s Red Cross moment was during her first Sound the Alarm event. “Being able to see the palpable change that we can bring to people’s lives through our service has inspired me to continue volunteering with the Red Cross!” Evonne said.

For Ian, it came at his first ever Red Cross chapter event.

“It was the end of the year banquet event in 2023, and I decided to go for fun. At the end of the banquet, one of the well-involved OC Youth leadership members came up to me and started talking to me like I’ve known her for a year,” Ian said. “She was super supportive and made me feel extremely welcomed to the Red Cross. After that moment, I decided to branch out more into the Red Cross and make sure everyone felt as welcomed as she made me feel.”

Ian added that the best part of being a Red Cross volunteer is the connections he has made over the years. “The friends that I’ve made during my time with the Red Cross extend outside the organization, which I’m super grateful for.”

For Evonne it is the “supportive and inclusive community within the Youth Services. Being able to surround myself with like-minded and aspirational peers has been the greatest gift!”

Ashley said it’s the people. “There is something so special about being at the OC Red Cross chapter, but at the end of the day, it’s the people who volunteer and work there, the people who are at all our service events, who make it so magical,” Ashley said. “The Red Cross attracts people who genuinely care about others, and being surrounded by that kind of passion and kindness is what makes the experience so meaningful.”

For potential volunteers, Evonne’s message is simple and to the point. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Get comfortable being uncomfortable!”

Ian would tell them to “take every opportunity you get, and to just let the wind take you through the organization.”

Ashley added, “Do it! You don’t need to have it all figured out, and you don’t need to know exactly where you’ll fit in because what matters most is your willingness to show up! The Red Cross gives you the chance to step into something bigger than yourself, to serve others, and to grow in ways you never imagined. Every smile you bring, every hour you give, and every person you help leaves such a lasting impact, and in return, the experience will leave a lasting impact on you.”