In celebration of Black History Month, we invited colleagues to share their thoughts and stories as proud Red Crossers that make up our inclusive team in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Please note, the views expressed in this post are of the author and not necessarily those of the American Red Cross. Learn more about our culture of mission, impact and inclusion.

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Since I was a child, it was always impressed upon me how important it is to serve. I can’t pinpoint exactly when it began, but I can look back and see clear threads in my life pointing toward service. In fifth grade, I volunteered to help kindergarteners learn to read. In junior high, I spent my free periods supporting the dean with various activities. In high school, I volunteered with the I Have a Dream Foundation in New York City, working with elementary-aged children to support their math and literacy skills.

I walk through life acutely aware that we render service to one another no matter our occupation or education, and that everyone deserves dignity and respect. Even in college, I chose a path of service, majoring in InternationalService with dreams of going abroad to serve others in different cultures and communities and to extend the right hand of friendship that America had to offer. I spent time in the Peace Corps before eventually making my way back stateside.

After the housing market crash and financial crisis of 2008, I worked a string of jobs—each fun in its own way. In February 2017, I was let go from a startup due to lack of continued funding. I’m a pragmatic optimist, and I saw that moment as an opportunity to rediscover myself and spend time serving. I went straight to the Red Cross website to look for roles where help was needed.

I started as a volunteer on the Disaster Action Team, which has a training program that prepares you to respond to local crises, with opportunities to support nationally when the need arises. From there, I supported several initiatives under Lisa McGee, then the Workforce Engagement Manager for the State of New Jersey. I did administrative work and helped deploy disaster teams to local fires, providing ground support to people in need.

Later, I came across a posting to write blogs for the Red Cross. By then, my life had changed—I was married and had two children (now three). Even as life grew busier and I served in my church and community, I didn’t want to let go of my Red Cross work. Writing allowed me to stay connected, learn more about the organization and its people, and share their stories.

I’ve always loved to write—from poetry to songs to stories. Being part of the Red Cross and contributing in a way others can learn from is deeply satisfying. It brings me joy to serve while maintaining a busy home and work life.

In high school, an actor named Henry Winkler—best known as “The Fonz” from Happy Days—came to speak to our class about one way he served: donating blood. He shared why he donates and why others should too, simply saying, “You donate blood, you save a life.” That stayed with me. He found a way to serve, and over time, I have found mine.

There’s a movie called Pay It Forward about a young boy who starts a simple idea: do something kind for three people and ask them to “pay it forward” to three more. The story shows how small, ordinary acts of service can ripple outward and change lives in ways we may never fully see. That’s what volunteering with the Red Cross feels like to me. You may not always witness the long-term impact of what you do, but every shift, every hour, every act of care matters to someone.

If you’ve ever felt a quiet nudge to give back, I encourage you to listen to it. Find a place to plug in—whether it’s the Red Cross or another organization close to your heart. Your way of serving may look different from mine, but it is no less meaningful. Sometimes all it takes is one step, one yes, and one small act to begin a journey of service that can bless both others and yourself.