By Subhangi Das/American Red Cross

What started as high school volunteer opportunities has led Ishani Gandi and Shreya Jupelly to national leadership roles with the American Red Cross.

Today, Gandi and Jupelly serve on the Red Cross National Youth Council, a 16-member team that helps shape youth and young adult volunteer engagement across the country.

Their paths to the Red Cross were different.

Gandi, who was interested in pursuing a pre-medical career, began as a Youth Placement Specialist, helping connect incoming volunteers with positions that matched their interests.

For Jupelly, volunteering became personal after her grandfather experienced a heart attack. A Red Cross volunteer who responded to the emergency provided first aid and drove him to the hospital.

“A volunteer’s response to a family emergency made me reevaluate in what ways I was showing up for other people around me,” Jupelly said.

She went on to become a Training Services Instructor, earn certifications in CPR, First Aid for Severe Trauma and Basic Life Support, and start a Red Cross Club at her high school.

Their involvement continued to grow beyond their local communities.

Gandi is entering her second term on the council and recently served as Campaign Lead for National Youth Involvement Month, helping organize events, guest speakers and fundraising efforts that raised more than $14,000. She will now serve as Outreach and Communications Committee Lead.

Jupelly is beginning her first term as Red Cross Club Program Lead. She has previously served as a Red Cross Club Specialist, Club Coordinator, vice president of the North Texas Youth Services Executive Board and Red Cross Club liaison. In her new role, she hopes to help expand the Red Cross Club program and support regions working to establish new clubs.

Despite demanding schedules, both volunteers have found ways to balance school, life and Red Cross commitments. Along the way, they’ve developed skills that extend beyond volunteer service, including communication, leadership, collaboration and problem-solving.

For Jupelly, stepping outside her comfort zone has been one of the most valuable parts of her experience. “Volunteering has expanded my horizons,” she said. “It’s allowed me to meet people that I might not be able to meet otherwise and develop and grow as a person.”

Both encourage new volunteers to take initiative and embrace opportunities to grow.

“Being a Red Cross volunteer is so meaningful and can impact the lives of so many people,” Gandi said.

Young people interested in getting involved with the Red Cross can visit redcross.org/youth to find youth and young adult opportunities in their area.