Natasha is a junior at Stanford University studying Computer Science on the premed track. She's been involved with both the North Texas and Northern California Coastal Regions for five years in all Lines of Service—leading blood services volunteers, hosting Pillowcase Presentations, participating in IHL Youth Action Campaigns, and organizing a few fundraisers. She is especially passionate about International Services, as she started up the Missing Maps MAPathon Program (now Mapswipe) in North Texas. She served as Field Ambassador in 2020, developing a sustainable Youth Recognition Program for North Texas and received the region's Youth in Action Award. She also served as Co-President of Coppell High School's Red Cross Club for two years and was appointed Line of Service Officer for the North Texas Youth Services Executive Board. For her service, Natasha earned the Navin Narayan Scholarship in 2022. She serves as Restoring Family Links Outreach Lead for the Northern California Coastal Region. In her free time, Natasha loves going to the gym, drinking boba, and watching Suits (sometimes all at the same time). Contact Natasha at natasha.banga2@redcross.org.
Harsh is currently a freshman at Stanford University studying Computer Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence. An ardent volunteer since sophomore year of high school, he’s served the American Red Cross in multiple organizational capacities. Over the past three years, Harsh has raised tens of thousands of dollars via fundraising projects in the North Texas region, conducted hundreds of placement interviews for prospective youth volunteers, and presented future-forward outreach strategies to the National Headquarters Marketing and Communications department. Most recently, Harsh spearheaded the nationwide “Rescue Royale” and “March is Red Cross Month” rollouts as FY24 Campaign Lead. He is beyond excited to continue harnessing his project management skills as Vice Chair this year, expanding the Council’s digital footprint and ushering in a new era of youth and young adult engagement. Outside of his work with the Red Cross, Harsh enjoys hitting the gym, downing 12-ounce cans of Celsius, and streaming Olivia Rodrigo albums. Contact Harsh at harsh.singh@redcross.org.
Emily is a sophomore at Duke University majoring in Economics and Public Policy. She began volunteering with the American Red Cross in 2019 when she founded a Red Cross club at her high school. Since then, she has served on the Texas Gulf Coast Region's Youth Service Council for three terms and represented the region as a Field Ambassador. Additionally, Emily has been heavily involved in the International Humanitarian Law Youth Action Campaign program for four years and previously served as a regional lead coordinator. Emily is also a Preparedness Regional Program Lead and works to support various disaster preparedness programs in the Texas Gulf Coast Region by delivering Be Red Cross Ready presentations and managing client data for the national Sound the Alarm campaign. In addition to being a member of the National Youth Council, Emily is a National Collegiate Officer for the Southeast and Caribbean Division and a member of the Duke Red Cross Club. For her service, Emily received the 2023 Navin Narayan College Scholarship. In her free time, she likes to try new foods, visit national parks, and watch early 2000s movies. You can contact Emily with any questions at emily.wang2@redcross.org.
Currently a freshman at Princeton University, Evelyn’s journey with the Red Cross began during an IT summer internship, where she worked with imaging, programming, installing, and shipping new devices. Her positive experience in the internship inspired her to deepen her involvement with the organization. In August 2022, Evelyn was accepted into the Youth Executive Board for the Greater New York Region. Alongside seven other members, she played a key role in organizing impactful events designed to engage New York's youth volunteers and make meaningful contributions to individual communities. One of her most cherished memories with the Red Cross is her first public event, "Preparedness in the Park," where she gained a deeper understanding of the organization's mission and the significant effort behind its initiatives. Her leadership extended to serving as the Red Cross Club president at her school and as a youth chapter coordinator for the Greater New York Region. Alongside volunteering, Evelyn enjoys playing the violin and reading! Contact Evelyn at evelyn.opara@redcross.org.
Faith is a pre-medical student at the University of California Berkeley, where she is pursuing a major in Molecular Cell Biology. She began volunteering for the Red Cross in 2020 at Ann Sobrato High School located in the Northern California Coastal Region (NCCR). She was introduced to the Silicon Valley Youth Executive Board (YEB) and held positions as a Health and Safety Committee member, Club Liaison Coordinator, Vice Chair, and Chair. She also led the NCCR’s Leadership Development Camp in the summer. Faith explored her interest in public health and biomedicine as an intern for the Biomedical Volunteer Workforce Engagement Team, where she presented about Sickle Cell Disease and the importance of diversity. Engaging her love for art, she continues to work on an outdoor mural adorning the walls of the Red Cross’s downtown San Francisco location. Along her journey, she has received the Nisha Baxi Youth of the Year Award 2023 and the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Faith is excited to make a tangible impact on her community through the National Youth Council, hoping to inspire leaders across the nation. Outside of the Red Cross, Faith enjoys art & music, matcha, and watching Brooklyn 99. Contact Faith at faith.fernandes@redcross.org.
Jacob is a student at Washington University in St. Louis, where he is part of the joint program in business and computer science. His Red Cross journey began in January 2021 when he joined his high school’s club in the Central & South Texas Region. During his time there, Jacob served two terms as club President and as the IHL YAC lead advocate. He also took on regional roles, including Youth Ambassador and Youth Executive Board Technical Officer. Jacob’s passion for youth engagement grew through his involvement in the IHL YAC program, where he led a team with diverse interests to creatively disseminate IHL knowledge. He has been a panelist at the 2023 IHL YAC National Symposium and a representative for the SWARM division at the 2024 IHL YAC Summit at the American Red Cross National Headquarters. As a member of the National Youth Council, Jacob aims to better connect volunteers with opportunities, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Aside from the Red Cross, Jacob has also volunteered at his local children’s museum and hospital. In his free time, Jacob enjoys playing classical guitar and exploring local restaurants with different cuisines. Contact Jacob at jacob.mathew@redcross.org.
Kaylee Kim is a freshman in the Seven-Year Dual Degree Dental Program at the College of Wooster and Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry. Her Red Cross journey began in middle school when she founded a youth chapter in Gwangju, South Korea, with the Korean Red Cross. After moving to the U.S. in 8th grade, she led her high school’s Red Cross Club as President for two years, growing membership from 12 to 136, spearheading a blood drive that achieved the season’s highest collection in the San Gabriel Pomona Valley Chapter, and launching the Sound the Alarm Pilot Project across LA. Her leadership earned the club the Outstanding Club Award among 120 clubs for hosting the most community service events and achieving the highest member participation. Kaylee also served on the Los Angeles Region’s Youth Executive Board as Communications Officer and Blood, Health, Training, Services Officer, and contributed to the Leadership Development Camp as staff. Her service was recognized with a nomination for the Clara Barton Honor Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership as the only high school student nominated in the region and the National Youth Involvement Month’s Individual Award. Contact Kaylee at kaylee.kim@redcross.org.
Madeleine is a student at Cornell University studying Industrial and Labor Relations. Her Red Cross journey began in high school when she and her sister co-founded a Red Cross club. She served as President for three years organizing fundraisers, kit drives, and participating in local Sound the Alarm events alongside her club members. She later continued her Red Cross involvement as the Illinois Region’s Field Ambassador, fostering collaboration among her region and sharing new approaches to addressing local needs. Her project was created from interviews with youth volunteers, providing a comprehensive resource for volunteers to learn from each other's successes and implement creative solutions in their own communities. In the future, Madeleine hopes to continue empowering Red Cross youth nationwide and further develop initiatives that bridge the gap between individual volunteers and the broader Red Cross mission. Outside of Red Cross, Madeleine enjoys watching films, going to concerts, and cafe hopping with her friends! She joined the National Youth Council in 2024 and is excited to leverage her experience and passion for community service to inspire new generations of volunteers! Contact Madeleine at madeleine.yoon@redcross.org.
Natalie is a freshman at the University of Pittsburgh's 8-year BS/MD track. Originally from the Los Angeles Region in California, she began her journey with the American Red Cross in 2020 by founding the Chaminade High School Red Cross Club, where she served as President. Her involvement expanded to advocacy, community preparedness, and humanitarian efforts, including roles as the IHL Youth Action Campaign Advocate, Services to the Armed Forces & Veterans Executive Board Officer, and President for the Northern Valleys Youth Corps of the Los Angeles Region. Natalie also spearheaded and coordinated the Los Angeles Region's first Youth Day and represented the Pacific Division at the 2023 IHL YAC Summit, contributing to the annual IHL Pop Culture event and helping curate the 2023 Social Media Toolkit. She also served as a Sub-Team Intern for the 2024 IHL Summit. Natalie has earned the Gold and Bronze Executive Service Awards and was the recipient of the 2024 Navin Narayan College Scholarship. She is excited to apply her Red Cross experiences to further its mission while pursuing a career in medicine. In her free time, Natalie loves to stay active, listen to Taylor Swift, read, and go out with her friends. Contact Natalie at natalie.kim@redcross.org.
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Roma is a college sophomore majoring in environmental health in Syracuse, New York. She’s originally from the National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region and still volunteers as a Green Team member for the NCGC region. She strives to carry on the “yes youth can” NCGC motto throughout all of her Red Cross work. In the Central New York region, Roma volunteers as a blood donor ambassador. Her Red Cross journey started in high school when she joined her school’s club; she later joined the leadership team and became president. During high school, she was the chair of the NCGC Youth Advisory Executive Board for two terms. Last year, Roma served as the Climate and Sustainability Lead on the National Youth Council. Throughout her Red Cross engagement, she was awarded the Young Humanitarian of the Year award and the Presidential Volunteer Service award. Roma hopes to empower volunteers to be changemakers in their own communities and promote the importance of public health preparedness. Outside of the Red Cross, Roma enjoys being involved in EMS and environmental advocacy through her organization, “The Community Check-Up.” In her free time, she loves sustainable fashion, music festivals, hiking, reviewing ramen restaurants, and pickleball. Contact Roma at roma.arora@redcross.org.
Sanjana is a sophomore at Pennsylvania State University majoring in Premedicine and minoring in Diversity and Inclusion in Health and Human Development. She began her Red Cross journey as a high school freshman when she founded her high school's Red Cross Club. Since then, she served as Co-President of the club, a Field Ambassador for the Central and Southern Ohio Region, and Co-Lead of the Central and Southern Ohio Youth Leadership Team. Through her various roles within the American Red Cross, Sanjana has been involved in a multitude of events and projects, including blood drives, fundraisers, advocacy campaigns, and more. Some of these include hosting Measles and Rubella Initiative fundraisers, annual preparedness fairs, food and hygiene item drives, blood donor and first responder card-making activities, making Totes of Hope for veterans, developing a California Wildfire awareness campaign, and more. She has been recognized for her service as a two-time recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award. As a member of the National Youth Council, Sanjana hopes to continue to expand her service and inspire volunteers to contribute to the American Red Cross's mission. In her free time, Sanjana enjoys baking, reading, running, and traveling to new places. Contact Sanjana at sanjana.velu@redcross.org.
Shaurya is a Jefferson and Echols Scholar at the University of Virginia studying Computer Science and Public Policy. She began her Red Cross journey in 2020 as a member of her high school’s Red Cross Club and later served as President of the club. She also served as Blood Donor Ambassador, IHL YAC Lead Advocate, and Vice Chair of the National Capital and Greater Chesapeake region’s Youth Advisory Executive Board. As Vice Chair of the board, Shaurya guided activities for 75+ Red Cross Clubs and over 2,600 volunteers. She led the region’s Quarterly Town Halls and founded a Youth Sickle Cell Initiative for her region, mobilizing youth volunteers to spread awareness through social media campaigning and direct outreach. Shaurya has been recognized for her work as a recipient of a Red Cross Young Humanitarian of the Year Award and President’s Volunteer Service Award. Shaurya firmly believes in the power of youth volunteerism, and on the National Youth Council, she hopes to encourage youth across the nation to join the Red Cross’s mission. In her free time, she loves to read, travel, do yoga, steadily improve her crafting skills, and spend time with friends and family. Contact Shaurya at shaurya.singh2@redcross.org.
Sydney is a recent graduate from the University of Central Florida. Seeking out avenues to volunteer, she began her Red Cross journey during the height of the pandemic. She was heavily involved in re-establishing the presence of the Red Cross at her university. By reaching out to adult leaders in the Central Florida & USVI region, Sydney was able to successfully re-register the club and was then elected to be Vice President of her chapter amassing to over 200 members. Since then, she served as the FY24 National Collegiate Assembly Lead (NCA) and led 12 National Collegiate Officers in completing division-wide initiatives. Sydney champions lifelong volunteerism with a focus on bridging the gap between high school and collegiate clubs within the Red Cross. In her spare time, Sydney enjoys kayaking, hiking, and working out with her friends. Contact Sydney at sydney.martinez@redcross.org.
Tanvi is a current high school senior at BASIS Scottsdale High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. She’s volunteered with the Red Cross since her sophomore year when she joined the Red Cross club at her school. In her junior year, she served as co-president of her school’s club, where she worked with her incredible board to run two successful blood drives and teach members about the importance of donating blood. She was also the Arizona/New Mexico Youth Field Ambassador, working with Northern Arizona Red Cross representatives to establish a system of bringing equitable aid and resources to Native American reservations. She was accepted for a multi-week environmentalism internship with the IFRC Limitless Solferino Academy to learn more about climate issues and work with people from all over the world, brainstorming and planning initiatives to tackle different environmental problems. Her Limitless project proposal was selected to be one of the 1,000/10,000 initiatives to receive seed funding from the IFRC to tackle the extreme heat issues plaguing her own Arizona community. Outside of the Red Cross, Tanvi loves re-watching Hamilton, spending too much money on Black Rock coffee, and hanging out with her friends. Contact Tanvi at tanvi.madugonde2@redcross.org.
Tvisha Jindal is a senior at Coppell High School in Texas. She began her Red Cross volunteer journey in 2021 after a local shooting. Initially involved as a youth blogger and a member of the IHL youth advocate campaign, she has since become the President of her high school Red Cross club and Line of Service officer for North Texas' youth board. Tvisha has advocated for Sickle Cell Awareness through partnerships with Red Cross Clubs and Black Student Unions to increase diversity and equity in blood drives and deliver informational seminars. She also launched a Totes for Hope campaign, collecting hundreds of items for veterans in the DFW area, and led the implementation of READYteens in North Texas for the first time this summer, which she aims to establish as a recurring program. Tvisha's efforts have earned her the President's Volunteer Service Award, NTX Disaster Preparedness Youth Volunteer of the Year, and the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award for a commitment to addressing difficult social issues. Outside of the Red Cross, Tvisha loves matcha, YouTube deep-dives, learning languages, and watching any genre of cinema except horror. Contact Tvisha at tvisha.jindal@redcross.org.
Aura is a Senior Engagement Specialist for the American Red Cross Greater New York Region. She manages youth programs ranging from high school to college clubs. Her role involves focusing on the intern program and developing sustainable engagement plans for her region. She is also responsible for overseeing recognition efforts within the organization, ensuring that the volunteers and youth are celebrated for their contributions. As a proud St. John’s University graduate, where Aura completed both her undergraduate and master’s degrees, she brings a strong educational background to her work. She is passionate about helping youth achieve their goals and finds great joy in interacting with them, supporting their growth and involvement in our initiatives.
Marisa’s Red Cross journey began in 2012 when she joined the Red Cross Youth Group in Macau S.A.R.. She started volunteering with the American Red Cross in 2018 and has since taken on various roles. In 2024, she attended the Statutory Meetings of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Geneva, Switzerland, as the Youth Delegate of the American Red Cross.
Marisa is excited to continue supporting the National Youth Council in designing and implementing strategies and initiatives that advance the mission of the Red Cross, create opportunities for volunteers to interact and collaborate with those from other National Societies, and enhance the visibility of the impact made by youth and young adult volunteers and their champions. You can contact Marisa at marisa.leong2@redcross.org.
Rachel sits on the NHQ Volunteer Services team as the Senior Program for Youth and Young Adult Programming she supports all Youth and Young Adult Volunteers of the Red Cross. She serves alongside the National Youth Council and her main goal is to assist with moving the Council’s initiatives across the finish line. Rachel joined the NHQ Volunteer Services team after starting her Red Cross career within Training Services. As she entrenched herself into the Red Cross mission, Rachel served in on the revitalized Diversity and Inclusion Task Team (National Capital Region) and continues to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of her NHQ duties. Outside of her Red Cross resume, Rachel has supported her local youth and young adults in many facets including Junior Achievement’s Finance Park as well as the Urban League. She brings her passion for the emerging adult community in her daily Red Cross role as a liaison within the larger team. Contact Rachel at Rachel.oni@redcross.org.