Growing up in El Salvador, Francis Huezo witnessed firsthand the challenges people face during difficult times. Years later, those experiences guide her work with the American Red Cross. Francis came to the United States with her twin brother at age 18 and built a life rooted in service. From ministry to medical interpretation and now disaster response, every chapter of her journey has been centered on helping people navigate life's toughest moments with dignity and compassion. When she joined the Red Cross, she didn't have a background in disaster response. What she did have was empathy. "I didn't know how to professionally deal with disasters, but I knew how to hold people's hands,” Francis said. “I knew what it is to give them a plate of food, because sometimes that's the only thing you can do for people.” Today, Francis serves as both a Community Disaster Program Manager and Diverse Community Investment Program Manager with @​ARCGoldCountry, helping build stronger connections with communities across Northeastern California. Her bilingual Spanish-language skills help ensure more people can access preparedness information, disaster support and recovery resources when they need them most. She also supports nearly 100 volunteers across teams that collectively speak Spanish, Punjabi, English and Russian, reflecting the diverse communities they serve and helping build trust before and after disasters. For Francis, service isn't about recognition. It's about people. "If you can love people, do it humbly and honestly; that is the best sermon I can give anyone," she said. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we're proud to celebrate Francis and the many Hispanic and Latino Red Crossers whose lived experiences, cultural connections and commitment to service help make our mission str