Your Red Cross Update

It is often said that humanitarians are people dedicated to helping others, especially those in need. They work in stressful and difficult conditions. They are motivated by a strong sense of compassion and empathy and are driven by a desire to make a difference in the world.

There can be no better example of a humanitarian than Mo Ghandehari, who will be retiring after almost a quarter century of service to the Red Cross. Mo started as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteer helping people in a variety of disaster situations. His unwavering commitment and passion led him to explore other roles within Disaster Services and International Services. His exceptional dedication and leadership abilities quickly ascended him to prominent positions, earning admiration and respect of colleagues across the organization.

During his service to the Red Cross Mo displayed a depth of compassion and empathy that few can develop. Mo has also shown a high degree of selflessness as he is always willing to put the needs of others before his own. He has devoted countless hours of service to the Red Cross.

Personally, Mo displays resilience to cope with the emotional tone and conditions around him to provide support and needed services to those in need. He has also shown an extraordinary degree of flexibility and adaptability and has been able to adjust plans and approaches as needed to meet the changing needs of the people he serves. He has helped mentor and influence countless Red Crossers over his volunteer journey and is known to treat everyone with kindness and empathy, regardless of how challenging a situation may be.

Mo has also demonstrated a consistent prowess in Red Cross Disaster Relief and in International Humanitarian Law, serving in key capacities in both Red Cross service areas.

In April 2023 the Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter awarded Mo the International Humanitarian Services Award, “which recognizes an individual or group whose work exemplifies or inspires the humanitarian values of human dignity, respect, compassion and the protection and assistance implied in the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.”

The Silicon Valley Chapter Board and volunteers celebrated Mo’s retirement and reminisced on his contributions to the Red Cross at a special meeting in October 2023. Proudly sporting his Disaster Leadership pin, Mo was gifted a Red Cross Challenge Coin that, “honors the extraordinary work that takes place across all Red Cross departments and lines of service.” Humbled by this honor, Mo, who recently celebrated his 80^th birthday, shared, “We get a lot more when we give, which is so true in my time with Red Cross. I got support from my family to earn this, my Red Cross family.”

Mo has been a valuable member of the Red Cross team over the years and his legacy is here to stay. He will be missed, but those he has helped and those who have worked with him have all benefited from his experience and influence. On behalf of the Red Cross, we thank you for your years of service and all you have done to move our mission forward.