Meet Jessica Gutierrez. In her role as the community engagement and partnership manager, she provides vital outreach and education to the diverse communities we serve. Her enthusiasm for her work helps fuel her as she regularly travels throughout the region to share Red Cross information.
Q: What does your title mean?
A: I am the Community Engagement and Partnership Manager (CEP). It is a fairly new role. My goal within the organization is to represent the Red Cross and to collaborate with other organizations in the community. I work to engage more diverse volunteers and blood donors to better represent those communities within our organization. Our plan is to start with the Hispanic/Latino community and then expand to other communities to better serve.
Q: How long have you been with the Red Cross?
A: I joined the Red Cross three months ago. I have accomplished more than I expected in this brief amount of time.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: I've had a passion to help others since I was a child. I love to help and advocate, not only for my community, but for underserved communities and others. Being Hispanic/Latina, born and raised in Mexico, gives me the opportunity to be their advocate, their voice. I can reflect myself in them. This job is an opportunity to be a liaison between the Red Cross and my community. I love representing the Red Cross and creating awareness about what we offer to our communities before, during and after disasters.
Q: What do you listen to during the workday?
A: I usually listen to Latino pop. My favorite Latina singer is Thalia. I also listen to a little bit of everything, depending on my mood. I love dance music, like music from the 80’s, 90’s techno music, or DJ’s like Gigi D’Angostino, Tiesto and DJ Dero..
Q: What do you do when you aren’t working?
A: I like to watch movies, documentaries and visit the zoo. When I have a chance I like to play video games. I can tell you that my current level in the candy crush saga is over the 9000’s. I have been playing it since it was released.
Q: What is your favorite thing about where you live?
A: I've lived in Omaha for eight years now, and I really like it. My favorite thing is the zoo. I love animals; and this is the best way for me to re-energize my body and soul.
Q: What is something about you that you want people to know? A: I have three children that live with me. My oldest is Jan. He is 24 and on the autism spectrum. I also have my 17-year-old son, Magnus, and my 15-year-old daughter, Genesis. We enjoy taking road trips together and visiting museums.
Q: What has most surprised you while working with the Red Cross?
A: The volunteers' dedication and heart to help, and their willingness to learn more about diverse cultures.
Q: What is a Red Cross moment that has stuck with you?
A: The warm welcome, especially from the disaster team. They made me feel like I am part of their family.
Q: What do you wish people knew about working at the Red Cross?
A: That everyone is welcome at the Red Cross, and there are opportunities to help and grow.