The Northern New England Blog

By Emma C. Fermo, Red Cross writer Uchizi Phakati For Uchizi Phakati, the impact at the American Red Cross is nothing short of profound. She shows up with one clear purpose: to use her skills to help others in their most vulnerable moments, a commitment that echoes the legacy of service and resilience honored during Black History Month. As a registered nurse and dedicated volunteer, Uchizi bridges compassion with action, whether she’s supporting blood donors, responding to home fires, or helping families begin again after a disaster strikes. “In the fall of 2019, I found myself reflecting on how I could become more involved in my community. I wanted to serve in a way that felt purposeful,” she said.  That desire led her to the American Red Cross in January 2020. After graduating from the University of Maine at Fort Kent as a registered nurse, Uchizi found herself reflecting on how she could deepen her commitment to helping others and utilizing her skills; volunteering had always be...