Planting Seeds of Service and Possibility

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 been important to her.

“Knowing that the Red Cross was founded by a nurse made the connection feel personal; I understood that my skills could truly make a difference.”

She began as a Blood Donor Ambassador, welcoming donors and helping ensure smooth, successful blood drives, never imagining how quickly her role would grow.

Since joining in 2020, Uchizi has filled many shoes across the organization, providing aid to families affected by home fires as a Disaster Team Action Specialist, aiding clients as a Disaster Health Service Nurse by working with their providers and pharmacists to ensure they have their needs covered, and as a Mass Care Sheltering Service Associate deployed to areas affected by national disasters to help feed victims in shelters. 

While role models like Uchizi may not fully recognize their impact on their community at large, Uchizi reflects that the moments, particularly in her experience as a nurse, administering blood that comes from drives that she may have helped support; all aid in defining “why” she commits her time and skills.

“Those moments often remind me that the Red Cross is present in communities in ways that we don’t always see, quietly bridging care from one person to another,” she said. 

As the Red Cross honors Black History Month, volunteers like Uchizi exemplify how its humanitarian mission intersects with the enduring legacy of Black service and advocacy. Both are grounded in recognizing shared humanity, meeting people where they are, responding with courage and compassion, and helping communities rebuild stronger than before. 

Role models like Uchizi help plant the seeds of possibility, she says, young people or those looking to make a difference “need to learn that service, empathy, and wellness aren’t just ideals, but are choices that they can make in their own lives.”

“When you are there for others, you’re also there for yourself. You discover your own strength, capacity to care, and how deeply connected we all are,” Uchizi concluded.

Commemorate 100 years of Black history by rolling up a sleeve to give blood. Make an appointment on the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

To plant your seeds of possibility and inspire others to give back, visit redcross.org/VolunteerNNE or email VolunteerNNE@redcross.org.