“What fills my soul the most is seeing the grateful smile of those who receive our help”
Elizabeth volunteers in the Costa Rican Red Cross, serving in the Talamanca Branch. From facing dire emergency situations in the field to becoming a facilitator and leading community outreach efforts, her journey is a powerful example of how strength and perseverance can empower women and lead them to achieve remarkable goals.
I joined the Costa Rican Red Cross in 2015. At that time, I felt useless, going through a very difficult personal situation, and I felt the urge to try to help humanity in any way I could. That need to find meaning in my pain led me to give my heart to this movement.
I have participated in various events such as floods, community projects, and beach operations, among others. I am also a facilitator and have been trained to give community talks. These experiences have not only shaped me but have touched the deepest part of my being.
One of the experiences that most deeply affected my life happened during a flood. I went out to help, as always, in the middle of the operation - but at that moment, I forgot something very important: that I also lived in a vulnerable area. The rising water was so strong that by the time I tried to return home, it was too late. I lost everything. Seeing children and elderly people with no place to sleep broke my heart. As a single mother, it was devastating: I felt a mix of helplessness, anger, discouragement... I even lost the will to walk. But even then, I stood firm, helping others until the emergency ended. Because even though my soul was broken, I knew there were people who needed me. That experience changed me deeply. I said to myself: "Elizabeth, this storm will pass," and I kept going. What fills my soul the most is seeing the grateful smile of those who receive our help. That comforts me, motivates me, and reminds me that every effort has a greater purpose.
”I've learned that with strength, faith, and authenticity, we can move forward.”
On this journey, I have also learned to empower myself as a woman. I began my leadership within the Movement and, thanks to what I have learned; I am now also a community leader of an Emergency Committee. In addition, I participate as a leader in a binational women's association from the Sixaola River Basin, between Costa Rica and Panama. It has been a process of proving, with intelligence and astuteness, that the decisions I make are valid and valuable for my community.
I think that one of the main challenges we women face in humanitarian leadership is machismo. Many times, when positive changes are made, there are those who try to overshadow them with negative attitudes. But I've learned that with strength, faith, and authenticity, we can move forward.
”I want to be that woman who leaves a mark, not for what she has, but for what she gives.”
I believe a real way to achieve change is to learn to value each person's work without judging based on someone’s gender. Women have the ability to achieve great goals, even if some still believe certain jobs are "only for men." By activating the seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and reinforcing our values, we can open doors for all.
My dream is to continue training so I can help more people, not only in my community or in my country, but wherever I am needed. I don't want to be just another spectator or a decorative figure; I long to be recognized for my humanitarian skills and contributions, for my dedication, my generosity, and for never asking anything in return. I want to be that woman who leaves a mark, not for what she has, but for what she gives.