Ursula Washington was recently promoted to the Red Cross’ DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) program as a new coach. The DEI program is key to the Red Cross’ principles as it creates a better work and community environment for all staff, volunteers, donors, and clients to thrive in.

Ursula explains the meaning of the different words in the acronym, “Diversity: recognizing and valuing the differences in backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. Equity: ensuring fair treatment and access to opportunities for all people and groups. Inclusion: is to create an environment where everyone can feel respected and valued.”

For Ursula this new position, “It’s about making a positive impact and fostering a culture of respect and fairness. It also means the opportunity to discuss with people from different walks of life and ethnicities.”

Ursula believes DEI’s impact is “through advocacy by speaking up for unrepresented and marginalized groups and ensuring their voices are being heard and their needs addressed.” She goes on to explain how DEI promotes education by “continuously learning about different cultures, identities, and experiences and sharing this knowledge to foster understanding and empathy.” Finally, it will also make an impact by taking action, “by implementing policies and practices that promote fairness and equality, equal opportunity, and challenging systems and behaviors that perpetuate inequality.”

“It’s important to meet people where they’re at” she explains. “Not everyone has the same level of education and experiences so you must teach them these practices to have open honest conversations.” She goes on to say, “I love the fact that the Red Cross considers it very important that as an organization we need to foster this type of community/family within our work roles which will reflect within our donors and the clients that we serve.”

Ursula would like to tell the volunteers and donors to the Red Cross that, “we are one race with many cultures and ethnicities and once we accept this, we can start blurring the lines that divide us.”

Before becoming a coach, Ursula worked in fundraising for 30 years. She has a background in communications and a master’s in it with a focus on international relations. She completed her schooling at the University of St. Thomas in Houston. Ursula has been an athlete all her life, playing volleyball. She’s also a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan, a native Houstonian, and a people-person who has always been involved in non-profits. On top of that, she’s a sustaining member of the Junior League Houston.

“I have always been drawn to the profound art of understanding people and delving into the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Our differences are not just mere distinctions; they are powerful strengths that, when embraced, can illuminate the path to unity. We must learn to celebrate these differences, casting them in a radiant light that fosters positivity and growth.”

When the opportunity came to apply for this position, her Red Cross supervisor gave her his immediate blessing and fully supported her in applying for DEI coach. We hope you will continue to support the Red Cross as it aims to create a better environment for people to work in and experience as it aims to provide relief wherever there is need.

If you would like to donate or volunteer you can do so online at redcross.org, you can also call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Story By: Rayza Trevino