Volunteer Team
GDPC proudly engages a diverse team of volunteers who bring unique skills and experience to strengthen our work. Our volunteer roles include:
- Graphic Design: creating infographics, illustrations, photographs, flyers, and other visual elements for the website and GDPC program support.
- Content Creation: researching and writing stories and sourcing quality content to share on our website and social media.
- Applied Research: providing short-term in-depth analysis based on interviews, focus groups, and desk research to support evidence base and program management.
- Digital Tool Testing: ensuring quality digital tools by identifying and testing bugs, and validating new features and functionality for apps and other digital tools.
- Website Support: optimizing the website using technical skills in WordPress, SEO, desk research, and marketing.
- Data Analysis: unearthing findings based on data from user interactions and other program information to ensure accurate reporting and inform program decision-making.
- Virtual Events: supporting GDPC conferences, training, and events in the virtual space through harnessing technology and events experience.
Meet Our Volunteers
Shruti Shah
Graphic Design
Having studied Engineering and Management, I have briefly worked in different verticals like software development, sales and marketing for different industries. Lately I started exploring my artistic side and since then have been making digital illustrations and animated explainer videos. I am very glad I could contribute in these challenging times by designing characters for the Covid-19 Kids Kit.
Larisa Karlovich
Digital Tool Testing
Life-long information technologist with focus on risk and security. Excited to be part of American Red Cross volunteer team and applying my skills and experience to its mission. Originally from Ukraine. Passionate about travel and exploring other cultures. Love spending time with kids and seeing life through their eyes.
Tara Pascual Eskander
Applied Research
Tara (she/her) is a capacity building specialist and life long learner with 15 years of experience in the public sector. She holds an MPH in International Health and Development and has previously worked on disaster response and anti-hunger issues as well as supported start-ups, academic institutions, advocacy groups, and non-profits with aspects of program planning and evaluation. She believes firmly in participatory centered approaches and community action to solve systemic challenges, and is excited to support GDPC in their applied research endeavors.
Nesrine Aouinti
Knowledge Management
Nesrine provides support to GDPC for knowledge management, research and learning needs both at NHQ and in the field. Nesrine has four years of experience within for-profit and nonprofit organizations and holds a BA in French Language, Literature, and Civilization from the Faculty of Humanities of Tunis, Tunisia. She is passionate about knowledge, open governance, transparency, and furthering democracy.
Lindsey Tyler
Graphic Design
Lindsey is a Graphic Designer and Photographer who brings over 15 years experience to the GDPC team. She currently works in corporate communications for a Fortune 50 company and is passionate about nature, animals, house plants, and key lime pie.
Karyn Zielinski
Website Support
I am a marketing communications professional with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare. I provide strategic management of the digital landscape, including website evolution, SEO, and the visitor’s journey. I have a passion for website development and content/asset creation. I am excited to support the work of the Red Cross as a member of the Global Disaster Preparedness Center website team.
Mira Adam
Content Contributor
Mira is a native bilingual speaker of English and Arabic, and holds an MA in Communications & Political Science and BA English from University of Pennsylvania. She has 16+ years' experience as a content creator: writer, editor, researcher, interpreter & translator. She has expertise in social media, digital content, communications, and journalism. She has been a Researcher & Tour Guide Volunteer at the Archives Department for two years.
Laura Maraldo
Virtual Event Planning
Laura joined the GDPC as a virtual events volunteer in support of the planning and execution of early warning systems global workshops and training sessions. She assists in the facilitation of Preparedness Team meetings, market and competitive analysis studies, and GDPC engagement activities and events. Her background includes 15 years of project management and executive coordination and administration experience. She holds a BA in Communication from the University of Louisville.
Momchil Silvestrov
Visual Communication Team Lead
Momchil provides support to GDPC as Visual Communication Team Lead. He is a marketing communications expert with over 10 years of experience working for corporate clients in advertising agency. Momchil holds MA degree in Communications and Brand Management from New Bulgarian University. He is passionate about sustainability, program design and loves to travel. Momchil is excited to imply his project management skills within the GDPC to support innovation and learning in disaster preparedness.
Raechel Olson
Digital Tool Testing
Raechel is a Business Process Analyst who enjoys finding a better way to save people time, eliminate pain points, and enhance customer experience. She is passionate about living generously and enjoys serving as a digital tool tester for the GDPC.