Behind Our Mission: Working in International Aid

This World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we celebrate the unwavering commitment of millions of volunteers and staff worldwide while also raising awareness of the seven Fundamental Principles that guide our work. No matter where, no matter when, the volunteers and staff of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are always there.

The American Red Cross plays a vital role in providing humanitarian aid across the globe, from supporting disaster relief to combating deadly diseases, and our International Services team works tirelessly to make this happen. Stacy Ragan is one of the amazing individuals who has dedicated her career to this mission.

How did you end up working in international aid?
I studied public health in college and originally thought about going into healthcare administration but was curious to see the world first. I joined the Peace Corps and worked in Turkmenistan for two years as a health educator in an outpatient clinic. I also worked on an American Red Cross food distribution program providing support to tuberculosis patients and learned about humanitarian aid.

Currently, I'm the manager of our International Response Operations.

What's the most impactful moment that's happened to you during your career?
In 2014, I deployed to northern Iraq to support people who were fleeing civil unrest. I spent several days alongside the Iraqi Red Crescent as they delivered food and water to hundreds of thousands of people crossing the Tigris River. There were cars, buses and open-bed trucks full of people streaming across daily. I met a family from Sinjar who had a 12-day-old baby girl. The child did not yet have a name because her family had been on the run for a week before finding safe shelter.

What advice would you give others who want to pursue a job in international aid?
I would suggest volunteering or working with a local, non-governmental organization (NGO) or service-focused organization to gain experience in your community. Also, consider supporting local resettlement agencies, joining local language groups, or looking for communities of shared interest with an international focus.

What college courses did you take that prepared you for where you are today?
Health education, community health, behavior change, conflict resolution, negotiation skills and program management.

How do you maintain a work-life balance?
This can be difficult in our 24/7 news cycle these days, but being able to turn off, step away and have things outside of work is helpful. I've spent the last 10 years volunteering for a local dog rescue, and this gives me purpose outside of work, along with other things like reading, spending time with friends and family and focusing on the local community.

I know that another disaster is around the corner, and taking care of myself is critical to ensuring sanity and longevity.

What role does technology play in your work, and how has it changed over the years?
This has changed our work drastically in the last 20 years. Ten years ago, access to information was a critical part of humanitarian aid. These days, there is an excess amount of information at our fingertips, so the ability to access accurate information is essential - particularly information about safe shelter, food, water, and the ability to connect with loved ones.

How have the Red Cross Fundamental Principles guided your work?
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Fundamental Principles are the foundation of our work. They have practical implications that guide our work daily. Whether it's a natural disaster or conflict zone, the Fundamental Principles ensure we're able to give aid based on need, without discrimination, and to meet the needs of all people affected by disaster.