By Pete Suarez, American Red Cross Public Affairs  

Long before the skyscrapers and neon lights of Miami defined its skyline, the Tequesta and Calusa people called southeast Florida home. Their presence is felt in the land, from ancient settlements near the Miami River to the islands close by. Some even suggest the name “Miami” itself traces back to these early inhabitants.

The first non-native language heard in these parts wasn’t English but Spanish, spoken by European settlers arriving in Florida—named after the Spanish word for “flowers.” English came later in 1763 when the British acquired Florida through the Treaty of Paris. Fast-forward to 1837, and the area became officially known as Dade County in honor of U.S. Army Major Francis Dade.

Miami, though, didn’t fully come into its own until Julia Tuttle convinced Henry Flagler to extend his railroad here in 1896. From that point, the city bloomed. Nicknames followed: first, “The Magic City” in the early 20th century, and by the time the Summit of the Americas convened here in 1994, Miami had earned its reputation as the “Gateway to the Americas.” Today, some even refer to it as the “Capital of South America.”

As a gateway, Miami has welcomed countless individuals from across the Americas, each bringing unique talents and stories. One of those individuals is Percy Galindo Contreras, a Red Cross volunteer originally from Peru.

Percy’s journey to Miami began due to a family illness, prompting him to relocate his wife and daughters to the area temporarily—a decision that soon became permanent. Back in Peru, Percy had been an attorney specializing in industrial safety and security, advising clients on crisis planning and coordination. His work led him to the Peruvian Red Cross, where he saw firsthand the unwavering dedication of Red Cross volunteers. So, when he settled in Miami, it was only natural that he sought out the American Red Cross, eager to continue his service.

I had the privilege of meeting Percy, and it was clear from the start that his passion for helping others remains as strong as ever. Now working in facilities maintenance and management, Percy balances his professional responsibilities with volunteering for the Red Cross. He’s improving his English, making new connections, and giving back to a community that has become his own.

When asked what unique insights he could offer to the American Red Cross, particularly in relation to Miami’s Latino and Hispanic community, Percy summed it up in one word: trust.

He explained that migration, for many, is a deeply traumatic experience. People don’t leave their homes and families by choice—they’re often fleeing fear and hardship, seeking safety in places where they don’t speak the language and where everything feels foreign. Building trust in these circumstances isn’t easy, but Percy believes it’s essential. The Red Cross, he said, plays a critical role in helping immigrants feel safe, supported, and understood.

During large disasters, dedicated teams who speak Spanish and have experience working in diverse communities are deployed to connect and engage with Latino and Hispanic neighborhoods, ensuring that Red Cross services are not only accessible but distributed equitably to individuals and families who have been impacted. It’s a long road, but with dedicated volunteers like those he’s met, Percy is confident it can be done—and he’s eager to be part of that effort.

We also spoke about the immense sense of gratitude many immigrants feel toward the United States and their desire to give back. I mentioned that at the Red Cross, we pay it forward. Percy agreed. He’s ready to do the same.

These days, you can find Percy volunteering with the Business Operations team, helping to ensure that our Red Cross vehicles are always ready for action, whether it’s needed for a local disaster or home fire.

We are fortunate that Percy found us, and I suspect he is one of those hidden gems we’re lucky to meet at the Red Cross—a diamond in the rough whose dedication and quiet strength make all the difference.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, the Red Cross is inviting you to put on a red vest and join our team. We have a critical need for more individuals to help families after disasters of all sizes. Visit redcross.org/SFLvolunteer today to get started.