Edgar R. Olivo

Q: What most notably stands out about your leadership style or what is an example of leadership success you can share with our readers?

My leadership is rooted in empathy, resilience and inclusivity, with a focus on empowering others to succeed. When alleviating human suffering, leadership means being a steady anchor in turbulent times while fostering innovation and collaboration for impactful and transformational results for the clients we serve.

A success I’m particularly proud of is expanding community mobilization within the American Red Cross. By prioritizing volunteer recruitment in underserved communities, we’ve significantly increased our capacity to respond to disasters like wildfires and floods, building stronger relationships and inspiring a new generation of Red Crossers. This means more neighbors helping neighbors in their time of need.

One standout initiative has been addressing extreme heat in Arizona. Partnering with local governments, universities and community organizations, we distributed lifesaving resources through 150,000 door hangers and neighborhood canvassing events in vulnerable areas. These efforts culminated in an invitation to the White House’s first summit on extreme heat, reaffirming the power of collaboration and purpose-driven leadership.

Q: What impact has any disruptions of the past 18 months had on you as a leader?

The past 18 months have tested and shaped my leadership, requiring agility, resilience and a long-term vision. Upon stepping into my role, I immediately faced crises like wildfires in New Mexico, the Maui wildfires and hurricanes, including Helene and Milton. These experiences reinforced the importance of decisive action while empowering my team to adapt quickly under pressure.

One key lesson has been the role of community engagement. During the Maui wildfire response, our region inspired 900 new volunteers in just one week, highlighting the power of connection. This commitment to outreach guides my efforts to engage more people in disaster preparedness and relief. Seeing the power of volunteerism inspires me every day.

Frequent extreme weather events have also emphasized the need for sustainability and equity. My background in sustainability has informed initiatives to address long-term challenges, like helping small businesses become eco-friendly or increasing blood donations among Arizona’s Latino population. These disruptions have deepened my commitment to fostering collaboration, kindness and inclusion, creating lasting solutions for the communities we serve and partnerships we nurture.

Q: What do you feel we can be doing as a business community to empower economic growth here?

Economic growth depends on collaboration, innovation and inclusivity. It’s time to rethink how we operate and build a foundation where everyone can thrive.

Investing in workforce development is critical. Programs that provide training for emerging industries, particularly in vulnerable communities, can help bridge gaps and expand economic participation. Offering bilingual training and mentorship opportunities strengthens this effort.

Collaboration is equally important. Businesses, nonprofits and government agencies must work together to address systemic issues like affordable housing, healthcare access and climate adaptation. Joint initiatives, such as disaster preparedness workshops and resilience hubs, create lasting impacts.

Finally, sustainability must be prioritized. By adopting eco-friendly practices, businesses can reduce costs, attract conscious consumers and create jobs. Together, we can build an economy centered on equity, innovation and long-term prosperity.

Q: What is new and notable for your company’s near future that will impact our economy?

The American Red Cross in Arizona and New Mexico is advancing several initiatives to drive resilience and economic growth. Our Century of Resilience plan focuses on building capacity, fostering collaborations and preparing communities for future challenges. When communities are resilient, they can engage better in the economy.

We’re also launching a Training Clubhouse strategy to strengthen disaster preparedness and expand community service capacity. The accessible training in first aid, CPR and disaster response we offer empowers individuals and businesses, fostering a culture of readiness that benefits both communities and the economy.

Additionally, partnerships with local governments and organizations are addressing extreme heat and other weather challenges through shelter training, cooling centers and sustainable volunteer opportunities. These efforts not only create economic opportunities but also strengthen community resilience.

By continuing to innovate and collaborate, we are positioned to lead the way in fostering a more resilient and prosperous future for Arizona and New Mexico.