Madeline Declet-Santiago has been an IT intern at the Prince George’s County office of the Red Cross for the past three years. She is completing a Computer Studies Program at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC). She became involved with the Red Cross through the Federal Work Study Program at her school, which coordinated the internship. When asked to talk about how she feels about the Red Cross she said, “I really like the  people here. It feels like family. It feels like home.”

As an IT intern, Madeline assists with small-scale technical issues at the Prince George’s County office. She   provides assistance with the maintenance of telephone lines and chords, monitors cyber security of office computers, and troubleshoots for day-to-day technical issues. In her own words, she “keeps things tidy.” Her supervisor Richard Cress, Systems Engineer, stated, “Madeline's work for the IT Department has provided a level of user support that would be impossible without the consistent and thoughtful effort she has given."

Madeline shared that due to her work with the Red Cross, she has developed her customer service skills and ability to work as part of a team, and has identified a more specific line of work that interests her -- cyber security. In addition to what she has learned through the IT Department, she appreciates all of the services offered by the Red Cross to the community. “People in the community don’t realize all of what we do. I want to bring in some of my church members to learn CPR here.”

Diane Minor, Major Gifts Officer, expressed her gratitude and appreciation of Madeline. “Madeline is a valuable asset. We would like to recognize her for her ongoing hard work and dedication. "