We’re so lucky Nicole Fassina is a new Red Cross recruit! Not only did she fly all the way from Tajikistan to take part in Canadian Red Cross training, but she can rap with the best of them, and is a Terry Fox Award winner.
Recently, Nicole was one of 26 people, along with doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators and other professionals, who attended Canadian Red Cross IMPACT training in Ottawa. IMPACT stands for International Mobilization and Preparation for Action, and helps prepare people to work on a range of Red Cross international operations.
After training, Nicole is slated to be an international operations manager for CRC. In her role, she will be deployed when Red Cross needs experienced people to help manage disaster responses. She could also oversee development projects supported by Red Cross, like helping fight malaria in Africa.
At the five-day IMPACT session, participants were also trained to be ERU (Emergency Response Unit) delegates for Red Cross. These people will join a roster of professionals who can be deployed to work in field hospitals, mobile medical clinics and other positions when disaster strikes in Canada or around the world.
The IMPACT course is interactive, goes through various disaster response simulations, and might even include a rap song to help people remember the material! If you’re interested in volunteering with Red Cross, please visit
redcross.ca/volunteer.
Here is what Nicole shared about IMPACT training and herself:
What work are you doing at the moment?
I'm currently a consultant working for the Aga Khan Foundation Canada with their FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance teams across Tajikistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan. We are working on early warning systems, automated weather monitoring systems, and piloting drone technology for risk assessments.
What did you think about IMPACT training? What was most helpful, difficult, fun?
I arrived in Ottawa from Tajikistan five hours before the training was due to start. Jet-lag was my biggest challenge that week but I made it to the finish line. I found the simulation exercise when we visited prisoners of war as delegates of the ICRC very interesting. That one makes your heart sink.
The people I met are quite outstanding. Each individual has an inspiring story, or multiple, to tell. I hope that one day you can view the world from their eyes and ears. I think they have the drive and insight to change the world. I found it helpful talking about international experiences with other delegates. Sharing the importance of bringing staple items like coffee presses and peanut butter in your luggage is laughable but an important coping mechanism when preparing for travel.
What is your professional background?
I interned at the London, Ontario Red Cross branch during my emergency management graduate program. After this, I worked with the World Health Organization's emergency preparedness and response team in Copenhagen, Denmark. I have policy and advocacy experience with United Nations agencies and co-wrote training with the IFRC during my time in London, England. I have field experience in East Africa, Colombia, Central Asia and Thailand.
What first interested you in Red Cross?
I always admired the way the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement produces impressive work, strives for the highest level of fundamental principles and aspires to return humanity to others. The Movement is a critical leader in its field and I feel proud to have been selected to join the team.
You are a Terry Fox Award winner!
I was one of 14 Canadians selected based on a variety of humanitarian and leadership criteria. Not only did I organize events and fundraisers to support local and national organizations, I also created awareness within my school and community on poverty-related issues, homelessness, other social injustices and cancer.
Welcome Nicole!