Mrs. Aida Martinelli received the V “Dr. Mario Villarroel International Leadership Award”.

The “Dr. Mario Villarroel International Leadership Award” was created by the Latin American and Caribbean Leadership Committee of the American Red Cross of Greater Miami and The Keys to distinguish each year the individual or organization that has demonstrated significant leadership in strengthening Red Cross services in the internationally diverse communities that reside in the Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties in the State of Florida.

These services should be priority for the Chapter of Greater Miami and The Keys in fulfilling its mission since 61% of the residents of this Delegation were born outside the United States of America. Although each community is unique, it may share similarities with others. To distinguish those characteristics that are unique to these communities and to be relevant to the lives of people living in the area, all programs that are implemented must have the necessary knowledge and cultural sensitivity. Similarly, to support the mission of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the American Red Cross of Greater Miami and The Keys can serve as a liaison between residents and their families who live abroad in their home countries.

This award was named after Dr. Mario Villarroel to honor this distinguished Venezuelan, who served as President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for a period of 10 years. During his tenure, Dr. Villarroel demonstrated the most genuine sense of the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, evidencing his organizational skills, his exemplary humanitarian spirit, and his leadership that inspired major achievements to help the neediest.

Although Dr. Villarroel now lives in his native Venezuela, he has family in Miami and visits Florida often, where he continues to play a strong leadership role in the local Red Cross.