During Women’s History Month 2025, we celebrate women who have dedicated their lives to leading, educating, and inspiring others. We especially want to shout out all the amazing women supporting us every day. Making up over 65% of our workforce, we recognize your daily contributions, your mentorship, and your leadership.
Your dedication and the efforts of women throughout history who’ve made waves in the field of science and healthcare, directly impacting the blood banking field, have allowed us to “Move Forward Together!” – the theme of this year’s Women’s History Month.
Historic Contributions to Hematology
One of the most notable women in blood science, Winifred Mayer Ashby was born in 1879. Emigrating to the United States at the age of 14, Ashby found her passion for science. She attended several universities, eventually receiving her doctoral degree from the University of Minnesota, a Mayo Clinic affiliated school. She held several positions in education and research in the U.S. and the Philippines before beginning her time at Mayo Clinic. There she held a fellowship for seven years, during which she made historic contributions to hematology.
At Mayo, she was awarded the Fellowship Training Award in pathology and immunology, and developed the Ashby technique to help scientists understand erythrocyte physiology. Dr. Ashby tested conditions in healthy individuals and patients with varying diseases, and eventually was the first person to clarify that the lifespan of a human red blood cell (RBC) is about 100 days.
Groundbreaking Results
Dr. Ashby was a pioneer in better understanding anemia and hemolytic diseases as well as studying anticoagulants used in blood transfusions which were able to prolong the amount of time blood could stay viable during transport. Her groundbreaking results improved blood preservation techniques, including blood storage and transportation, directly impacting World War II efforts – and it is something we are still benefiting from today!
Winifred Mayer Ashby lived until 95 years old. Her work significantly advanced the scientific field for both women and blood transfusion patients, leaving the world a better place and forever changing science.
Celebrating Our We Are Blood Community Members
We Are Blood celebrates the women like Winifred Mayer Ashby who have made remarkable achievements to optimize the blood donation and transfusion process. We also recognize all those who currently give back to the blood banking field – our staff, donors, volunteers, community partners, and more! Each of you plays a crucial role in us achieving our mission and keeping the community blood supply safe. Thank you for all you do each day to support us in saving lives locally. Your dedication is admirable!