"We are on an upward trajectory, and I am excited to be part of it."

As an enthusiastic and highly effective leader,Nan Eklund has played a tremendous role in the growth of the Ludeman Family Center for Women’s Health Research. Nan’s strong voice,exuberance, and dedication to the mission of the Ludeman Center has inspired many community leaders to become powerful advocates of women's health research. Nan commented, “Many people are not aware of the need for research in this area. It is important to them and their families.

”Nan’s interest in the Ludeman Center stemmed from her own career and interests. “I’ve always been interested in the medical field,” said Nan. Nan and her husband,Spike, both graduates and passionate supporters of the University of Colorado, have three children and seven grandchildren. Following the birth of their third child, Nan decided to attend the CU School of Medicine Child Health Associates-Physician Assistant’s Program. In 1982, Nan graduated and served as a physician's assistant in Denver for 15 years. “I enjoyed working with families as they dealt with a variety of issues,” said Nan.

When Nan first heard about the Ludeman Center, she thought it would be one avenue to continue expanding her interest in health care. In 2009, Nan joined the Ludeman Center Advisory Board, and she recently served as Board Chair. "Being involved with the Ludeman Center has been a gift to me. I have made lifelong friends. The ability to hear from researchers,not only from CU but also from around the world,has enriched my life. I have a passion to learn, to bring women’s health research to practitioners,and to share what I learn from the amazing Ludeman Center researchers. I am still helping families, just in a different way,” said Nan.

In the ten years since Nan first joined the Advisory Board, the Ludeman Center has grown into a nationally-recognized authority on women’s health and sex differences research. The Ludeman Center Annual Community Luncheon has also grown exponentially and now reaches hundreds of supporters in the community. Nan and Spike have been major Annual Luncheon sponsors for over ten years and have encouraged many individuals and corporations to support this educational event. In reflecting on her decade serving on the Advisory Board, Nan says, “I’ve witnessed the incredible dedication of Dr. Judy Regensteiner since the founding of the Ludeman Center. I think the team has grown to be more confident and the researchers are making an even larger impact on women’s health and sex differences. We are on an upward trajectory, and I am excited to be part of it.”

Nan is looking forward to continue progress at the Ludeman Center as it expands in importance in the field of medicine. “I am so proud of the Ludeman Center and excited for the future of women’s health research. I hope more will join in to support this important work.”