In 1980 President Jimmy Carter, by Presidential Proclamation, designated the first week in March as Women's History Week stating:

“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung, and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.” 

Since then the week has grown into a month to honor the enormous contributions women have made in their communities and the nation. 

To celebrate Women’s History Month, we are highlighting a few of the #Shero's on the OneBlood Team. Patricia is a Supervisor in the OneBlood Telerecruitment and Customer Care Department. This department works directly with blood donors to schedule appointments, find locations, help donors access their online account, and answer questions about blood donor thank you gifts.    

What is your role at OneBlood? How long have you been working here? 
I am the Orlando Supervisor of Telerecruitment and Customer Care, and will begin my tenth year with OneBlood in April. 

Tell us about your career journey at OneBlood? 
I started at Oneblood as a Telerecruiter and worked in this role for three years. I then moved to Customer Care and was in this position for two years. I was then promoted to Supervisor when the Telerecruitment/Customer Care Supervisor position became available.

Who is your woman role model? How has she inspired/impacted you personally or professionally? 
My woman role model is my mother. She always believed in doing things excellently and working hard. She felt that women should not allow anything to prevent them from getting an education as it can never be taken away. 

What's your favorite quote or phrase? 
My favorite quote is, “You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice…” –Bob Marley

What advice would you give to young women entering your field? 
I would advise young women entering the field to stay open to new knowledge, don’t stop growing and always stay humble!

You can help honor Women's History Month by doing a great act of service to your community. Give blood and help patients in area hospitals when they need it most. Find a Big Red Bus or OneBlood Donor Center near you.