Stories of Change

The Ludeman Family Center for Women's Health Research stands as a shining example of how community can shape the future of women’s healthcare. Powered by the generosity of benefactors and a strong network of supporters, the Ludeman Center has become a trailblazer in advancing medical research for women. An impressive 90% of its funding comes from private sources — a testament to the profound impact of collective investment in research.  

Judy Regensteiner, PhD, Ludeman Center director and distinguished professor of medicine, reflects on this powerful alliance: “Our benefactors, our board members and our community truly understand the heart of what we do. They’ve given us the freedom to dream big, and we’re doing just that.” 

Remedying a Flaw in Healthcare

Historically, the health of women has been overlooked in medical research, leaving significant gaps in treatments and services. Women make up over half the U.S. population, yet prevention, diagnosis and treatment for most conditions are based on studies in men. For example, women were previously left out of drug trials, so dosing recommendations for common medications did not account for sex differences and how the female body metabolizes different drugs. 

The Ludeman Center was founded to correct this imbalance, focusing on scientific research that addresses women’s unique health needs and the differences between men and women. As Mary Sissel, an integral supporter and former board member, says, “It’s the science and research that drives better health outcomes for all of us. With better diagnostics and treatments, we can change the game for women everywhere.” 

Key Moments in the Ludeman Center’s Journey

The story of the Ludeman Center is one of ambition, growth and community-driven success. In 2003, a transformative $300,000 private gift, matched by the Ludeman Center’s Advisory Board, set the stage for the creation of the Center for Women’s Health Research. That was just the beginning.  


By 2013, the Judith and Joseph Wagner Chair in Women’s Health Research held by Dr. Regensteiner, with matching community support, solidified the center’s impact. In 2019, a $5 million gift from the Anschutz Foundation propelled the center into a new era, supporting strategic growth and research expansion. The center’s name changed to the Ludeman Family Center for Women’s Health Research in 2021, marking another milestone with the establishment of the Lyda M. Ludeman Endowed Chair in Bioinformatics in Women’s Health Research. By 2024, the Ludeman Center had secured over 20 planned giving commitments, ensuring its legacy for years to come. 

A Vision for the Future of Women’s Health

At its core, the Ludeman Center is driven by a belief in a future where women are not only healthy but thriving. Their mission is clear: to transform women’s health through cutting-edge research, the development of exceptional scientists, and strong partnerships with women, healthcare providers and the community to ensure women receive the highest quality, evidence-based care. 

Research Areas of Focus

The Ludeman Center’s research spans critical areas of women’s health. In cardiovascular disease, they are studying the gender-specific experiences of women with heart conditions, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies. Their work in diabetes and metabolism focuses on the distinct health challenges women face in managing diabetes. Additionally, the Ludeman Center is exploring the intersection of mental and physical health, with a growing emphasis on bioinformatics, a key tool for understanding and treating women’s health issues more effectively. 

A Legacy of Achievement

The Ludeman Center’s impact is evident in its accomplishments. With $2.34 million in seed grants, Ludeman Center scientists have earned an impressive $156 million in external funding. Nearly half of its scientists are also clinicians, seeing 23,000 patients each year across UCHealth, Children’s Hospital Colorado and other institutions. Since 2006, the Ludeman Center has funded 104 scientists, contributing to over 2,250 research publications that are shaping the future of women’s healthcare. 

Empowering the Next Generation of Researchers 

One of the Ludeman Center’s key goals is to nurture the next generation of leaders in women’s health research. Through initiatives like the Early-Career Faculty Research Development Awards, the center provides crucial support to early-career scientists. The Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program, funded through the National Institutes of Health, fosters collaboration and mentorship, ensuring that young researchers have the guidance they need to thrive.  

Jane Reusch, MD, associate director of the Ludeman Center and professor in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, underscores the center’s role in shaping the future. “The center has become a beacon of training for the next wave of scientists in women’s health research. To help young scientists succeed, we need to mentor them, support them and help them grow into leaders in academic medicine,” she says. 

The Power of Private Funding and Philanthropy 

Private funding has been the lifeblood of the Ludeman Center’s success. Generous contributions from benefactors have made groundbreaking research possible, enabling the center to expand its programs and make significant strides in women’s health. These funds have supported the creation of six endowed chairs, the development of women’s health research curriculum and critical seed grants that help launch new research careers.


Philanthropy has also helped the Ludeman Center build strong community programs, host educational events and ensure its lasting presence in the field of women’s health. 

A Community Effort

The Ludeman Center’s remarkable achievements are a direct result of its community’s unwavering support, including its partnership with the University of Colorado. It’s the collective effort of benefactors, board members and other supporters that fuels the center’s mission to make a real difference in women’s health. The community’s involvement ensures that the research being conducted is not only groundbreaking but also relevant to the needs and priorities of women everywhere. Together, they’re shaping the future of healthcare—one discovery at a time. 

The Next Five Years

Looking ahead, the Ludeman Center is poised to build upon its strong foundation and achieve even greater success. Their goals include solidifying their leadership in women’s health research, retaining top-tier scientists and advancing equity in the field. The Ludeman Center also intends to execute a funding plan from a more diverse base of supporters and pursue bold new initiatives that will shape the future of women’s health research and education. They’re committed to ensuring that all women, everywhere, have the knowledge and resources they need to advocate for their health. 

The Ludeman Center is proof of the powerful impact that community-driven support can have on not just women’s health but on healthcare as a whole. With a commitment to research, innovation and the empowerment of the next generation of scientists, the center is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more equitable future for women, their families and their communities. The continued support of benefactors and partners will ensure that the Ludeman Center’s work remains at the forefront of transformative change in women’s health.

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