Meet Our Volunteers

Volunteer Spotlight and Member Highlights

Exciting news! AABB’s Professional Engagement Program will be showcasing all of the great work our members do for AABB and the world at large.

Our PEP Volunteer Spotlight will consist of a short Q&A with one of our members published each month in AABB News. Our members play an integral role here at AABB and we want to share their accomplishments.

Member Highlights can be any volunteer accomplishment directly involved with AABB and will change as new highlights are added. These highlights may range from publications, committee work, webinars and everything in between!

We are currently soliciting names of individuals to showcase for the coming year in either our Volunteer Spotlight or a Member Highlight capacities. If you or a fellow AABB member are interested, please email us at PEP@aabb.org.

AABB Volunteer Spotlight on Claribel Resto-Marrero MHSc, MLS (ASCP) SBB^CM

Director, Immunohematology Reference Laboratories, OneBlood, Inc

How long have you been an AABB member?

I have been an AABB member since 2019.

In which AABB volunteer activities are you currently active? In which have you participated?

I have the privilege of serving on the IRL Accreditation Committee, which plays a critical role in supporting regulatory compliance and providing educational resources to IRL-accredited laboratories. I strongly believe in sharing knowledge and learning from others, and this committee allows me to contribute to both. I am also part of the COBE Sunsetting Group (WG). This group develops guidelines to assist AABB members in navigating technology changes related to product modifications for frozen, deglyced, and washed blood products.

In 2021, I participated in the AABB Annual Meeting Translation Project. Our team reviewed Spanish translations provided by a vendor to ensure accuracy and proper terminology in the transcripts presented at the meeting. This effort was essential to maintain quality and clarity for Spanish-speaking attendees.

What motivates you to volunteer?

AABB has been an integral part of my professional growth. It provides an exceptional forum where members with deep expertise in transfusion medicine and blood banking come together to share knowledge and learn from one another. I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to this collaborative environment, knowing that we all share the same ultimate goal-delivering the highest quality care to our patients and donors.

How has your volunteer work impacted your professional work?

Participating in these volunteer groups has provided valuable opportunities to connect with other professionals in the field and learn from their expertise. These interactions have broadened my perspective, enhanced my knowledge, and strengthened my ability to apply best practices in my own work.

What have you learned from volunteering with AABB? And what advice would you give to someone interested in volunteering?

I have learned that the opportunities for learning are endless and that true professional growth often happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Volunteering has allowed me to expand my knowledge, build meaningful connections, and gain new perspectives that strengthen my work.

I would strongly encourage anyone to volunteer at any level-it is absolutely worth it. Volunteering not only benefits the organization and the profession but also provides invaluable personal and professional development.

Who is your favorite musician?

Argentinian Rock Band, Enanitos Verdes!