By Keri Forsythe-Stephens

The healthcare technology management (HTM) field has historically been male-dominated, but the Women in Leadership (WIL) Society is actively working to change that narrative. Now an official community under the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), WIL is rapidly growing into a leading network dedicated to mentoring, leading, and amplifying the voices of female HTM professionals.

Founded in 2023 and led by president April Lebo and vice president Kim Rowland, WIL has already launched impactful initiatives and, with AAMI’s support, is poised to expand its reach even further. In this roundtable, HCB News sat down with seven WIL members — Sarah Asbrock, Brandi Caton, Nicole Koharik, Jennifer Chester, Allison Woolford, Jina Walls, Ph.D., and Cheyenne Arcuri — along with Rowland, Lebo, and AAMI vice president of HTM Danielle McGeary, to share their experiences and discuss how the organization is breaking the glass ceiling in HTM.

HCB News: What motivated you to join WIL, and how has it impacted you personally?
Sarah Asbrock: I was inspired to join WIL because I wanted to connect with like-minded women who support and uplift one another. Being part of this community has given me a strong sense of belonging, confidence, and opportunities for personal growth. It has provided a space to share experiences, learn from others, and develop leadership skills. Most importantly, it has empowered me to advocate for myself and others, fostering both personal and professional development

Brandi Caton: WIL has not only opened the door to meeting new people but also increased my network of women from whom I can draw advice, experience, and mentorship. WIL has given me the space to have a voice and to listen to other women’s voices in a field where our voices are often reduced.

HCB News: What challenges do women in HTM face today, and how can WIL address them?
Allison Woolford: Women in the HTM field face several challenges, but in my opinion, one of the most significant is the sense of belonging. As humans, we naturally seek to feel secure, safe, and valued. Women in this field often find themselves constantly having to prove their capabilities, demonstrating that they are just as intelligent and tech-savvy as their male counterparts.

WIL aims to address this issue by providing a supportive network where women can come together to share experiences and provide feedback. It is a place that reinforces the message that "you are not alone."

Jina Walls, Ph.D.: Women today face challenges related to community, resources, and access to education and mentorship. The female community is small and [nearly] nonexistent in the world of HTM. Resources are scarce because the HTM field lacks standardized minimum job requirements, such as certifications or degrees, leading to confusion. Lastly, HTM-specific academic programs are lacking because the field is not yet mainstream.

HCB News: Can you tell us more about WIL’s ambassador program and how it will benefit women in the group/industry?
Asbrock: Being a WIL ambassador is an incredibly rewarding experience that allows me to support, mentor, and uplift other women in the HTM industry. It provides a platform to foster professional growth and build a strong network of women who support one another. This program benefits women by offering mentorship, resources, and opportunities to develop leadership skills, ultimately helping us thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field. It is empowering to be part of a movement that drives meaningful change and encourages more women to pursue and excel in their careers.

Cheyenne Arcuri: The WIL Ambassador Program is designed to empower and support women in the HTM industry by offering mentorship, professional development resources, and networking opportunities. As ambassadors, we help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the field. The program fosters leadership growth by connecting participants with experienced professionals, providing career guidance and encouraging knowledge sharing. Through these efforts, WIL helps women build confidence, expand their professional networks, and access opportunities that may have otherwise been out of reach.

HCB News: What advantages has WIL gained from being part of the AAMI community?
Nicole Koharik: The integration of WIL into the AAMI community is a transformative step in our mission to help female HTM professionals reach their full potential by building a supportive community that inspires, uplifts, and tackles the unique challenges women encounter in their careers. With its rapidly growing membership and expanded reach across the HTM industry, WIL now has greater visibility and influence, connecting more women to valuable mentorship, education, and career development opportunities. AAMI’s extensive resources provide WIL members with unparalleled access to industry-leading education and professional support.

More Magazine Features

HTM Homepage