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.

As a WIL ambassador, I am most excited about the positive individual and collective outcomes we can achieve by empowering women in HTM more rapidly and effectively through AAMI’s industry presence, resources, and expertise. Being part of the AAMI community strengthens our ability to make a sustained and meaningful impact — helping more women thrive and shaping a stronger future for the HTM industry.

Jennifer Chester: Being part of the AAMI community through WIL has created a powerful sense of togetherness among women in our industry. It has provided a space where we can support and uplift each other, share experiences, and collaborate in ways that strengthen both our individual journeys and the field as a whole. Personally, WIL has connected me with women leaders I would never have crossed paths with otherwise — not just in a surface-level networking sense, but in a way that feels real, personal, and truly impactful. These connections have become sources of inspiration, mentorship, and support, which have been invaluable to my growth and confidence as a professional.

HCB News: What role do events like the recent WIL webinar, hosted by AAMI, and WIL’s presence at trade shows play in advancing its mission?
Chester: Events like the recent WIL webinar hosted by AAMI and its trade show presence play a critical role in advancing WIL’s mission by fostering community, empowerment, and professional growth for women in the industry. WIL is creating safe learning spaces, where webinars tailored for women provide a comfortable and inclusive environment for open discussions, sharing experiences, and gaining insights from peers and mentors without fear of judgment.

Koharik: WIL events, like the recent webinar hosted by AAMI on gender dynamics in the workplace, and our presence at industry trade shows, play a vital role in advancing our mission by fostering education, connection, and empowerment. The webinar was interactive and provided a safe space for all participants to share experiences, build confidence, and grow together. The breakout discussions were especially powerful — every participant had the opportunity to share their experiences, and we bonded over the realization that we are not alone in our challenges.

Knowing that other WIL members are at industry events fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens our collective impact. Since joining WIL, I have had deeper and more meaningful conversations with other women in HTM than in my entire 5.5 years in the industry. There is a sense of personal fulfillment that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself — something that impacts the entire industry. As HTM professionals, we are united by a shared focus on patient safety, and WIL provides a space for women to be their authentic selves, take risks, and grow. The impact extends beyond individuals. When women gain confidence and step outside of their comfort zones, both their employers and the entire industry benefit.

HCB News: Will WIL be hosting another event at the AAMI eXchange this June?
Danielle McGeary: Yes. AAMI will be hosting a WIL networking event on Sunday evening at the eXchange [which takes place from June 20-23]. We are thrilled to have WIL as part of AAMI, and what better way to celebrate than by bringing all the women of WIL together in New Orleans? It will be a great opportunity for fellow WIL members to meet one another, network, and learn. The event will also involve professional development, making it both educational and social. [AAMI eXchange attendees,] be sure to also stop by the WIL table to meet WIL VP Kim Rowland and learn how to get involved if you haven’t already.

HCB News: What advice would you give to women who want to enter or advance in the HTM field?
Woolford: Don’t let others’ fears hold you back from pursuing something you’re passionate about or interested in. The HTM field offers numerous avenues, ensuring there’s room for everyone.

Caton: Be authentically you. You are never going to be palatable to everyone, but if you’re honest, have integrity in your work, and always put the patient first, you’ll have the most solid, respectable foundation for success.

HCB News: How do you envision WIL growing and evolving over the next five years?
Kim Rowland and April Lebo: We have a lot of aspirations for WIL over the next few years. Here are a few avenues we hope to see grow and evolve: Stronger mentorship and sponsorship networks, where influential leaders actively advocate for and elevate women, are a game-changer. We also hope to explore ways to network and gather perspectives from other industries to help broaden our scope and skill set, as well as further introduce HTM to new audiences. [We will also focus] more on skill development and leadership training by providing targeted leadership programs, negotiation training, and confidence-building initiatives to equip women with the tools to excel.

One day soon, we would love to include men in some of our training programs, focusing on initiatives such as diversity in the workplace and communication training. We are also looking to incorporate a stronger voice and advocacy for women in HTM through additional outlets, aiming to reach a broader demographic and a younger audience. Finally, we would love to see WIL’s presence at every state and regional association become more accessible to members who may not be able to attend the larger national conferences, allowing for more local networking and connection opportunities.

HCB News: What would you like to say to women in HTM who may not yet be aware of WIL?
Walls: Ladies, understand that there is a community for you. We’re here to support you as you express yourself, explore new paths, and empower you [to reach your fullest potential]. We are in this together, and the next level is within your reach at WIL. Acceptance is just a greeting away.

Arcuri: If you’re a woman in HTM, I want to introduce you to this incredible community. WIL is all about connecting, learning, and uplifting each other in a way that makes this industry even more exciting. It’s a space where you can meet inspiring women, share experiences, and gain insights that help you grow both personally and professionally.

The best part? It’s not just about career advancement — it’s about building friendships, celebrating each other’s wins, and having a strong support system in this ever-evolving field. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, networking, or simply a great group of people to share the journey with, WIL has something to offer.