Remarkable Me: Self-Advocacy for Women in Healthcare IT

Let’s be honest—working in Healthcare IT is like being the wizard behind the curtain. You’re expected to make miracles happen, often with little recognition. But guess what? The curtain doesn’t have to stay closed. Trust me; I've done the leg work. Self-advocacy is your superpower to step into the spotlight, not just as a woman in this industry but as the hero of your own story.

So, how do you go from being a background character to a leading lady? It starts with understanding self-advocacy, why it matters, and, most importantly, how to do it in a way that aligns with who you are. Let’s dive in!

I. Understanding Self-Advocacy in Healthcare IT

Self-advocacy isn’t just a buzzword; it’s your ability to stand up for your needs, make your contributions known, and ensure your voice is heard in a field that often undervalues women. But first, let’s clear up a common misconception: being self-aware is not the same as being confident. Think of it this way: self-awareness is knowing you’re a fantastic cook; confidence is volunteering to host Thanksgiving dinner. One requires insight, the other action.

Actionable Steps:

1. Start with a Self-Audit: Take stock of your strengths, weaknesses, and areas where you’ve made significant contributions. Write them down. No, really—write them down.

2. Seek Feedback: Ask trusted colleagues or mentors for feedback on how you’re perceived in the workplace. Use this information to understand where you might need to advocate for yourself more assertively.

3. Define Your Advocacy Goals: Identify specific areas where you want to advocate for yourself—whether for a promotion, a raise, or more responsibility in a particular area.

II. Building the Foundation for Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is like building a house: you need a solid foundation before adding the walls and the roof. This foundation is made of self-awareness, confidence, and expertise. These are necessary to avoid a shaky situation when the time comes to advocate for yourself.

Actionable Steps:

1. Embrace Lifelong Learning: Enroll in relevant courses, attend webinars, and stay updated with industry trends. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in advocating for your expertise.

2. Join Professional Networks: Actively participate in Healthcare IT communities, both online and offline. Networking isn’t just about who you know; it’s about who knows you. Here's a hack: Join Like A Girl Media's community; it's a short walk to all the advice and networking you'll ever need.

3. Find a Mentor: Seek a mentor who can offer guidance, support, and an outsider’s perspective on your career. A good mentor can also strongly advocate for you in areas where you’re less visible.

III. Practical Strategies for Effective Self-Advocacy

It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get practical. Self-advocacy isn’t just about knowing your worth; it’s about communicating it effectively. Think of it as a marketing campaign—except you’re the product, and your target audience is your boss, colleagues, and maybe even yourself.

Actionable Steps:

1. Set SMART Goals: Be specific about what you want. Instead of “I want a promotion,” say, “I want to be promoted to Senior IT Analyst within the next 12 months by demonstrating my leadership on key projects.”

2. Prepare for Conversations: Whether it’s a performance review or a casual check-in with your boss, go in prepared. Have concrete examples of your achievements and how they’ve benefited the company.

3. Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse how you present your case for a promotion, raise, or new opportunity. Practice with a friend or mentor to get feedback and refine your approach.

IV. Overcoming Obstacles and Resistance

Let’s face it—self-advocacy can be a bumpy road. You might encounter resistance, whether it’s from external biases or your internal doubts. The key is not to let these obstacles derail your progress.

Actionable Steps:

1. Address Gender Bias Head-On: If you encounter bias, address it directly and professionally. For instance, politely but firmly reclaim the floor if someone interrupts you in a meeting. Sometimes, the most empowering thing you can say is, "I'm speaking."

2. Resilience Training: Build resilience by viewing setbacks as learning opportunities. Reflect on what went wrong, adjust your strategy, and try again.

3. Balance Assertiveness with Empathy: Assertiveness doesn’t mean being aggressive. Learn to balance your assertiveness with empathy to maintain positive relationships while advocating for yourself.

V. Success Stories and Case Studies

Nothing inspires like a success story. Women in Healthcare IT have been making strides, and their stories can serve as blueprints for your own advocacy journey. These aren’t just fairy tales—these are real-world examples of women who have navigated the complexities of self-advocacy and come out on top. Check out some of the stories of women in the industry and be inspired.

Kim Perry

Mariann Yeager

Actionable Steps:

1. Study Success Stories: Research women in your field who have successfully advocated for themselves. You can learn from their strategies and apply them to your situation.

2. Analyze Case Studies: Review case studies of successful self-advocacy in Healthcare IT. What challenges did these women face, and how did they overcome them? Use these insights to craft your strategy.

3. Reach Out: Don’t be afraid to ask these women for advice. Networking can often lead to mentorship, further supporting your self-advocacy efforts.

VI. Taking Action: Your Self-Advocacy Plan

Now that you have the knowledge and tools, it’s time to put them into action. Crafting a self-advocacy plan is like setting a GPS for your career—you need a clear destination and a route to get there.

Actionable Steps:

1. Create a Personal Advocacy Plan: Outline your goals, strategies, and timelines. Be specific about what you want to achieve and your steps to get there.

2. Set Milestones: Break down your goals into smaller, manageable milestones. Celebrate each win, no matter how small, as it brings you closer to your overall goal.

3. Reflect and Adjust: Review your progress regularly and adjust your plan as needed. Self-advocacy is a dynamic process, and flexibility is critical to staying on course.

VII. Minding the Gap: How Self-Advocacy Closes the Earning and Advancement Gap

Self-advocacy isn’t just about personal growth—it’s a powerful tool in the broader mission of closing the earning and advancement gaps that persist for women in healthcare technology. The gap isn’t going to close itself; it requires concerted effort and strategic action. By advocating for ourselves, we contribute to a collective push that elevates all women in the industry.

Actionable Steps:

1. Negotiate with Purpose: Every time you negotiate your salary, benefits, or role, you’re not just advocating for yourself—you’re setting a precedent for other women. Go into these negotiations armed with market research and a clear understanding of your value.

2. Mentor and Advocate for Others: As you advance, reach back and help others do the same. Advocate for women in your network, sponsor their initiatives, and create opportunities for their growth. When one woman succeeds, it paves the way for others.

3. Speak Up for Fair Policies: Use your voice to advocate for company policies that promote equality, such as transparent salary bands, equitable promotion criteria, and family-friendly workplace policies. Policy change is a powerful way to address systemic gaps.

Conclusion: The Power of Collective Advocacy

Self-advocacy is the cornerstone of “minding the gap.” When women in healthcare technology stand up for themselves, they also stand up for their peers. Each step taken towards fairer pay, more equitable advancement, and better representation chips away at the gap that has persisted for too long.

By embracing self-advocacy as a tool for personal and collective progress, you not only empower yourself but contribute to a movement seeking to transform the industry. So, as you continue your journey, remember that every action you take to advocate for yourself is a step towards closing the gap for all women in healthcare technology.

Here's the thing, ...

Self-advocacy in Healthcare IT isn’t just a skill—it’s a necessity. By understanding your worth, building a solid foundation, and taking deliberate actions, you can ensure that your voice is heard and your contributions are recognized. Remember, being remarkable isn’t just about what you do; it’s about making sure the world knows you did it.

So, go ahead—be remarkable. Advocate for yourself, and watch as the curtain opens, revealing not just a wizard but a leader, a trailblazer, and a force to be reckoned with.