Deborah Sharp
Deborah Sharp is a dedicated and highly adaptable professional with a passion for helping others and a proven track record across healthcare, customer service, and business analysis. Her career began in frontline roles, from working at Speedway to providing patient care as a Certified Medical Assistant at Charleston Heart Clinic and later as a Behavioral Health Technician at Highland Hospital. These early experiences honed her communication, problem-solving, and mentoring skills, allowing her to support clients with professionalism and empathy while navigating complex, high-pressure situations.
Deborah’s commitment to excellence extended into her education, where she earned certification as a Medical Assistant from Everest Institute and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration/Management at South University with a remarkable 3.92 GPA. She was recognized as Student of the Year for her leadership, tutoring, and volunteer efforts, reflecting her drive to lift others as she advances. Her volunteer work with THE HOPE CHEST further demonstrates her dedication to giving back to her community.
Today, Deborah excels as an Associate Professional Business Analyst at Gainwell Technologies, where she specializes in requirements management and project support. Her unique combination of hands-on healthcare experience and analytical expertise allows her to understand both people and systems, making her a valuable asset in improving processes and outcomes. Inspired by her sister’s journey with muscular dystrophy, Deborah aspires to combine her business analyst skills with patient advocacy, ensuring that individuals in rural and underserved communities feel supported, seen, and empowered.
• CMA
• Everest Institute-Cross Lanes- NR- CMA
• South University- Bachelor's
• THE HOPE CHEST
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and the lessons I’ve learned from personal experience. Growing up supporting my sister with muscular dystrophy and seeing my mother’s dedication as a caregiver showed me what patients and families truly need. Staying committed to my goals, advocating for others, and pushing through challenges has guided me, and I’ve learned that even unexpected paths can become a calling if you stay open and keep moving forward.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to ignore self-doubt—confidence comes from doing, not waiting. Growth happens when you try, apply, and take action, even when the path isn’t clear. You belong in the room, so don’t wait for perfect confidence to start.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now are navigating the growing complexity of Medicaid systems, supporting rural communities with limited access, and addressing the emotional exhaustion many healthcare workers face. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities to leverage technology and AI ethically, improve provider understanding of workflows, and develop patient advocacy roles focused on rural and elderly populations—combining innovation with human connection to transform healthcare access.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are family and service, shaped by caring for my sister; grit and perseverance, which keep me moving forward through challenges; and community advocacy, ensuring that small towns and underserved populations receive the support they need. I strive to stay grounded, learn from my mistakes, and remain committed to the people who rely on me, while also finding joy in nature, wildlife, and writing poetry.