Jaquavia Spencer, IT Trainer on Influential Women
Verified Member

Influential Woman · Health informatics

Jaquavia Spencer

IT Trainer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Hattiesburg, MS 39402

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Strayer University - BASc, Information Technology Cert Credentialed Trainer

Her Story

About Jaquavia

Jaquavia Spencer serves as a Healthcare Informatics Training and Development Specialist with six years of experience in the health informatics field. She currently supports Vanderbilt University Medical Center, one of the nation’s leading academic medical institutions, following her previous full-time role with CHRISTUS Health. As a Credentialed Trainer, Jaquavia combines her clinical knowledge with expertise in electronic medical record (EMR) training, system implementations, workflow optimization, and electronic health record (EHR) adoption. Her ability to connect technology with healthcare operations allows her to help teams successfully navigate digital transformation and improve the delivery of patient care.

Throughout her career, Jaquavia has developed a strong foundation in healthcare technology, supporting organizations through training initiatives, go-live readiness, and the integration of innovative solutions. Her passion for technology began at an early age and continues to inspire her professional growth as she pursues a degree in Information Technology. With a commitment to lifelong learning, she strives to expand her expertise and ultimately achieve her vision of creating a technology school that empowers others with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital age.

Jaquavia attributes much of her success to resilience, determination, and the support of mentors who have encouraged her throughout her journey. She credits colleagues and mentors, including Shawna Patterson and her best friend Alonzo Shirai, for helping her remain focused, motivated, and committed to achieving her goals. Inspired by her children, Jaquavia continues to push boundaries, embrace new opportunities, and lead by example, demonstrating that perseverance, education, and a strong sense of purpose can open doors to lasting success.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Jaquavia

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to the inspiration and motivation I have drawn from my children. They have been my driving force and the reason I strive to become someone they can be proud of and look up to. Throughout my journey, I have made many sacrifices, including time away from them and the challenges that came with traveling and pursuing my goals. Their love and belief in me have encouraged me to keep moving forward, continue growing, and embrace every opportunity to learn and improve. I hope to lead by example and show them that with determination, resilience, and hard work, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The most valuable career advice I have ever received came from mentors who encouraged me to keep moving forward, even when the journey became challenging. Their belief in my potential reminded me that obstacles are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth and stepping stones toward achieving something greater. That guidance shaped my mindset and reinforced the importance of resilience, perseverance, and maintaining confidence in my abilities. I have learned to never allow temporary setbacks to define my future, but instead use them as motivation to continue learning, growing, and pursuing my goals.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to never give up and to stay committed to their purpose. As a single mother, I understand that pursuing your goals often requires courage, sacrifice, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. I encourage other women, especially those facing similar challenges, to believe in themselves and remember that their circumstances do not define their potential. Success does not happen overnight, but having a clear motivation and understanding of your “why” can help you push through difficult moments. I also encourage women to embrace change, even when it feels uncomfortable, because growth often comes from taking risks and making sacrifices that ultimately lead to rewarding opportunities and long-term success.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest opportunities in my field right now are being created through the continued growth of healthcare technology and the increasing number of opportunities for women to transition into informatics and technology leadership roles. As nurses, clinicians, and healthcare professionals bring their firsthand experience into technology-driven solutions, they have the ability to make a meaningful impact on the future of healthcare. While balancing family responsibilities, education, and career advancement can be challenging, I believe these challenges can be overcome through resilience, mentorship, networking, and continued learning. I am passionate about encouraging more women to pursue leadership opportunities in healthcare technology and believe we have the ability to shape the future of the industry with innovation, compassion, and confidence.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are education, family, perseverance, and empowering others. My children have been my greatest source of inspiration, motivating me to build a career they can be proud of while showing them the importance of determination, resilience, and hard work. I strive to lead by example by balancing the responsibilities of motherhood, my career, and my continued pursuit of growth and education with purpose and dedication. I believe in lifelong learning, building meaningful relationships, and supporting other women through mentorship, collaboration, and encouragement. By uplifting others and creating opportunities for growth, I hope to make a positive impact in both my professional community and the lives of those around me.

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