Marissa Forte, MSHI, PMP

I attribute my success first and foremost to my mother and my children, who have shaped both my character and my purpose. My mother’s example taught me what strength, determination, and faith‑driven perseverance look like in action. Watching her navigate challenges with grace and resilience instilled in me the belief that I could always strive for more, push beyond limitations, and pursue excellence with integrity.

My children are the reason I continue to grow—personally, professionally, and spiritually. They motivate me to model the values I want them to carry into adulthood: hard work, perseverance, resilience, and courage. Every milestone I reach is a reminder that they are watching, learning, and building their own sense of possibility. Their presence keeps me grounded, focused, and committed to becoming the best version of myself so I can lead by example and show them what is possible when you stay disciplined and stay true to your purpose.

Together, my mother’s legacy and my children’s inspiration form the foundation of my drive, my ambition, and my success. They are the reason I keep striving, keep improving, and keep moving forward with intention.

The best career advice I’ve ever received was to stay grounded in who you are while continually striving to grow into who you’re becoming. That guidance has shaped every major step in my journey. It taught me that success isn’t just about climbing titles or achieving milestones—it’s about leading with integrity, honoring the people who paved the way for you, and becoming someone your children can look up to.

I learned early on, through my mother’s example, that hard work and resilience open doors, but character keeps them open. And as a mom of four, that advice resonates even more deeply. My children remind me daily that growth is not optional—they’re watching how I navigate challenges, how I show up for others, and how I balance ambition with purpose. The best advice pushed me to embrace continuous learning, pursue advanced education, and step confidently into leadership roles while staying rooted in faith, family, and service.

It’s the kind of advice that doesn’t just shape a career—it shapes a legacy.

The advice I would give to young women entering the healthcare and technology space is to stay anchored in your purpose and tune out the noise that tries to distract you from it. Listen to your heart, trust the path God is shaping for you, and don’t let anyone convince you that your dreams are too big or your voice is too small. This industry can be challenging, fast‑moving, and full of opinions—but you don’t owe your direction to anyone except the One guiding you.

Focus on building your skills, strengthening your character, and staying committed to your goals even when the journey feels heavy. Your perseverance will open doors that talent alone cannot. And remember: you belong in every room you step into. Healthcare IT needs women who lead with integrity, empathy, and courage—women who can balance technical expertise with human‑centered leadership.

Surround yourself with mentors, stay curious, and never stop learning. Whether you’re pursuing certifications, advanced degrees, or leadership roles, invest in your growth with confidence. And most importantly, lead by example. Young women coming behind you will see what’s possible because you chose to rise.

One of the biggest challenges in healthcare project management today is the shortage of resources and personnel needed to support the rapidly expanding volume of work. Healthcare systems are facing increasing demands—more regulatory requirements, more digital transformation initiatives, more EHR optimization needs, and more pressure to improve patient outcomes with fewer hands available. This strain impacts project timelines, team capacity, and the ability to sustain long‑term operational improvements.

But within that challenge lies one of the greatest opportunities for leaders in our field. Resource constraints push us to become more innovative, more strategic, and more disciplined in how we manage projects. They create space for leaders to rethink processes, streamline workflows, and maximize the value of every available resource. For professionals who bring strong project governance, Lean Six Sigma principles, and a people‑centered leadership style, this environment becomes a proving ground for meaningful impact.

Healthcare IT is also at a pivotal moment. As digital transformation accelerates—through advanced EHR capabilities, interoperability, AI‑driven tools, and patient‑centered technologies—there is tremendous opportunity to shape how care is delivered. Leaders who can bridge clinical needs with technical solutions, foster cross‑functional collaboration, and guide teams through change will be essential to building more efficient, equitable, and resilient healthcare systems.

In short, the challenge is capacity. The opportunity is transformation. And those willing to lead with integrity, creativity, and purpose will help define the future of healthcare.

My Christian faith is the foundation of everything I do, and it shapes the values that guide both my work and my personal life. I strive to lead with trust, honesty, and integrity, making decisions that reflect character rather than convenience. Treating others with respect, compassion, and humility is central to how I build relationships, manage teams, and serve my community.

These values influence how I show up as a leader in healthcare IT, how I support my family, and how I navigate challenges with resilience and purpose. They remind me that leadership is not just about outcomes—it’s about how you treat people along the way. Whether I’m guiding a complex project, mentoring emerging professionals, or supporting my children in their activities, I aim to lead with grace, courage, and a commitment to doing what is right.

My faith keeps me grounded. My family keeps me motivated. And my values keep me aligned with the kind of legacy I want to build—one rooted in service, integrity, and unwavering purpose.