Women in Tech: Paving the Way for the Future of Cancer Care
This month, as we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we’d like to recognize some of the Women in Tech who are advancing medicine, science, and the delivery of care at MSK.
Here are their stories, advice for other women considering careers in tech, and what inspires them each day at work as they help in the fight for a cure.
From Physical Therapy to Health Informatics & Technology
Name: Celine Florentino
Title: Business Analyst II, Strategic Operations, Technology Division in DigITs
Years at MSK: 6 years
Career Journey
I majored in biology in college and was on pre-physical therapy track. Throughout undergrad, I worked as a student assistant athletic trainer on campus, and a physical therapy aide at an outpatient facility.
I learned a lot about myself working with and shadowing athletic trainers and physical therapists. I knew I wanted to work in health care and have a positive impact on the lives of patients, but I wanted to transition to a non-clinical role.
I was drawn to MSK and applied, interviewed and accepted an offer as a POA in the gastroenterology service. I worked under Dr. Pari Shah. She was a great mentor and knew I was trying to find myself career-wise.
I’m beyond grateful for the chance Dr. Shah took on me. Working alongside her, I found clarity in what I wanted in my next role. I felt confident, enjoyed working on projects and ultimately found my way to a project coordinator role in health informatics.
I later transitioned to Administrative Coordinator and eventually Operations Manager, managing support staff, day-to-day operations, and providing budget and finance support for the division. I then shifted to the Technology Division, as a Business Analyst II. I recently completed my Certificate in Applied Project Management at Villanova University.
What is it like working as a woman in tech at MSK?
No matter what team or department I’ve worked on, MSK is filled with people who are welcoming, uplifting and supportive. Folks care about your outputs [and also] want to help you progress in your career. I’ve also had the privilege to work with many supportive female colleagues, direct and indirect managers throughout my career at MSK.
Best piece of advice for women working in technology?
Grit and hard work are your most powerful tool. You can always take the initiative to learn and expand your skill set, as long as you are dedicated and persevere.
What skills do you think are important for women working in tech and healthcare?
Communication, perseverance and strategic thinking.
Recommended book or podcast for women in tech:
“Grit” by Angelica Duckworth. In summary, you don’t need to be the most talented or smartest person in the room to succeed. The book breaks down how grit: the personality trait behind perseverance, hard work, and goal-setting is the key to success, and far more powerful than talent or intelligence alone.
What inspires you each day?
It’s inspiring to be a part of an organization with a mission to cure cancer. No matter what your role at MSK is, everyone makes an impact. I’m inspired that everyone comes to work each day striving to deliver their best.
What does Women’s International Day mean to you?
WID means endless opportunities. I’m grateful for the women that came before me and paved the way. They have opened doors that allow me to be where I am today. WID means striving for bigger and better, in hopes that I’m also able to bring up other women along the way.
A “Happy Accident” Leads to a Career in IT at MSK
Name: Heather Reddy
Title: Associate Director, DigITs, managing IT Helpdesk
Years at MSK: 1 year
Career Journey:
I went to Bryn Mawr College and majored in History of Art, and then went to the London School of Economics for an M.Sc. in Information Systems.
While living in London, I was hired by Morgan Stanley as an intern in the IT (Global Telecom) organization. I ended up staying at Morgan in London for two years, and then moved back to New York, where I built my tech career for 10 years.
In 2009, my husband and I both moved to Pittsburgh so he could pursue his Ph.D. in Machine Learning. We had three children and I spent about 11 years out of the workforce. I began working at MSK in DigITs in 2021.
Now, I work on the Helpdesk team. My work is focused on the machinations of preparing our future strategy.
Building a career in IT has been a happy accident. I’ve had the opportunity to make a positive impact on the organizations I’ve been part of, and met wonderful, inspiring people in the process. I am profoundly grateful to do meaningful work at MSK while working from home.
What is it like working as a woman in tech at MSK?
MSK is extremely diverse and supportive from a gender perspective. As a woman in IT, I always expect to be in the minority in my meetings. At MSK, though, that is not always true. This is certainly the most diverse team that I have ever been part of.
Best piece of advice for women considering working in technology?
You don’t have to be highly technical to have a successful career in IT. As a matter of fact, there are lots of really awesome opportunities within the IT world where not being technical is not a problem at all. Work hard, be flexible, be yourself, and lead as you would like to be led.
What skills do you think are important for women working in tech and healthcare?
Feel comfortable driving change. Listen. Know how to create and work to plan, but always be flexible based on the needs of the users. I am also a big believer that a strong sense of urgency and accountability is critical for success in IT.
Recommended book or podcast for women in tech:
“Invisible Women” about data bias is a fascinating read, with lots of data and opinions to chew on. I also think the coffee table book “In the Company of Women” is very inspirational.
What inspires you each day?
My colleagues and those around me inspire me. There is an old cliché about finding magic in the every day, and I certainly believe that to be true.
The women I meet daily on my professional journey are each inspiring in their own unique ways. From my female colleagues in IT who develop software and manage products, projects and teams; to our remarkable Development team; to my HR colleagues who help to recruit, hire and retain a diverse workforce; to the absolutely heroic contributions of the female physicians, RNs, APPs, OCs and others that I have had the honor to meet. I feel inspired by the tremendous dedication and contributions of my female colleagues on a daily basis.
What does Women’s International Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the contributions to the world that women have made, and to take time to focus on how we can continue to drive more change.
For me, it’s also an important day to take time with my children to talk about women’s accomplishments in history, and the fact that these contributions will only grow exponentially with time. The possibilities are limitless. It’s also a great day to read the book “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls” with my daughter.
Using Stepping stones to Grow at MSK
Name: Leah J. Myers
Title: Executive Assistant to the Chief Health Informatics Officer
Years at MSK: 7 years
Career Journey
I worked at the New York Presbyterian for seven years before MSK. There wasn’t much room for growth there. I needed to be able to grow. In my opinion, administrative roles are steppingstones and learning platforms.
Right now, I am a part of the DP&I CLT and it’s absolutely amazing.
What is it like working as a woman in tech at MSK?
MSK is a great place to build a career. I’ve only ever worked with the most supportive people. I’ve also made some amazing friends over the years.
Best piece of advice for women considering working in technology?
Study and ask questions. The language is 100% different coming from the research field.
What skills do you think are important for women working in tech and healthcare?
Agility, time management, great communication skills.
Recommended book or podcast for women in tech:
“Happy Women Live Better” and “Why Not You” by Valorie Burton.
What inspires you each day?
The people I work with. They honestly make my role pretty easy.
What does Women’s International Day mean to you?
It means we are getting the recognition we deserve.