Navisha is a Clinical Operations Manager at Georgetown Hospital with a background as a Registered Nurse and is currently pursuing her PhD in nursing. She reflects on her journey navigating leadership as a woman in healthcare, sharing the pressures she has faced to prove her worth.
Inspired by her mother, a nurse from Sri Lanka, Navisha emphasizes the vital role women play in supporting one another and the need to create a more inclusive and empowering healthcare environment.
1. Why is it important to have strong female representation in healthcare?
“Strong female representation in healthcare is essential for ensuring diverse perspectives in patient care, research, and policy. Women bring unique insights that help address gender disparities in care and treatment and challenge oppressive structures in healthcare. Strong female representation in healthcare fosters equity, empowers future generations, and ultimately strengthens healthcare leadership.”
2. What challenges have you faced as a woman in your field, and how have you overcome them?
“One of the biggest challenges I have faced as a woman in healthcare is the pressure to constantly prove my worth. I’ve often felt the need to take on more responsibilities to demonstrate my capabilities, which has sometimes led me to spread myself too thin. I’ve learned to overcome this by setting boundaries and reminding myself that I don’t have to do everything to prove my worth. I’ve also leaned on my mentors and support networks and recognize now that success isn’t just about doing more, it’s about making a meaningful impact while maintaining balance.”
3. Who is a woman that has inspired you in your life or career?
“I have been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by amazing women in both my personal life and career who inspire me every day. But the woman who inspires me the most is my mom. My mom was a nurse back in Sri Lanka and growing up, she showed me what it truly means to care for others, which inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. She taught me that there are no limits to what I can achieve, partly the reason why I am pursuing a PhD in nursing now. My mom has shown me what it means to be a strong and resilient woman, and for that, I will always be grateful. Everything I accomplish is, in so many ways, a reflection of the sacrifices she made and the lessons she has instilled me.”
4. What is one lesson you’ve learned as a woman in your profession?
As a Registered Nurse and now Clinical Operations Manager, I’ve learned that the most powerful thing women can do is empower one another. Working in healthcare can be demanding but when we mentor, support, and celebrate each other’s successes, we can foster a stronger, more inclusive workplace where we can grow, thrive, and ensure our voices are heard. When women support each other, we can break barriers and pave the way for future generations.”
5. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
“Stop worrying about the future and trust that everything will fall into place. Just be present and enjoy the journey.”
