When we give, we gain. This sentiment embodies our celebration of the 115th annual International Women’s Day (IWD), an incredible milestone of collective action and progress towards a world of gender equality.
Give to Gain, the IWD theme, centers around the power of intentional reciprocity and support for women by individuals and organizations. Healthcare is a field defined by service, and we’re thrilled to celebrate those who choose to show up to support our clinicians.
Below, you’ll hear from women across Sound’s colleague community as they share perspectives on career, leadership, and the undeniable power of supporting fellow women.
Introducing:
- Kimberly Robinson, IT Product Manager
- Angela McNatt, Director, Process Improvement
- Charlotte Davis, Senior Coding Compliance Specialist
- Marie DiPiero, Talent Partner
- Melissa Bryant, Group VP, Operations
What drew you to a career in the field of healthcare?
Kimberly: I have many family members in the medical field—dentists, ear/nose/throat specialists, pediatrists, family medicine specialists, internists, and more. I always assumed I’d be a doctor, too! When I was very young, I said, “I want to run a hospital.” It feels right that I ended up at Sound.
Angela: Healthcare is one of the few fields where you truly feel part of something bigger than yourself. My success and my colleagues’ successes each day contribute to the greater good, and I’m proud of my role in that impact!
Marie: I heard about Sound through a female colleague I’d worked with at a prior employer. She posted about job opportunities there, and I eagerly reached out. I had recently been laid off and was drawn to Sound’s familiarity and purpose.
Melissa: Growing up as a military child and in a ministry household profoundly shaped who I am as a leader. I was surrounded by examples of what it truly means to lead through service. Healthcare, much like ministry, is centered on people at critical moments in their lives, and I could serve them by improving how care is delivered on a broader scale in healthcare operations. My parents’ example continues to guide how I show up: prioritizing people, serving with integrity, and remembering that the work we do ultimately impacts lives far beyond the walls of our organization.
What would you consider to be a defining moment of your career thus far?
Kimberly: During my undergrad studies in hospital administration, I interned with AdventHealth expecting to move straight into their Management Residency—but after making it to the final two candidates, I wasn’t selected and suddenly had no plan B. I went on to earn my MBA and built management experience across finance, hospitality, and retail, gaining invaluable skills and lifelong connections. In 2015, I returned to healthcare when I was recruited by Sound, a defining step that’s allowed me to grow across the organization and work alongside passionate people dedicated to delivering quality to our stakeholders.
Angela: A defining moment in my career came when I was given full autonomy over a multimillion-dollar revenue line. I was new to the company, in a male-dominated industry, and acutely aware of the stakes. Feeling overwhelmed, I leaned on my supervisor’s advice. As the company’s president, he taught me to trust my skills, embrace tough decisions, and not be intimidated by the unknown. I use his motto to this day: “We don’t make mistakes; we make learning opportunities.” His confidence in me helped me grow my confidence.
Marie: I found out I was pregnant during my first few interviews with Sound. I was so worried and thought, “Why would anyone hire me knowing that in four or five months I’d need maternity leave before I’d even had the chance to fully get my feet under me?” Shortly after my onboarding and training began, I told my new team. They were more than supportive, and their response reinforced exactly why I wanted to work here. I matter here, my work matters here, and my life balance is not lost in that.
What does positive leadership mean to you as a woman in the healthcare industry?
Kimberly: Positive leadership means finding a way to lead from wherever you are—regardless of your title, experience, or time with the organization. Every person has something of value to contribute. Don’t wait for someone to ask! Being a positive leader also means creating a safe space for people at all levels of the organization to contribute in this way.
Angela: Positive leadership is about finding balance. It means being kind but candid and thoughtful, without avoiding hard conversations. The best leaders empower people to operate independently but are willing to show up quickly when needed. Leading with strength and empathy leaves the people around them more capable and more confident. High expectations complemented by high support—that’s the sign of a good leader!
Charlotte: Positive leadership is empathetic and open to creative ideas.
Melissa: Positive leadership is about creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to do meaningful work. As a woman in the healthcare industry, I see positivity not as mere optimism, but as intentional influence: setting the tone, modeling resilience, and leading with empathy while maintaining high standards for performance. I strive to bring a balance of accountability and encouragement to drive results, build trust, and create a workplace where people can thrive.
Can you describe a challenge you’ve faced that helped you learn and shaped who you are today?
Kimberly: Many would not assume this of me, but I am an introvert. I love connecting with people, but it can drain my energy. Over time, I’ve learned how to communicate and build meaningful relationships in ways that are true to who I am. Honing those skills helps me succeed—and empower others who may experience similar challenges.
Angela: While serving as a young sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, I was at the center of a clerical error that caused a huge sum of government money to go unaccounted for. The two-star general I reported to was unsurprisingly furious about the missing millions. Luckily, 76 hours of research later, I identified the issue and fixed the accounting. The high-stress situation fundamentally shaped how I approach problems. It taught me how to pause, develop action plans, and work methodically rather than reactively. Pressure during critical moments is inevitable, but my responses in those high-stress moments can have a big effect on the outcome.
Charlotte: I was laid off from my job at another organization. I came to appreciate the time away from working and realized I was not satisfied in the role I’d lost. It helped me decide to return to a job in healthcare.
How do you support or uplift the fellow women you work with?
Kimberly: I really enjoy working with other women. I love learning about them, what they want from their lives and careers, and helping them create a tangible plan for how to get there. Whether it’s lending a listening ear, helping to problem solve, or providing mentorship, I am passionate about helping others and giving back in the ways others have done for me.
Angela: One of the most meaningful ways we can support one another as women is by sharing our knowledge, experiences, and journeys. Those exchanges build and sustain communities, and the same holds true in the workplace. We are stronger together than navigating challenges alone.
Melissa: I support and uplift the fellow women I work with by creating a space for every perspective to be heard. Through mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration, we open doors for growth and champion each other’s success. Together, we lead with purpose, confidence, empathy, and integrity—knowing that when we support each other, we strengthen our teams, our organization, and our communities.
What advice do you have for the next generation of young women entering this field as either a central service colleague or a clinician?
Kimberly: Never stop being curious, never stop learning, and don’t let fear get in your way. It’s comfortable to be good at something, but real growth comes from getting outside of our comfort zones. Some of the most valuable experiences I’ve had in my personal and professional life have come from doing something outside of my normal routine.
Angela: Change is neither good nor bad; it’s what you choose to make of it. Whether change feels like a challenge or an opportunity depends on perspective. Most of all, give yourself grace. This is your first time living life, and it’s ok to make mistakes. Learn from them and choose to grow.
Charlotte: Be willing to change, especially when it comes to learning and embracing technology. Your input is important; always find a way to make positive contributions to your team.
Melissa: For a young professional, I advise always starting with the why. You will spend more time with your career than with your leisure time. Think diligently about what you believe or want your purpose and impact to be. Build bridges with the people who want you to succeed, but can always be open and truthful to you. Learn to walk with confidence and be intentional about building connections and community.