Breaking Boundaries in Digital Health: A Journey of Passion & Persistence
The digital health industry is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector, but it’s also one that has historically been male-dominated. However, exceptional leaders like Evelyn Okpanachi have shown that perseverance, curiosity, and passion can overcome these barriers. In a open and candid conversation, Evelyn shared her journey, insights, and commitment to empowering women in tech, offering an inspiring perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the digital health landscape.
Evelyn’s career path began in the healthcare sector, initially far removed from the digital health space. Reflecting on her early days, she recalls, “I started with health studies and management, and my first role was in private healthcare with Bupa.” Her venture into operations and management sparked an interest in project management, but it wasn’t until she began working on several tech-driven initiatives that her passion for digital transformation emerged. Her curiosity led her to explore information technology, despite it not being her initial focus. “I’m a very systems and process person, and you need technology to be able to do that.” This insight paved the way for her transition from management into the realm of IT, software testing, and business analysis. Evelyn pursued multiple certifications and accreditations, becoming a chartered Business Analyst, a certified software tester, and a practitioner in project management. These skills equipped her to navigate the complex digital landscape, particularly within the public healthcare sector.
Transitioning from private to public healthcare, Evelyn experienced what she described as a “rude awakening.” The stark difference in resources and decision-making processes between the two sectors became immediately apparent. “Coming from the private sector, where you have a very large pot to spend on, moving to the public sector was really eye-opening.” However, this shift only fuelled her determination. Evelyn embraced the challenge, focusing on software development, implementation, and digital strategy within the NHS, which ultimately shaped her holistic approach to Programme Management.
One of Evelyn’s greatest passions is helping more women break into the technology industry. Reflecting on her own experience, she observed, “I was the only female in digital, the only female in IT in multiple organisations. It’s honestly never been an issue for me, but I’d love to see more women there.”
She is determined to dismantle the fear that many women feel towards tech-related roles. “There’s a fear factor, and that’s the reason why many shy away. How do we stop that? How do we break that?” She believes in starting at the foundations, encouraging young girls to embrace STEM subjects, and building their confidence in male-dominated fields. Evelyn shares a personal anecdote about her daughter, who was initially afraid of technology but now confidently navigates it. “It’s really exciting to see women stepping out of their comfort zone to embrace the tech culture.”
She is a firm believer that women possess natural project management skills, even if they don’t realise it. “I always find women are extremely good Project Managers, they just don’t know it. You manage your home, your finances, your holidays – that’s project management in layman’s terms. So why can’t you do it in the workplace?”
Evelyn speaks through removing limits, creating a mindset shift. She emphasises that one of the most significant barriers women face in tech is the limits they place on themselves. “We put a limit on ourselves,” she says. “Why are you placing limits around yourself when you can evolve and develop yourself further?” This mindset of self-imposed constraint is something she is passionate about breaking. She often coaches women to step beyond their comfort zones and embrace opportunities for growth, even in unfamiliar fields. Her approach is grounded in practicality. Drawing on her experience as a project manager, she highlights how women can mitigate risks in their careers, just as they would in a project. “Half of the time, fear is a risk. So, what mitigations are you putting around that risk? If you have a plan, suddenly that fear doesn’t seem so daunting.”
Despite working in environments where she was often the only woman – and sometimes the only woman of colour – Evelyn has never let this hold her back. “I am what I am, and that’s not my problem. If someone has an issue with it, that’s their problem, not mine.” She chooses to focus on the skills and value she brings to the table, rather than her gender or race. While she acknowledges that being the only woman in the room might stand out to others, she has always prioritised her capabilities over external perceptions. “What do I bring to the table? That’s enough for me. If it’s not enough for others, that’s their issue.”
Evelyn’s passion for empowering women extends beyond her immediate circle. She’s driven to inspire girls and women from all backgrounds to pursue careers in technology and digital health. “It’s about removing fear and building confidence,” she explains. Her coaching sessions often lead to what she calls “paradigm shifts,” where women of all ages, backgrounds, and identities begin to see themselves in a new light, discovering they are far more capable than they ever imagined.
One of the most powerful lessons she shares with women is the importance of “failing forward.” “Sometimes you have to step into the unknown, fail, learn, and grow. It’s part of the process.” By encouraging women to embrace challenges rather than shy away from them, Evelyn hopes to create a culture of confidence and resilience among women in tech.
When asked about her inspiration, Evelyn gives an unexpected yet refreshingly honest answer: “Funny enough, I was actually going to say myself. I don’t really have role models. My motivation comes from within.” She is quick to acknowledge and admires the accomplishments of many women in the industry, and finds inspiration in their unique journeys and successes, but remains focused on her own path. “There are phenomenal women doing amazing things, and I respect that. But ultimately, I have to keep going, keep pushing for me. That’s what inspires me.” For Evelyn, the achievements and morals of others are motivating, but her true drive comes from her personal goals and relentless determination, “it’s a nice thing to wake up to every single day”
Evelyn’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and a relentless focus on personal growth. Her story serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to break into the digital health space, particularly women who may feel intimidated by the male-dominated nature of the industry. By sharing her experiences, she not only highlights the possibilities within the field but also paves the way for a new generation of women leaders in technology.
