We Are HIMSS Member Spotlight: Angelita Howard

At HIMSS, our members are the heart of our organization, made up of more than 100,000 individuals, 480 provider organizations, 470 non-profit partners and 650 health services organizations. Because their contributions are essential to our success, we seek to recognize their many accomplishments across title, worksite, region and career stage. Today and every day, we celebrate the essential endeavors of these health information and technology changemakers. #wearehimss

Angelita Howard is an ambassador on the Global Health Equity Network Advisory Task Force.

Angelita Howard, EdD, MBA-PM, MA
Assistant Dean of Online Education and Expanded Programs
Morehouse School of Medicine

We encourage embracing and announcing achievements with confidence. Please share an accomplishment you find to be significant.

One of my significant accomplishments is creating a Summer Bridge Pipeline Program focused on providing students with an opportunity to learn more about health informatics. Over the last year, I have worked to expose students to the health informatics industry. This summer program will give them an opportunity for guaranteed admissions into the 14-month degree program for the Master of Science in Health Informatics and scholarship money towards their tuition.

What are some words of advice for others in your profession?

Never stop dreaming, never stop building and never stop serving. Students look to us daily for advice (professional and professional). We have a platform that we don't always ask to be on, but it is our responsibility to build so that others behind us will continue to have opportunities. Additionally, it is important, as a leader, that you never stop dreaming, even if your dream is deferred or pushed aside. Keep dreaming. Keep building greater. And finally, never stop serving. When you stop serving, you stop relating. 

If you could do anything for the rest of your life, what would that be?

I love to sing – it takes all of my daily stresses away. My favorite music is gospel. Give me a mic, a piano/organ, and some drums, and it will temporarily remove my mind from anything else. My undergraduate degree is in music (vocal performance). I should have been on Broadway or at the Metropolitan Opera! Instead, I am an educator, and I wouldn't trade anything for it.