The Launch Point: How Lived Experience Led to Leadership for Wake Forest SPS Alum Katheryn Bailey

“Women’s careers aren’t always linear,” Katheryn Bailey reflected—and she would know. 

As a single mom at 19 years old, she said “yes” when an optician friend told her of a tech opening at her eye clinic. That unexpected start would eventually lead her to become an award-winning project manager in healthcare and diagnostics.

During her 13 years at the clinic, Katheryn went from building eyeglasses to assisting in surgeries. Then, one day at work, one of her patients took note of her skills and recommended her for a new opportunity. Katheryn saw it as a sign to take a leap, transitioning from direct patient care to healthcare technology. 

Discovering the Power of Diagnostics

In 2022, Katheryn would go on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Western Governors University. After an internship in pharmacokinetics and toxicology, she joined bioMérieux, a global diagnostics company.

“I had no experience in diagnostics, but they took a chance on me,” she said. “In three years, I won three awards. I loved what they were doing. Their mission brought me back into healthcare, and back to my roots in patient safety.”

At bioMérieux, her team installed VITEK 2 instrumentation in microbiology labs and implemented CLARION analytics to turn diagnostic data into actionable insights. This type of work—technology that can positively change outcomes—is what continues to drive Katheryn today. 

Building New Skills for a New Era of Project Management

The experience at bioMérieux also reinforced her commitment to continuous learning and growing, leading her to pursue the Master’s in Project Management program at Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies (SPS). 

“It felt aligned,” she said. “My entire career has been about keeping the patient at the center, and Wake Forest treats students the same way. We were at the center of everything.”

With years of hands-on experience behind her, she was looking for a program that reflected where project management is heading. Wake Forest SPS delivered. 

“The curriculum was up to date with AI, agile, and new tools,” Katheryn said. “I’d managed projects for years, but Wake Forest gave me the theoretical foundation and frameworks that changed how I do my job.”

Katheryn started the program in 2023 and graduated in 2025. Every step of the way, she felt supported.

“Even though we were online, the professors never let you fall. They took extra time, hosted meetups, and built a real sense of community. I never felt alone, even from home,” she noted.

That support and education soon paid off. Not long after graduation, Katheryn was hired as a contractor for Roche through Brooksource. In her current role, she sees firsthand how technology continues to redefine healthcare project management from task-driven to strategy-driven.

 “Technology has transformed everything,” she said. “The cloud opened up access to data that used to just sit in instruments. Now we can build dashboards, track lab performance, and spot issues that affect patient safety. It’s amazing what’s possible.”

Transforming Challenge Into Purpose

For Katheryn, the impact of her work is deeply personal. 

In 2001, the year she first started college, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, giving her new insights into life as a patient. While her condition could have been a roadblock, it became a driving force that sharpened her focus, honed her skills, and guided every step of her career.

“I’ve been a patient for many years,” she said. “That perspective led me into patient safety and healthcare quality. That’s why I believe so strongly in protocols, organization, and clear communication. Knowing that what you do can help a patient changes everything.”

The Human Side of Project Management

Katheryn’s unique perspective shapes how she leads today—with a blend of emotional intelligence and humor. 

“You have to lead with empathy and trust,” she explained. “In healthcare, and really in any industry, you need a no-blame culture. People have to feel safe speaking up. That’s how you build trust. That’s how you keep patients safe.”

And this focus has not only kept patients safe, but it’s also allowed her career to move forward. Katheryn believes her success today stems from the fact that she never stopped learning, no matter the situation.

“If you’re driven and dedicated enough, you can learn anything,” she said. 

From being a young mom and facing a life-altering diagnosis to becoming an award-winning leader in healthcare technology, her story shows that sometimes the most meaningful paths are the ones we never planned.

Learn more about the Master’s in Project Management program and request more information today.