Maria Turner: Radiating Humanity in Healthcare Technology 

Whether it is fixing a technical issue or offering a listening ear, Maria Turner’s approach to her role in Information Services (IS) at Texas Children’s blends her technical acumen with a deep understanding of the human side of healthcare. Her ability to step into others’ shoes and provide compassionate solutions is at the heart of her work in healthcare technology, making her a valued member of our One Amazing Team.  

From her start 17 years ago in an IS administrative support role, Maria Turner embraced the career opportunities Texas Children’s provided, eventually establishing herself as a dynamic leader in information technology (IT). Though her journey into healthcare technology did not start with a formal background, she quickly demonstrated her ability to listen, learn and grow in a challenging field. “Sitting in meetings supporting others in IT, I found the work stimulating. I knew I wanted to learn more, and I was encouraged to pursue training. From there, I became a junior analyst,” she recalls.  

Now, as a Technical Applications Advisor and Mobility Lead in our Information Services department, Maria has spearheaded Texas Children’s mobile technology strategy, improving access for clinicians and staff. Her leadership in enhancing the End User Experience (EUX) has directly impacted hospital operations, allowing healthcare workers to better serve our patients.  

Building Relationships in Our Hallways 

Though Maria works behind the scenes on critical projects, our mission to create a healthier future for children and women through world-class care is foremost in her mind. 

“It’s really important, especially in roles like technology, to stay connected to why we do what we do,” she explains. “I love to walk the halls of the hospital, talk to our clinicians, ask them how they’re doing and how the technology is working for them.” 

This approach defines Maria’s leadership. She is deeply relational, always seeking to understand the needs of those around her. “Relationships are not just important for networking. They are important because we are a collective. We each bring very distinct gifts to the table,” she explains.  

As a Spanish speaker, Maria finds great joy in helping the families she meets in our hospital’s corridors. “For Spanish-speaking families, the hospital can be intimidating. There’s an immediate trust and comfort level because our language connects us.”  

Connection Through Shared Culture 

Growing up in a bilingual household in a culturally rich area of Boston has fueled Maria’s passion for connecting with others, whether through food, language, or music. “I come from a long line of street food vendors in Guatemala, going back three or four generations, so I guess I’m a fifth-generation foodie,” she says with a smile.  

Similarly, Latin music is woven into Maria’s everyday life, strengthening the bonds she shares with her family and friends. Maria met her husband, who is a professional musician, at a concert and toured with him as a Latin percussionist for a time. The piano and the sounds of congas in the music room of Maria’s home fill the air during jam sessions with their friends or birthday celebrations for their children. 

Whether sharing her favorite Guatemalan comfort dish, Pepián, speaking Spanish with families in the hospital, or bringing people together in song, Maria’s passion for the arts and her cultural heritage underpins the people-first approach and perspective she brings to her role at Texas Children’s. 

Supporting Women in the Workplace 

Maria’s sensitivity to others’ needs also stems from her experiences as a mother of two children, one of whom has special needs. She has had to navigate the complexities of creating work-life balance and values the support she has received at Texas Children’s, particularly when taking care of her family. 

“One thing I have loved about my leadership team is they’ve always been so flexible when I need to step out or take some time to help regulate my son,” Maria says.  

The IT field can be very demanding. Emerging problems require attention day or night, regardless of schedule. Maria highlights the crucial support she received during difficult life events, including her unexpected hospital stay after a car accident while she was pregnant and when she had to care for her ailing father.  

“Yes, this is a career, and how we contribute to Texas Children’s mission is important, but we’re also people, moms or daughters. When you’re working for an organization that understands that life happens, you’re in a good place.” 

Women Uplifting One Another 

Reflecting on being a woman in the workplace, Maria says, “I’ve had to learn to embrace my femininity, even though I’m in this very male-dominated space. I have become secure in the value that I bring to the team partially because I am a mom, so I embrace those duties and my authenticity.”  

Maria has found inspiration and support in the women around her. This includes the influential women across our hospital system like Myra Davis, executive vice president and chief information officer (CIO). Once Maria’s supervisor, IS Senior Project Manager Susan Clark is also a mentor and trusted ally. Maria, who now directs projects managed by Susan, knows she can turn to her friend and colleague for support during challenging times.  

Reflecting on the bond between women, Maria shares a poem she recently wrote after a stimulating three-hour conversation with a group of young women. The following excerpt captures the profound impact of mentorship, as Maria emphasizes the importance of uplifting other women and the ripple effect it has not only individuals but entire teams and communities. 

Where works of art are put on display in a place where the most intimate expressions of our hearts are safe.
Where seasoned women are able to share adversities, overcome and impart wisdom.
Where young women, uninhibited by life lessons not yet learned, inspired me to dream further and filled me with hope for future generations.
Our time, a gentle reminder that the world needs each of our gifts. 

Maria acknowledges the additional challenges that come with being a woman in technology, but her perspective is one of empowerment. “It can be very intimidating to sit in a room full of men who are highly intelligent, skilled in their craft and very strategic thinkers. But women are equally skilled and possess qualities that are different from men. They need to hear our voices.”  

Mentorship is a cornerstone of Maria’s leadership. Just as she found support from seasoned leaders, she pays it forward by mentoring young women, including the interns who join her team. She feels a responsibility to support the next generation of women entering the technology field and encourages them to never be afraid to contribute to the conversation. 

Expressing Empathy in Healthcare Technology 

One of the most striking aspects of Maria’s approach to her work is her empathy. She recalls a particularly moving moment when she helped an NICU clinician who was struggling with a device. “I could tell that she was just overwhelmed, probably not just with the device, and fighting back tears,” Maria remembers. “She was sitting in her rolling chair, and I got on my knees in front of her and I put my hands on her wrists and said, ‘I’m sorry that we gave you a solution that’s not working for you right now. You have my commitment that we’re going to fix it because I need you to focus on these babies.’” 

Maria’s journey is a reminder that technology and compassion are not mutually exclusive. At Texas Children’s, she continues to bridge these worlds, showing us all that connection, curiosity and care are as vital to innovation as the technology itself. As she leads with heart, she inspires others to find their purpose and Be the Difference by making a meaningful impact.