A little over 10 years ago, I met a pharmacist at a coffee shop in Fresno. During that conversation, Clifford Young, RPh, CGP, FCPhA, FAWM, imparted his wisdom to me on how to get into pharmacy school (or truck school) and make the most of my education. Who knew a few years later that I would watch him run for office within CPhA and serve as the 2020–2022 President? Or that, after just a few more years, he would be swearing me in as CPhA President. Thank you for all your help and guidance, Cliff; without it, my life would not be the same.
During the intervening years, I — like many of the CPhA members reading this — have been a pharmacy technician, a student pharmacist, a pharmacist, a mother and wife, a board member, and a president of one of our local associations. I speak to all of you when I say I am one of you. Each of these groups has defined me at one point in my path to serving as your CPhA President.
A little trip down memory lane is in order. I started as a pharmacy technician in 2012 after graduating with a baccalaureate in chemistry degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Serving as a technician was my introduction to what a pharmacy is, and it is there I gained great appreciation for how beneficial a technician is to the pharmacy workforce. I became a student pharmacist in 2014 at the California Northstate University College of Pharmacy. There I quickly became involved with the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and CPhA as the P1 liaison and later the President of the APhA/CPhA–Academy of Student Pharmacists. That is to say, I too took the challenging route of figuring out how to study for exams and be involved at the same time.
My path after graduating from pharmacy school has been molded by the networks I gained through CPhA. Only a year into my career, I was tapped on the shoulder and recruited to be a local president of the Sacramento Valley Pharmacists Association. I remember thinking to myself, “you’re crazy — I just graduated and can’t lead a local.” However, I have a hard time saying no. So I took on the 3-year presidential commitment at Sac Valley. I learned a lot about leading events and budgeting for a nonprofit association.
A few years later, after establishing myself in my career as a pharmacist at Genentech, my husband and I had our first kid, a little boy, all while taking on a role at CPhA as Speaker of the House. People sure thought I was crazy as I sat at the House of Delegates 9 months pregnant! Today I am 9 months postpartum after having a little girl during my CPhA presidential years. Perhaps that was more crazy than I was as a Speaker of the House!
My point is that we all travel similar or different paths to get where we are. At the same time, for all technicians, students, mothers, and pharmacists who think being CPhA President is impossible, I assure you it’s not!
I am deeply honored and humbled to address you as the 8th female to serve as CPhA President. This is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the progress we are starting to make toward gender equality in our profession. I am grateful to the trailblazing women who have paved the way before me: Edna Gleason, Mary Runge, Wilma Wong, Debby Johnson, Kathy Besinque, Sarah McBane, and Veronica Bandy. They broke down barriers and shattered glass ceilings. Their courage, dedication, and resilience have inspired me and countless others to pursue our dreams fearlessly.
This year marks a pivotal moment for our association as we embark on a journey to create our new strategic plan, continue the governance reboot, and continue advocating for our ability to care for our patients. We must embrace the challenges ahead, particularly in light of our work with SB 966 in reforming pharmacy benefit management and working tirelessly to ensure the success of our profession. Together, we must focus on all areas of pharmacy in our communications, leaving no sector behind. Every pharmacist, regardless of their specialty, plays a crucial role in delivering quality healthcare to our communities, and it is imperative that we recognize and celebrate the contributions of each and every one of our members.
As we navigate these changes, let us remember John C. Maxwell's words: "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." Leadership is not about titles or positions but about action, influence, and service. It is about empowering others to reach their full potential and inspiring them to join us in our collective pursuit of excellence.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all members of the CPhA for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, and I am confident that together, we will overcome any obstacles that lie ahead.
To the students who are the future of our profession, I urge you to seize every opportunity to get involved and make a difference. Whether it's through volunteering, advocacy, or professional development, never underestimate the impact you can have. One day, you too may find yourselves in a position of leadership, shaping the future of pharmacy and leaving your mark on the world.
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to my mentors, whose guidance and wisdom have been invaluable on my journey. Your belief in me has fueled my passion and inspired me to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Last but certainly not least, I’d like to take a moment and acknowledge the CPhA team, including our Board and the staff members who make everything possible. Thank you, Past President Michael Conner, for all the enormous wins you have spearheaded over the past year. It’s been a busy year with the governance reboot and legislatively, and you have been a strong leader.
The next year will require a lot of my personal time, which I am committed to splitting with CPhA. However, I know it will take time away from my husband and kids. I’d like to acknowledge their willingness to share me with CPhA even more over the next year while I focus on leading the association. Thank you, Ryan, Paxton, and Belinda Mae, and also my parents.
Let us all reaffirm our commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Together, we will build a brighter future for pharmacy and continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
