A presidential theme for our community of student pharmacists
Rachel Lucky is a third-year PharmD candidate at the Union University College of Pharmacy; Nicole Sandoval is a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy; Ashley McKechan, MBA, is a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis College of Pharmacy; and Stephen Presti is a final-year PharmD candidate at The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.
“Each of Us, for All of Us.” APhA–ASP National President Miranda Montoya’s presidential theme is meant to provide student pharmacists with a common purpose to implement throughout the year. As Miranda noted, this theme can be applied to every aspect of life.
In the past few weeks, you have read articles on what Miranda’s theme means to student pharmacists from across the country. This is how we—your 2024–2025 APhA–ASP National Executive Committee—feel about this inspiring theme, and how we (and you) can use it to build a stronger tomorrow, both personally and professionally.
It is truly a theme for anyone and everyone.
Rachel Lucky, APhA–ASP national president-elect
This year’s presidential theme celebrates individuality and the unique strengths and perspectives we all bring to the table while reminding us that we are a part of something so much bigger than ourselves. One of my favorite benefits of being an APhA–ASP member is the complimentary International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) membership provided to every student pharmacist member for up to 5 years after graduation. Through this membership, student pharmacists gain instant connection to a network of student pharmacists across the entire world and the opportunity to participate in global health initiatives alongside these colleagues. The IPSF motto regarding various worldwide health initiatives is “Think Globally, Act Locally,” and I firmly believe Miranda’s theme beautifully echoes and complements this charge. Both emphasize that our everyday contributions to the individuals and communities surrounding us have a purpose far greater than we can imagine. Each person’s individual efforts come together to form the collective impact.
As I think about the year ahead and reflect on this presidential theme, I am both encouraged and challenged to keep the bigger picture of all of us at the forefront of my mind while simultaneously appreciating and leveraging the strengths found within each of us.
Nicole Sandoval, APhA–ASP national member-at-large
“Each of Us, for All of Us” resonates deeply with me as a student pharmacist eager to impact my community. APhA–ASP continuously gives me the opportunity to be a part of community outreach events through our six national patient care projects. Serving my community, even through the tiniest acts, reminds me of how every single one of us collaboratively creates a caring community. From providing blood pressure screenings with Operation Heart to administering flu vaccines at a vaccine clinic through Operation Immunization, these events are working toward molding me into a better future pharmacist while simultaneously serving those around me.
Miranda’s theme brings me excitement as I continue on my pharmacy journey, remembering that our efforts and initiatives are for “Each of Us, for All of Us.”
Ashley McKechan, APhA–ASP national member-at-large
The phrase “Each of Us, for All of Us” deeply resonates with me, as it highlights that APhA–ASP is not merely an organization, rather it’s a community of student pharmacists. Each member’s unique contributions are integral to shaping and defining the collective identity of our organization. For me, communication is a critical element of APhA–ASP. It facilitates the presentation of our work, ideas, and passions, enabling us to express our individuality and illustrate the unique contributions that each member and chapter bring to the organization. Highlighting the accomplishments and initiatives of individual chapters is crucial to our organization. This approach demonstrates the significant impact that student pharmacists make within their communities. It is through these personal contributions that we build a stronger future for the pharmacy profession, affirming that our collective efforts are vital to the advancement of APhA–ASP and the field of pharmacy as a whole.
Stephen Presti, APhA–ASP speaker of the house
Miranda’s theme emphasizes the collective responsibility and power of student pharmacists in advancing the profession through policy and advocacy initiatives. Individual efforts contribute to a larger, unified impact on the pharmacy profession and health care system. When student pharmacists actively engage in policymaking and advocacy, they accelerate their own professional growth while enhancing the quality of care for all patients.
This year’s theme serves as a guiding principle, reminding us that despite differences in practice settings and postgraduate experiences, the profession rises most quickly when we work together for payor reform, practice transformation, and safe working conditions. Each of us serves a vital role in shaping a health care environment that benefits everyone, reinforcing the idea that collective action and shared commitment can lead to significant, positive changes in public health and the pharmacy profession.