Get to know your 2024–2025 APhA–ASP National Executive Committee: Miranda Montoya, national president

Miranda Montoya is a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy and the 2024–2025 APhA–ASP national president.

Hello, everyone! I’m incredibly humbled and honored to serve as your 2024–2025 APhA–ASP national president. I am beyond excited to see what work we will do over the next year!

I’ve developed endless friendships through this organization and have found my permanent home … and it has only been 2 years.

As a first-year student pharmacist, I was intimidated by local leaders. Then those same local leaders reached out with the encouragement and support that gave me the courage to think “I could do this.” Following their inspiration, I ran and served as my chapter’s president-elect, and the rest is history. I had the privilege to serve as the APhA–ASP Region 8 Regional Delegate, pursuing my enthusiasm in advocating for our profession. Through these positions, I’ve solidified my passion for APhA–ASP and everything the academy represents.

I was born and raised in Las Vegas, NM. I consider myself a small-town girl who’s just trying to make her community proud. I am the middle child of 6, and my siblings have always been my best friends and biggest supporters.

When I’m not stressing about school or work, I love surrounding myself with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors, and working out. I find peace in spending time outside and try taking daily walking breaks to soak up some sunlight to reset. You can always find me walking around with a matcha, tea, or coffee (specifically a vanilla latte). I always have music playing in the background, and I love finding new artists (I will gladly take any song recs).

Over the next year, I am most excited to connect with student pharmacists around the country! My passion for APhA–ASP was sparked by student pharmacist mentors. Without them, I never would have found my pharmacy home. I aspire to be that same spark that ignites other student pharmacists. I hope to create an environment of accessibility and inclusion where we can identify our strengths and use them to work together. Remember, it’s each of us for all of us.

I can’t wait to connect with you all and see you shine in APhA–ASP.

Five questions for Miranda

1. What show are you currently binging?

Physical 100 on Netflix, but I’m anxiously waiting for the new season of Bridgerton!

2. What bucket-list item do you want to check off before you graduate?

I’m on a mission to visit every major league baseball stadium. I don’t think that will happen before I graduate, but a girl can dream.

3. Who is the most interesting Disney character and why?

Genie from Aladdin. He gives great life lessons, all while having a sense of humor.

4. Imagine you could teleport anywhere. Where would you go right now and why?

I would teleport back home to visit my family. They aren’t too far away, but I wish I had more time to spend with them.

5. If you could invite any four famous people to a dinner party, who would they be?

Martin Luther King, Jr., Ryan Reynolds, Michelle Obama, and Mother Theresa.