Meet your 2020–21 APhA–ASP National Executive Committee

Sydney Tu, National President

Hi, everyone! I was born and raised in Southern California but have called St. Louis, MO, my home for the last 6 years. I am currently a final-year student pharmacist at St. Louis College of Pharmacy. I have been actively involved with APhA–ASP since my third prepharmacy year, serving as my chapter’s Generation Rx Vice Chair. Since then, I have served as Chapter President-elect, as well as President the following year. Regionally, I held the role of Region 6 Midyear Regional Meeting (MRM) Coordinator for MRM2018. I have also had the tremendous honor of serving as the 2018 APhA Carl F. Emswiller Summer Intern in Association Management in Washington, DC. 

I am excited to have the opportunity to serve you for another year as your National President. I am most looking forward to working with the APhA–ASP National Executive Committee (NEC) and engaging with you all across the country to continue envisioning a future for our Academy and profession. During my leisure time, I enjoy traveling, brunching, and trying new cuisines; watching shows on Hulu and Netflix; and exercising my creativity through artwork.  

Juan Rodriguez, National President-elect

Hello, friends! I plan to serve you all to the best of my abilities this upcoming year and am incredibly honored I am to serve on the NEC. I was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and raised in Kosciusko, MS, where I definitely had the unique opportunity to blend my Mexican heritage and adoptive American southern backgrounds. I attended Mississippi State University (home of the Bulldogs) for my undergraduate education, and I am currently a second-year PharmD candidate at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (go Vols!). 

I first developed my passion for APhA–ASP as a first-year student by serving as a Chapter Member-at-large for our first-year class, as well as serving as Point-of-Contact during the 2018 Region 3 MRM hosted in Memphis, TN. I am elated at the opportunity to work with the NEC to promote the value of APhA–ASP membership to all student pharmacists.

Some of the small things that bring me joy in life are improving my cooking skills, gardening, and being spontaneous with my friends. Family is an incredibly important part of my life, and I enjoy investing in these relationships by spending quality time with them, whether they are immediate family or APhA–ASP extended friends—my “pharmily.” I am thrilled that throughout the course of the year, I get to devote and invest time to a part of my family for which I care so deeply.

Susan Dembny, Speaker of the House

Hi, everyone! I am a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy. I joined APhA–ASP as a first-year student pharmacist because I was inspired by the members who were passionate about improving their profession and patient care skills. Since joining, I have never looked back. The opportunities offered to me in APhA–ASP have allowed me to grow professionally, serve my community, and meet some of my best friends. At my chapter, I have served for 2 years as a Policy Vice President. This has been an incredibly fulfilling experience because I have been able to share my passion for advocacy with other students. I am also currently a member of the Texas Pharmacy Association Public Policy Committee, and I hope to share my love for grassroots advocacy with the members of APhA–ASP across the country. 

This year, I aim to help every student understand the value in their talents and experiences so that together, we can shape the profession. I am so excited to work with this year’s NEC and APhA–ASP Policy Standing Committee to show our communities and legislators the value of pharmacy-provided patient care. In my free time, I am on a never-ending quest for the best breakfast food in whatever city I am in. I also love iced coffee, hot yoga, and gardening.

Matthew Broadwater, National Member-at-large

Greetings, everyone! I am going into my final year as a student pharmacist (almost done!) at the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy. I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. I went to undergrad at Towson University, where I got my Honors B.S. in chemistry and a minor in molecular biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics (MB3). During undergrad, I was very involved in student organizations and research. In pharmacy school, I found my home within APhA–ASP. I just ended my term as President of the Carolina Association of Pharmacy Students, which is an umbrella organization comprising APhA–ASP, ASHP–SSHP, and the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists.

I have loved every second of being involved in APhA–ASP, from being an engaged member, P1 (First Year) Member-at-large at my local chapter, and my time as the 2019 APhA Carl F. Emswiller Summer Intern in Association Management and Leadership. Beyond my involvement in APhA–ASP, I have held a variety of leadership positions within my school, most of which have been through Student Senate. If you can’t tell, I am very passionate about leadership and professional development. 

As for my personality, I am very much a people person (after I have had my morning coffee) and enjoy making people smile through laughter. My hobbies include playing sports (soccer is my favorite), shopping for clothes, playing video games, watching movies, jamming out to music, and exploring new restaurants and places.

Laurie Plewinski, National Member-at-large

Hi, everybody! I am so excited and honored to serve as one of your APhA–ASP National Members-at-large! I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY, and am a final-year student pharmacist at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Since joining APhA–ASP, I have served on local, regional, and national levels and have been introduced to my biggest cheerleaders, greatest friends, and best mentors along the way. 

My APhA–ASP leadership journey began when I was elected to serve as the 2018–19 APhA–ASP Region 1 Regional Member-at-large. This past year, I served as Chair of the 2019–20 Communications Standing Committee (CSC) and am overjoyed to work alongside the NEC and the CSC for the coming year! 

When I am not focused on pharmacy, you can find me being a kid again with my five nieces and nephews, taking Boot Camp classes with a group of inspiring women, and exploring Buffalo for the newest restaurant of good eats—I swear we don’t only eat Buffalo wings. I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking and running (when it’s not cold and snowy here), finding the newest inspirational quote for motivation, and listening to whatever genre of music best suits my day. 

During my term as National Member-at-large, I will strive to work alongside each of you and your chapters to enhance your APhA–ASP experience and improve the impact we can make in our communities as student pharmacists.