Madelynn Aeilts is a third-year PharmD candidate at the Drake University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.
Sunday was a busy and inspiring day at the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Nashville this past March. Student pharmacists had a wide variety of sessions to attend, including the APhA–ASP Chapter Advisor and Chapter President Workshop, Career Panels, the APhA Third General Session, the Innovative Programming Award Showcase, and the APhA–ASP House of Delegates (HoD).
It was a day full of energy, empowerment, and inspiration!
Chapter Advisor and Chapter President Workshop
The day began with the APhA–ASP Chapter Advisor and Chapter President Workshop, a cornerstone session designed to strengthen chapters, support leadership development, and inspire student leaders and their advisors. As student pharmacists step into their roles as chapter presidents and take on greater responsibilities, this workshop provided a valuable opportunity to clarify chapter goals and implement practical leadership strategies.
Students and chapter advisors from across the country gathered to share ideas, draw inspiration, and learn from one another’s successes and challenges. It was incredible to hear about innovative events and unique operations from different chapters, all focused on optimizing student involvement. Particularly impactful were the stories of both triumphs and struggles, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives.
Participants engaged in hands-on strategy sessions focused on operational logistics, interpersonal dynamics, and goal setting. APhA–ASP National President Miranda Montoya and APhA–ASP National President-elect Rachel Lucky facilitated group discussions that explored real-world scenarios involving chapter management, event planning, and navigating complex challenges. Through open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, this session proved transformative for many chapter leaders, equipping them with tools to lead effectively and overcome obstacles.
Create the future of pharmacy
By 10:00 am, the Grand Ballroom was buzzing with excitement for the APhA Third General Session, which featured both world-renowned keynote speaker and classical pianist Jade Simmons and the newly installed APhA President Randy McDonough, PharmD, MS, BCGP, BCPS, FAPhA.
Known as “Classical Music’s #1 Maverick,” Simmons delivered a message that moved the entire room. She spoke directly to the heart, encouraging attendees to embrace their purpose and make a difference in their communities. Her blend of live piano performance and powerful storytelling was nothing short of extraordinary. Through music and words, she spoke about resilience, mindset, and the importance of dreaming big. She reminded everyone that it’s not our circumstances but the mindset we choose that shapes our future.
The session also marked the beginning of Dr. McDonough’s presidency. Officially starting his term on March 24 during APhA2025, Dr. McDonough brought passion, experience, and a bold vision to the stage. His presidential theme, “Create Your Own Destiny,” is rooted in his own career journey and the belief that pharmacists must be proactive in shaping their future, especially during times of change. He encouraged attendees to step boldly into leadership, embrace innovation, and challenge the status quo. With his deep passion for advancing pharmacy practice, Dr. McDonough’s plans for the year ahead promise to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the profession.
Together, Simmons and Dr. McDonough inspired the room with a shared message: The future of pharmacy is not something we wait for; it’s something we create. Their combined presence left attendees energized and motivated to take on new challenges, uplift their communities, and reimagine the possibilities within the profession.
Celebrating meaningful impact in communities
In the afternoon, attention shifted to the APhA–ASP Innovative Programming Award Showcase. This event celebrates the creativity and impact of student-led initiatives from APhA–ASP Chapters across the country. It’s a chance for chapters to share their meaningful work and for attendees to walk away inspired with new ideas for their own campuses. Finalist chapters were invited to present their programs to a packed room of students, faculty, and national leaders. Each presentation highlighted how student pharmacists think creatively to address real-world challenges, promote professional growth, and make a difference in their communities.
This year’s presentations reflected the incredible ways chapters are engaging their communities and advancing the pharmacy profession. One chapter used an APhA-sponsored Little Free Library to distribute educational health materials to their local community, promoting wellness and increasing access to reliable health information. Another chapter partnered with local Girl Scout troops to teach young girls about medication safety and introduce them to the role of pharmacists, helping spark early interest in health care careers.
Each presentation shared how chapters identified a need and stepped up to meet it, leaving a meaningful impact. The showcase wasn’t just about recognizing award-winning programs. Instead, it was a celebration of the creativity, leadership, and problem-solving skills of student pharmacists who are using innovative approaches to address real challenges where they live and learn.
Every Moment Matters
The final major event of the day was the second session of the APhA–ASP HoD, where student pharmacists from across the country came together to debate policy proposals, represent their chapters, and shape the future of the profession. As a core element of APhA–ASP’s mission, the HoD empowers students to advocate for resolutions and elect the next National Executive Committee (NEC).
After spirited debate, the HoD passed the following resolutions (the adopted resolution statements must be approved by the APhA Board of Trustees prior to official adoption into the APhA–ASP Resolutions Book):
2025.1 Application of Holistic Sustainability in Pharmacy Practice
1. APhA–ASP advocates for the profession-wide adoption of practices that ensure long-term holistic sustainability.
2. APhA–ASP supports the development of incentives to prompt holistic, sustainable practices for all pharmacy sectors.
2025.2 Pharmacy Residency and Postgraduate Education Compensation
1. APhA–ASP calls for Pharmacy Residency and Postgraduate Education Programs to increase direct compensation that reflects the demands required of PharmD graduates.
2. APhA–ASP recognizes the financial burden of accreditation and advocates for reducing costs for institutions that host Postgraduate Education Programs.
The second session also featured the highly anticipated election of the new APhA–ASP NEC. Candidates had the opportunity to speak to the entire HoD and share their visions and qualifications for why they should be elected. It was inspiring to hear the candidates share their passion and goals for the organization. The election process is a vital part of ensuring that the next generation of national leaders reflects the values, energy, and direction of the entire student pharmacist body.
The 2025–2026 APhA–ASP NEC will be:
- APhA–ASP National President-elect Sean Kawa
- APhA–ASP Speaker of the House Hayden Wood
- APhA–ASP National Members-at-large Shahinda Bahnasy and Ellie Flynn
The session concluded on a high note with an address from Rachel Lucky, 2025–2026 APhA–ASP national president. Rachel shared her excitement for the opportunity to serve in the year ahead and introduced her presidential theme, “Every Moment Matters.” The theme outlined three goals, which is to celebrate the past, to cherish the present, and to create the future by empowering student pharmacists to lead, innovate, and advocate. Her message was a powerful reminder that leadership is about intentional action every day, leaving the audience inspired and energized for the year ahead.
Wrapping up the day
APhA2025 Sunday was nothing short of extraordinary. From morning workshops to energizing keynote sessions and innovative chapter showcases, the day offered countless opportunities for learning, connection, and growth. Student pharmacists developed their leadership skills, heard inspiring messages, celebrated innovation, and helped elect the future leaders of the organization.
Through each session, students were reminded of their ability to shape not only the future of pharmacy, but also the communities they serve.