Guided by Purpose, Lifted by Unity
Sean Kawa is a final-year PharmD candidate at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and is the 2026–2027 APhA–ASP national president.
Every year, the APhA–ASP national president is tasked with presenting a theme to the collective membership that will define the spirit of their tenure. I am honored to showcase this year’s theme: “Guided by Purpose, Lifted by Unity.”
In a time of vigorous professional, technological, and cultural change, how are we to determine the correct path forward? How do we position ourselves and the profession for a future fulfilled? With this theme, I invite us to seek this answer in that which remains true regardless of the change around us—our individual purpose. With this foundational driver, we have been brought to this profession of service. Under its guidance, we have and will continue to navigate the journey of our development.
Driven by unique experiences
Most crucially, the convictions we cherish are certainly not the same. Every student pharmacist is driven by their own unique experiences, relationships, and motives. But, whatever they may be, they are absolutely true. Perhaps you were moved by an interaction between a loved one and the personal care of their trusted pharmacist. Maybe you hold a fervent curiosity to unlock medicine’s full potential. Or you have a love for positively influencing those around you. For me, I look for strengthened bonds within my own community, an intimate understanding of our relationship with health, and an improved ability to provide individualized care to patients.
Whatever your reason, you are guided by purpose.
The power of APhA–ASP
Now, while purpose may be individual, our journeys do not have to be. As a student pharmacist, you will no doubt have been exposed to the range of perspectives and passion from those around you. As an active member of APhA–ASP, you will find that this diversity extends across a nation. Wielding this medley of individuality is absolutely our greatest strength. My own involvement in APhA–ASP has revealed this to me.
I was shown that together, we can positively educate and empower thousands of our community members. Together, we can advocate for this profession from our home states up to Capitol Hill. And together, we can meaningfully develop our peers with the wisdom we were bestowed by leaders before us. Together, we are lifted by unity.
A year of bold and determined impact
All that said, how can we bring our theme to action? Get involved with your local APhA–ASP Chapter and national programming throughout the year. Whether for community outreach or networking, leadership, or education, we are the home for your professional purpose. With you, our collective solidarity is strengthened beyond belief, the bounds of our accomplishment made limitless.
It is a privilege to be on this journey alongside you all—you are each incredible as health care providers, innovators, and leaders who drive the future of the profession. Here’s to a year of bold and determined impact!