How the Kenvue Travel Scholarship created opportunities for APhA2026 attendees
Ron J. Levinson, PharmD, is the APhA senior manager, student and new practitioner experience, in Washington, DC.
Student Pharmacist continues its spotlight on recipients of the Kenvue APhA Annual Meeting Travel Scholarship, which was established to help student pharmacists participate in the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition. Through this competitive scholarship, Kenvue provides financial support to offset meeting-related expenses, including registration, airfare, and hotel costs, while also creating opportunities for recipients to learn, network, develop communication skills, engage with Kenvue employees, and reflect on how the meeting experience supports their professional growth.
This year, five exemplary student pharmacists were selected based on their passion for pharmacy, interest in attending APhA2026, and the anticipated impact of the experience on their professional development. In today’s article, Hayley Haffey, a second-year PharmD candidate at The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy; Victoria Figueroa, a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy; and Hannah Lewis, a second-year PharmD candidate at The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy, discuss how Kenvue-supported programming, collaboration with peers, and the broader Annual Meeting & Exposition experience strengthened their career exploration, leadership development, and commitment to advancing patient care.
Levinson: How did the sessions offered by Kenvue support or influence your career exploration?
Haffey: The sessions supported by Kenvue emphasized areas of pharmacy that I had not fully considered before, especially within consumer health and self-care. I am still exploring different career paths, so learning about how pharmacists contribute to over-the-counter therapy decisions and patient education was really impactful. Growing up in a family-owned pharmacy I have such a vast knowledge of community pharmacy, but this opened my eyes to the endless possibilities there are in the world of pharmacy. It showed me that pharmacists are not limited to traditional roles, but can also be involved in industry, product development, and improving access to everyday health care solutions.
Figueroa: The Kenvue sessions made me reflect on moments I’ve already experienced in practice—patients standing in front of the OTC aisle, overwhelmed and unsure of what to choose. It reminded me that some of the most meaningful pharmacist interventions happen in those simple, everyday moments. It shifted my perspective and helped me see that guiding patients through self-care is just as impactful as managing complex therapies.
Lewis: The sessions offered by Kenvue helped me develop a broader understanding of the
diverse roles a pharmacist can take on. Many of the session leaders shared how they created their positions from the ground up based on unmet patient needs. Their innovation and drive inspired me to think beyond traditional roles and consider how I can help shape new opportunities for pharmacists. These sessions exposed me to the idea that pharmacists are not limited to existing paths but can actively create meaningful roles that benefit both patients and the profession as a whole.
Levinson: What was your biggest takeaway from collaborating with Kenvue and other student pharmacists?
Haffey: My biggest takeaway was realizing how important collaboration is, even at the student level. Hearing different perspectives from other student pharmacists reminded me that we are all working toward a common goal, but we each bring something unique to the table. Interacting with Kenvue also showed me how industry professionals value teamwork, communication, and adaptability. These skills that are just as important as clinical knowledge.
Figueroa: One of my biggest takeaways from this experience was realizing that none of us are doing this alone. As a distance student, it’s easy to feel disconnected at times, but being surrounded by other student pharmacists who share the same struggles, goals, and passion reminded me that we’re all part of something bigger. Those conversations felt genuine, supportive, and honestly grounding.
Lewis: My biggest takeaway from collaborating with the other scholarship recipients was the impact a group of people can make starting from a simple conversation. We often become stuck in our own environments, especially while managing the stresses of pharmacy school and day-to-day life. Through meaningful conversations hosted by Kenvue, I was reminded that not everyone approaches challenges the same way. It was refreshing to see the differences in how other programs and communities operate and how some of their approaches may be more effective. Overall, I learned that bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds allows us to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and ultimately develop the best future for the pharmacy profession.
Levinson: What was a standout moment from the Annual Meeting that reinforced your passion for pharmacy?
Haffey: One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was being reminded of how accessible pharmacists are and the role we play in our communities. Even from a broader perspective, seeing how pharmacy continues to evolve and expand made me feel proud to be entering this profession. It reinforced my passion because it showed me that there are so many ways to make a difference, whether directly with patients or through larger health care initiatives. It was also so rewarding seeing my chapter at Ole Miss being recognized nationally for our members’ hard work and dedication.
Figueroa: A standout moment for me was connecting with professionals who were not only successful, but deeply passionate about what they do. Hearing their stories—how they created their own paths and stayed true to their purpose—made me pause and think: “This is exactly where I’m meant to be.” It reminded me that pharmacy is not one path, but a space where you can build your own.
Lewis: A standout moment for me was attending a session led by a board-certified nuclear pharmacist who discussed natural medicine and food as medicine. These are two topics I have always been deeply interested in but have not been heavily emphasized in my curriculum. Hearing her speak about integrating these concepts into her career was incredibly inspiring. After the session, I had the opportunity to connect with her one-on-one, and it felt like I was finally meeting someone who embodied the kind of pharmacist I aspire to be. It was powerful to realize that there is space within pharmacy for my specific interests and even more meaningful to be surrounded by others who share that same passion. This experience truly reinforced my excitement for the profession and the path ahead.
Levinson: What skills did you develop or strengthen through this experience?
Haffey: This experience helped me strengthen my communication and professional confidence. As a second-year student, it can sometimes feel intimidating to step into professional spaces, but this opportunity encouraged me to engage more openly. It allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and connect with others. I also improved my ability to reflect on my career goals and think more critically about where I fit within the profession.
Figueroa: This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I had to introduce myself, start conversations, and truly put myself out there. It strengthened my confidence, not just as a student, but as a future pharmacist. I left feeling more capable of walking into any room and owning my space.
Lewis: This experience helped me strengthen several key skills, especially active listening, networking, and self-management. Being surrounded by so many knowledgeable individuals taught me the importance of truly listening to others’ ideas and perspectives as they can inspire you. I became more confident in starting conversations and building meaningful professional connections. I also learned how to better manage my energy and prioritize my time, balancing the desire to attend as many sessions as possible with focusing on the ones that aligned most with my interests and goals. Most importantly, each interaction built my confidence and reinforced that we were all there with a shared purpose to learn and support each other.
Levinson: What new insights did you gain about pharmacy through your time with Kenvue?
Haffey: Through Kenvue, I gained a better understanding of how pharmacists can influence patient care outside of direct clinical settings. I learned that the development and accessibility of consumer health products rely heavily on evidence-based decision making, something pharmacists are well-trained in. This gave me a new appreciation for the impact pharmacists can have behind the scenes.
Figueroa: I also gained a deeper appreciation for the role pharmacists play in prevention and education. This experience reinforced my “why” and reminded me of my purpose—to grow into a pharmacist who serves as a reliable resource and advocate for my community.
Lewis: During my time with Kenvue, I gained valuable insight into pharmacy marketing and how the industry prioritizes the consumer experience when making decisions. I learned that companies carefully consider how patients think and feel when navigating the pharmacy aisles, aiming to make product selection as non-overwhelming as possible. It was interesting to see how much thought goes into the design, placement, and communication of OTC products to better support patient decision making. I also learned about innovative strategies companies are developing to help guide patients toward safe and effective choices, reinforcing the important role pharmacists and industry both play in improving patient outcomes.
Levinson: How did this scholarship help you strengthen your “why” in pharmacy?
Haffey: This scholarship helped me reconnect with why I chose pharmacy in the first place. As a second-year PharmD candidate balancing coursework and responsibilities, it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. This experience reminded me that pharmacy is about helping people feel informed, supported, and empowered in their health decisions. It made my purpose feel more real and motivated me to keep pushing forward. It gave me an incentive to help move the needle in pharmacy in any way I can. I hope to be able to pay it forward to future student pharmacists as I become a practitioner so that they can have the same wonderful experiences.
Figueroa: This scholarship brought me back to my “why.” In the middle of exams, responsibilities, and everything that comes with pharmacy school, it’s easy to lose sight of it. But being at APhA, surrounded by people who care deeply about this profession, reminded me that I chose pharmacy to make an impact—to educate, to advocate, and to be there for patients in moments that matter.
Lewis: This scholarship reminded me that my “why” in pharmacy is rooted in helping people and building the profession up. Being surrounded by passionate individuals and new ideas reinforced my desire to make a meaningful impact, not only through patient care but also by contributing to the growth and advancement of pharmacy as a whole. It helped me reconnect with my purpose and strengthened my motivation to continue pursuing opportunities that allow me to support both patients and the profession.
Levinson: What impact do you hope to make on the profession after this experience?
Haffey: After this experience, I hope to become a pharmacist who makes health care more approachable and understandable for patients. I want to be someone who can connect with people, educate them, and help them feel confident in managing their health. I also hope to stay open to different opportunities within pharmacy and contribute in a way that continues to move the profession forward.
Figueroa: After this experience, I hope to make an impact by being a pharmacist who truly connects with patients—especially those who feel overlooked or underserved. I want to focus on education, building trust, and empowering patients to take control of their health. I also hope to help redefine what’s possible for my patients, providing comfort, guidance, and support in moments that matter. In a constantly evolving field, I am committed to being a trusted guide for my patients—supporting them through every stage of illness, recovery, and overall well-being. Long-term, I hope to bring that impact back to Puerto Rico and create meaningful change within my community.
Even the ocean begins with a single drop of water, and this experience made me realize that I have the potential to contribute to that ocean—helping build a better world for our patients, one interaction at a time.
Lewis: I hope to make an impact by promoting the importance of a healthy lifestyle and empowering patients to prevent and manage disease through education and counseling. While medications are incredibly valuable in improving and saving lives, I believe pharmacists also play a key role in helping patients reduce their reliance on them when appropriate through prevention and lifestyle changes. I want to contribute to a more proactive, patient-centered approach to care that focuses on long-term health, education, and overall well-being.