CONNECTORx CORNERx: 036 - 2025-08-29

CONNECTORx CORNERx Pharmacy Strategy & Career Development Newsletter: NPhA Insights, Empowerment, Conference Engagement 

PHARMACY STRATEGY: NPhA Insights

In Sync In Service: Elevating Pharmacy Through Advocacy, Access, and Innovation 

I was thrilled to attend the 2025 National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA)  Annual Convention in Cincinnati, OH, where nearly 1,000 pharmacy professionals gathered to explore the future of pharmacy through the lens of equity, innovation, and service. This year’s theme, “In Sync In Service,” emphasized the importance of culturally responsive care and collaborative leadership in addressing health disparities and improving access for underserved communities. Throughout the convention, I attended several impactful sessions that deepened my understanding of pharmacy’s evolving role. 

• At the Legislative Breakfast, Sudan Gordon led a powerful discussion on All-Inclusive Advocacy in Action, highlighting how pharmacists can influence policy to improve care equity. 

• Oluwabukola Akinsiku’s session on Pharmacist-Led Strategies for Managing Chronic Conditions in Low-Resource Communities offered practical approaches to care delivery in underserved areas. 

• Theo Rukundo’s session on Mastering the Pharmacy Supply Chain provided insights into optimizing operations in today’s complex healthcare systems. 

• And Careen-Joan Franklin’s session on Increasing Access to Buprenorphine emphasized the importance of collaborative care models in managing opioid use disorder. 

These sessions reinforced the critical role pharmacists play—not just in dispensing medications, but in shaping systems, policies, and partnerships that drive better outcomes. 

Which of these topics resonates most with your current work in pharmacy? I’d love to hear how you're advancing care in your community. 

CAREER DEVELOPMENT: Empowerment

One of the most energizing aspects of the 2025 National Pharmaceutical Association NPhA Annual Convention was the focus on career development and financial empowerment for pharmacists. The session “Standing on Business: Being Paid What You're Worth and Nothing Less” challenged attendees to advocate for their value and embrace leadership with confidence. The Legacy Wealth Group LLC also shared key insights in “The Common Mistakes Pharmacists Make When Dealing with Their Finances,” including the importance of involving children in family financial discussions—early learning can shape lifelong financial wellness. 

The keynote by Nicole Avant was a powerful highlight. In addition to sharing groundbreaking research on equity and racism within the pharmacy profession, she offered 13 transformative principles for personal and professional growth. These included: 

• Relinquish “not enoughness” 

• Know Your Why 

• Reject Urgency Culture & Practice the Pause 

• Say Yes to Unusual Opportunities 

• Reject Disposability Culture 

• Disrupt Disempowering Systems 

• Find Your Passion 

• Build a Brand Beyond the White Coat 

• Be You and Make Space & Grace for Others 

• De-Shame Pleasure and Make Liberation Feel Good 

• Find Your People 

• Cast a Spell for Your Future 

Nicole’s message was clear: pharmacists must embrace their full identity, advocate boldly, and build careers that reflect both purpose and power. 

What principle or insight from these sessions most resonated with you—and how are you applying it in your career journey? 

FUN & JOY: Conference Engagement

The 2025 NPhA | SNPhA Annual Convention in Cincinnati wasn’t just a professional gathering—it was a celebration of community, connection, and joy. The organizers thoughtfully infused fun throughout the experience, creating an environment where attendees could recharge, laugh, and build lasting relationships. 

From the upbeat music and comedian MC that energized the opening session to the welcome event for new members featuring line dancing lessons, the vibe was lively and inclusive. Attendees stayed connected through a group chat that helped coordinate evening outings around the city, and photo backdrops throughout the venue added a playful touch for capturing memories. One of the most appreciated features was the hospitality suite at the hotel, where attendees could gather for late-night snacks and casual conversation—a perfect way to wind down and connect after a full day of learning. 

How do you think we can introduce more fun and joy into our pharmacy conferences? I’d love to hear your ideas!