Twins Recognized by SNPhA, IPhO
From left, Pearl and Precious Craig are third-year pharmacy students in the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy.
Precious and Pearl Craig, both in their third-year of pharmacy school, were recently recognized by the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) and the Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO), respectively.
Precious was appointed to the SNPhA National Board as the Region 5 Facilitator during the SNPHA National Convention.
"I'm committed to making an impact by fostering inclusivity, mobilizing efforts, advocating for progress, cultivating growth, and driving transformation," she said. "My main goal is to serve as a national resource for SNPhA students. I also aim to expand SNPhA's reach and enhance engagement within Region 5 by connecting with more chapters."
Q: What does your appointment to the SNPhA National Board mean to you?
A: Being appointed to the national board is an incredibly humbling experience, one that I could never have envisioned. The privilege of representing SNPhA on a national scale and fostering deeper connections with fellow chapters is an honor beyond words. This appointment, directly by our National President, Sharmaine Cubelo, holds even greater significance, as it demonstrates a profound level of trust and belief in my abilities.
To have been personally selected by Sharmaine for this role is both humbling and deeply gratifying. It is a testament to the value she sees in my contributions and the potential she believes I bring to the table. SNPhA, an organization that holds a special place in my heart, has been an unwavering source of support throughout the challenges of my pharmacy journey.
Becoming a member of SNPhA means becoming part of a tightly-knit community, and I can confidently assert that the support and encouragement I've received from this organization surpass anything I've encountered elsewhere. The relationships I've cultivated and the mentorship I've received have carried me through some of the most demanding phases of my pharmacy education.
The impact of SNPhA resonates deeply with me, as it stands not only as a network but as a family that consistently uplifts its members. The invaluable lessons, shared experiences, and collective pursuit of excellence have molded me into a more capable and empathetic professional. I am both grateful and excited to extend my involvement as a member of the national board, driven by the profound belief that through SNPhA, we can continue to make meaningful contributions to pharmacy and healthcare as a whole.
Q: What lessons or best practices do you hope to bring back to support the College of Pharmacy chapter?
A: My aim is to stand as a resource to every chapter in Region V. Holding a position on the National Board entails stepping back from my local home chapter—an undertaking that wasn't without its challenges. I was deeply invested in this chapter's inception alongside my sister, a journey from its very foundation. However, the silver lining is that I now have the privilege to extend my support and knowledge to the broader college of pharmacy community on a national scale, proudly representing the vibrant spirit of the west coast.
IPhO Diversity Scholarship Recepient - Pearl Craig
Pearl was selected as a recipient of the IPhO Diversity Scholarship. She is also the new president of the SNPhA chapter for the College of Pharmacy.
For her, the scholarship means an opportunity to achieve her professional goal of obtaining a fellowship or entry level position in the pharmaceutical industry after graduation.
Q: How do you see your scholarship helping you?
Receiving the IPhO scholarship exposes me to a variety of resources for achieving my professional and personal goals.
My primary goal is to obtain a fellowship or entry level position in the pharmaceutical industry after graduation. By granting me complimentary entry to the IPhO annual meeting, it opens doors to networking and insights into relevant fellowships. Additionally, the fellowship prep package provides me with personalized coaching sessions and an in-depth industry e-book, will be instrumental in honing my path toward success in the pharmaceutical realm. Overall, the resources and exposure provided by the scholarship allows me to I stay updated on the latest developments and career opportunities in industry.
Q: As the new president of the SNPhA chapter, what are you goals for the upcoming year?
A: As the new president of the SNPhA chapter, my goals include growing our chapter, enhancing membership engagement, and embodying SNPhA's values of serving underserved communities and promoting minority health professionals. I plan to foster a strong sense of community through regular meetings, workshops, and events, enabling members to connect, share ideas, and collaborate. I also aim to encourage participation in national-level professional development activities, such as webinars, workshops, competitions, and regional and national conferences to empower our members for success. Furthermore, I aim to expand our community outreach initiatives by working with initiative chairs to create more opportunities for members to give back locally. I’m also excited to build upon the outreach partnerships we have in place like the MexZona Rocky Point Clinics and health fairs. Through these interactions, I hope to create a supportive environment where members can feel seen and included.
Q: And for our incoming first-year pharmacy students, what would you say to them about joining SNPhA?
A: To our incoming first-year pharmacy students, I wholeheartedly encourage you to become a part of SNPhA – an educational service association of pharmacy students who are concerned about the profession of pharmacy, healthcare issues, and the poor minority representation in these areas. Joining SNPhA will open doors to a multitude of benefits that will enrich your pharmacy school experience and set the stage for your future career. We are still a growing chapter so there are a lot of opportunities for members to have a meaningful impact on our organization. Remember, your journey through pharmacy school is not just about the academics – it's about embracing opportunities that shape you into a well-rounded, empowered professional. SNPhA provides a platform to do just that. So, join us, contribute your passion, and embark on a fulfilling journey of growth, camaraderie, and positive impact.