Angelica Rivera
Hometown: Chandler, AZ
Why did you choose to get your PharmD Degree?
I chose to pursue my PharmD because pharmacy means so much more to me than medications. It gives me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, provide the utmost patient care, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to support my community.
Why did you choose the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy?
Being born and raised in Arizona, the University of Arizona has always felt like home. The College of Pharmacy gave me a second family, my PharmCat family, and a community where I truly belong!
What about being a PharmD Ambassador excites YOU the most?
I always get excited about connecting with prospective students and families, sharing my experiences, and showcasing the opportunities and supportive community that make our college so special.
What inspires you most about the many possibilities a career in pharmacy can offer?
What inspires me the most is knowing that pharmacy offers so many different ways to make a difference. Whether caring for patients directly or contributing behind the scenes, pharmacists can make a meaningful impact across healthcare.
What are your career interests?
I am interested in caring for patients in a critical care or emergency medicine settings.
What piece of advice you would give to a prospective PharmD student?
My advice is get involved in things you enjoy! They do not always have to be pharmacy related either. Taking time to pursue your interests, try new things, and learn outside of the classroom will help you grow both personally and as a pharmacy student.
On and off-campus involvement
On campus, I serve as the College of Pharmacy Student Body President, Rho Chi Honor Society President, Class of 2028 Co-Representative, Student Ambassador, and PediaCats Vice President of Philanthropy. I have also been involved with APhA-ASP as the Diabetes Booth Coordinator and with the Industry Pharmacists Organization as the Tucson Liaison, allowing me to support my classmates and represent our college.
Giving back to my community is important to me, and I completed over 100 hours of community service in 2026. I am also currently working toward my PRIMED Leaders Certification through the College of Pharmacy.
I have worked as an inpatient pharmacy intern at Tucson Medical Center since August 2024, gaining experience in medication reconciliation, culture follow-ups, patient education, and working with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. In May 2026, I became the lead pharmacy intern, allowing me to support and create opportunities for other interns. I previously worked at CVS Pharmacy, where I strengthened my patient care skills in a community pharmacy setting.
Together, these experiences have allowed me to explore different areas of pharmacy while growing as a leader, communicator, and future pharmacist!