PIONEERING PATHS
Other Resources of Black and African American Contribution to Pharmacy Practice
John E. Clark’s book about the Early Education of African American Pharmacists is available for purchase from Amazon.
Special recognition goes to first-year pharmacy student Jamal Brown and Clinical Associate Professor Veena Venugopalan, Pharm.D., for their contributions to this project.
Alumni Trailblazers in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dr. Faith Maignan (Womble), ’15, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Florida A&M University
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
My parents, grandparents, and ancestry who all unknowingly sacrificed for my personal benefit and autonomy in this lifetime.
Why do you think it is important to celebrate Black excellence?
It’s vital to recognize and commemorate the significant contributions made by African Americans, even when they appear overlooked or undervalued. Celebrating Black excellence, whether within minority or majority communities, provides affirmation and validation. It serves as a reminder that there are constantly new avenues to pioneer and future generations to inspire.
How do you utilize your Black Excellence to motivate others?
I consistently strive to authentically portray my identity as a Black woman, wife, mother, and pharmacist. I am unafraid to openly discuss both my challenges and achievements. My intention is to leverage vulnerability and awareness, enabling others to listen, appreciate, and relate to my Black excellence, transcending any assumptions or perceived differences based on race.
Adrienne DeBerry, ’12, Clinical Pharmacist Educator and Clinical Pharmacy Consultant
Why do you think it is important to celebrate Black excellence?
My family is a big inspiration for me. Reflecting on several generations and seeing my parents and their parents work hard to achieve more than the previous generations keeps me motivated. My parents and grandparents instilled in me and my brother that education was something that could never be taken away from you once gained and it serves as a vital part of creating positive changes in the world. Seeing how far my grandparents and parents have come inspires me to continue growing and working to inspire others to do the same.
How do you utilize your Black Excellence to motivate others?
So that future generations don’t lose sight of what’s possible and ensure that they also feel inspired to move the ball even further, dream bigger, and know that they are more than qualified to achieve their goals.
How do you leverage your Black Excellence to inspire others?
By leading by example, sharing my journey authentically, mentoring others, and uplifting those around me. I have a passion for healthcare education and enjoy partnering with community clinics, schools or colleges, and national advocacy groups to speak about everything from careers in pharmacy to medication education to pursuing your passions fearlessly.
Special recognition to Anedria Williams for her contributions to the alumni section.
Excellence in Tomorrow’s Leaders
Jamal Brown
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
My pursuit of Black Excellence is inspired by my drive and passion to help my family and my community. To blaze new trails and to venture into uncharted territories, to enhance and build up the black community. Black Excellence is inspiring the black youth to soar and to attain black excellence. To build up their families and their communities to secure a better future for us. To set the ground work for future generations that follow. To tell our real story and history so that we will have a lasting legacy that is bright, beautiful, enduring, and all our own
Leadership roles: Black History Month Celebration Committee: PharmaLegacy Lead
Pharmacy Training Year: 1 PD
Campus: Gainesville
Lisebeth Noel
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
My eagerness to defy the negative odds set against marginalized identities such as being black, female, and descendants of immigrants, is what inspires me in my pursuit of black excellence. The example of resilience and courage to dream the impossible, embodied in the struggle of my ancestors leaves me in awe. In this endeavor, I am consistently reminded of my shared responsibility in this continued struggle. I believe that Black Excellence is truly manifested through its courageous pursuit, not only its mere achievement. This journey is not only for me but to honor those before me and set an example for those after me, that we too can enjoy life as our true selves and succeed. Every day I wake up thankful for the blessing bestowed upon me to fulfill my God-given potential. I pray that my life’s story will be a testament of my commitment to Black Excellence.
Leadership roles: 2022-2023 Vice President of SNPhA, 2022-2023 Kappa Epsilon Secretary, 2021-2022 SNPhA Mental Health Chair
Pharmacy Training Year: 4 PD
Campus: Gainesville
Nekira Frelix
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
Motivation to break barriers is what inspires me in pursuit of Black Excellence. I am here because of the African American trailblazers who came before us, and I owe it to them to continue their legacy in the health and science sector. I am inspired to do my best everyday so I can be that Black representation in healthcare and be that person that patients of color can trust.
Leadership roles: IPhO Vice President, Kappa Psi EMu Chapter Secretary & Sergeant-At-Arms, UF COP Student Ambassador
Pharmacy Training Year: 3 PD
Campus: Orlando
Jillian Walker
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
The collective confidence, passion, and resilience within the Black community is energizing and inspires me to pursue Black excellence.
Leadership roles: 2022-2023 SNPhA President- Gainesville Campus
Pharmacy Training Year: 4 PD
Campus: Gainesville
Laurenne Lafrance
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
The dedication one must have to pursue black excellence is not an easy one to come by. My continuous pursuit towards black excellence stems from the foundation previous generations have set before me. Previous generations in my family have fought hard for a spot amongst those living the American dream. A few family members of mine who lived in Third World countries and were barely able to eat one meal a day made the conscious decision to fight for a better life. Their giant leap across the seas by boat made it possible for me to also leap toward a higher level of excellence. I’m reminded every day that because those before me were able to reach new heights, I too have no mountain, valley, or river that can stop my pursuit of black excellence.
Leadership roles: SSHP – Historian, SSHP – Asthma Awareness Co-chair, KE – Social Chair, Initiation Co-chair, Student Ambassador, Summer Health Professions Education Program – Lead Mentor, SNPhA – Immunization Chair
Pharmacy Training Year: 4 PD
Campus: Gainesville
Dionna Shine
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
My family. I’m the youngest of 8 children and have had the privilege of learning through the struggles of my parents and siblings. Many sacrifices have been made for me to become who I am today, and it continues to drive my passion to pursue greater.
Leadership roles: SNPhA JAX Treasurer, and Kappa Psi Zeta Gamma Chapter Immediate Past Regent
Pharmacy Training Year: 4 PD
Campus: Jacksonville
Annie Alexis
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
What keeps me striving for Black Excellence is the incredible legacy of resilience, creativity, and brilliance passed down through generations. I’m inspired by the stories of those who faced overwhelming challenges yet rose above them, breaking through barriers and leaving their mark on history. Every achievement, every step forward, is a reminder of the strength and determination of those who paved the way before us. It’s about embracing our roots, celebrating our culture, and pushing ourselves to be the best we can be in everything we do. By doing so, we honor the sacrifices of our ancestors and create opportunities for a brighter future.
Leadership roles: APhA-ASP International Vice President, Historian CPFI, PEAP Mentor, Student Ambassador, Vice President of LIFE On Campus
Pharmacy Training Year: 3 PD
Campus: Gainesville
Emmanuel Jallah
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
I’m inspired to pursue excellence because of my FAITH. As a Christian, I have been called to be the light of the world and to shine my light so bright that others can see and bring glory to God. With this mindset, I make every effort to give my best in whatever I do so that it may bring glory to God. I am from a poor background and have been labeled as not being good enough. This only fan into flame my passion to strive to be the best version of myself and to strive for excellence in all I do.
Leadership roles: Pharmily Village leader, Student Ambassador, Assistant Pledge Master and Philanthropy chairperson of Kappa Psi, and Operation Immunization chairperson for SNPHA.
Pharmacy Training Year: 2 PD
Campus: Jacksonville
Doreen Derac
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
The 3 things that inspire me in the pursuit of black excellence are representation, breaking barriers, and cultural pride. Representation is important to me because without it, I would not be who I am today. Demonstrating the abilities and skills of talented black individuals across various fields of pharmacy helps to challenge stereotypes and promote a positive image of black individuals. For me, this looked like becoming a student ambassador for the college. It was important for me to show other students that looked like me that pharmacy school was possible for them as well. That being successful could be part of anyone’s story no matter what they look like. This leads to my second point of breaking barriers. The pursuit of black excellence often involves breaking down barriers and challenging systemic inequalities to foster diversity and inclusion in all spaces. For me, this looks like providing and receiving mentorship. Helping those that come after me by providing resources and advice while also receiving help by those who have already been in the positions that I aim to fill one day. Lastly, a big part of black excellence is the acceptance and love of cultural pride. Celebrating achievements within the black community helps to instill this sense of cultural pride and reinforce the importance of preserving and valuing black excellence. This involves actively participating in black history month and being proud of where I come from. Understanding that black excellence looks different across the diaspora but the one thing we all strive for is acceptance and belonging in our respective spaces.
Leadership roles: Student Ambassador; Past roles: BLS-C Diversity & Inclusion Liaison, SNPhA Diabetes Initiative Chair (UF Chapter)
Pharmacy Training Year: 3 PD
Campus: Gainesville
Sachio Hunter
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
The opportunity to inspire the younger black generation to pursue pharmacy and be proud of their culture while doing it.
Leadership roles: Student Council President-Elect; Black Lives Student Coalition Campus Liaison; APhA Pharmacogenomics Chair; IPhO Webmaster; Student Ambassador
Pharmacy Training Year: 2 PD
Campus: Gainesville
Seejah Stephens
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
As a first-generation student, my pursuit of Black Excellence is deeply rooted in my family. The resilience and sacrifices of my parents, who navigated challenges and broke barriers migrating from St. Thomas to the United States, serve as a powerful source of inspiration. They overcame significant obstacles to provide me with the opportunities that I have today. Their struggles and sacrifices have fueled my commitment to achieving excellence. I aspire to honor what they have done for me up to this point, and it helps me when I’m navigating the unknowns of higher education by acknowledging the challenges they faced while aspiring for a better future.
Leadership roles: Student Ambassador, Student Council Graduate Student Representative, GNV Village Mayor, NCPA Compounding Lead Chair, BLS-C Graduate Student Representative, SOAR Themes and Décor Committee Lead, SHPEP Mentor, PLS Inductee
Pharmacy Training Year: 2 PD
Campus: Gainesville
Keian Halls
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
What inspires me is the knowledge of all the sacrifices of those who came before me. Knowing that so many people have worked so hard to put me in the position to be where I am now makes me cherish the opportunities given to me and strive to make the most of them every day. Knowing in particular, that being a black male in pharmacy school is a rarity makes me work hard to show the future generations that it is possible. Growing up, my father always instilled in me the importance of striving to give my 100% effort into everything I do, even in tasks as menial as making my bed every day because how you practice is how you play; this mantra has stayed with me to this day.
Leadership roles: SNPhA Chapter President, APhA Policy Vice President, and Class Representative for the Class of 2025
Pharmacy Training Year: 3 PD
Campus: Orlando
Anthony Hightower
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
My mother is my biggest role model. She had me when she was finishing college and raised me as a single mother for many years post graduation. Her dedication to her profession as an engineer and to her children speaks volumes to her character. She has also always put me in a position to pursue my dreams while displaying myself in a positive manner. I hope to continue to work diligently, not only to make her proud, but to give back to my community and to inspire others to pursue excellence, regardless of their career choice.
Leadership roles: SNPhA Chapter President (Gainesville Campus); College of Pharmacy Student Ambassador
Pharmacy Training Year: 3 PD
Campus: Gainesville
Samantha Tournesy
What inspires you in your pursuit of Black Excellence?
What inspires me in my pursuit of black excellence is that with my success I will inspire future generations to be great. I am a firm believer that representation is essential in personal and professional development. As I continue along in my career when I see professionals that look like me, I can imagine myself in their shoes and that pushes me to excel even more. Without that representation, I don’t think I would be where I am today and that is why it is critically important for me to have that impact for the next brilliant group of minds. My pursuit of Black Excellence is much bigger than just my journey, it’s for everyone who looks like me to have the chance and opportunity to be successful as well.
Leadership roles: Black Lives Student Coalition (BLS-C) – President, Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) – Experiential Chair, UFCOP Student Ambassador, UFCOP PEAP Mentor
Pharmacy Training Year: 2 PD
Campus: Gainesville