Welcome to the Professional Pharmacy Student Organization website!
We are a dynamic group of pharmacy students excited for the future profession we will become a part of. As an organization we are committed to help develop the future leaders of pharmacy today.
Our elections for new officers of the 2008-2009 school year are taking place soon. Please read all the candidate statements.
President-elect
Sandy Chan
Hi everyone, my name is Sandy Chan. I am excited to be given an opportunity to help lead our class next year. As PPSO president, you can be sure of it that I will do everything that I can to represent our College of Pharmacy in the best light possible. To achieve this, I will show the incoming first years and people who are in the process of interviewing at our school that we are active, motivated, and compassionate in our activities. It is important that we get them excited from the very beginning so that they will continue to be important contributors to our organizations. I will continue to organize our ongoing activities and find more sources of funding to ensure that our programs remain strong. I will also think of ways to improve them so that our college gains even more of the recognition we deserve.
My commitment to this College is shown by the various activities that I have participated in this year. I helped put together baskets for the silent auction at the Picnic on the Lawn and have volunteered at several health fairs including Operation Diabetes and Immunization. Currently, I am involved in the fundraising committee for the Evening of Excellence to help solicit funds for our PPSO travel grants next year. I have proven that I am determined to work hard for everyone. I will draw upon my past experiences of being a President of the GK Honors Society, a Co-chair for survivorship of the OSU Relay for Life, and Logistics Chair for Students for Bone Marrow Programming. I have experience in starting and maintaining organizations as I was part of the founding committees for both Relay for Life and Students for Bone Marrow Programming. Without teamwork, I know that our committees would not have been able to pull it off. Therefore, I am a strong believer in teamwork. I will be helping out all of the officers of PPSO and encourage a united front from the officer team. I will always keep an open mind, be approachable, professional and organized. I believe that one of my roles is to help all of us maintain our professional image and our commitment to service. Thank you for your consideration!
Jane Hong
Talent and intelligence may make a good leader, but the leader’s heart of willingness is the greatest attribute of all; it is what makes a leader great. My name is Jane Hong and I am running for the position of PPSO president. I believe that success cannot come without the well orchestrated efforts of the entire organization. Being PPSO president means having the ability to motivate the officers to create opportunities that will foster personal and professional growth of the students. It also requires generating interest and participation of the respective students. Both officers and students have to effectively coexist. This harmonized effort requires someone who is able to effectively implement direction and is accountable for her actions. I have the skills, experience, and willingness to be the person who opens paths that allows others to excel.
If elected, the difference I make will not be large scale; it won’t change the world. However, I can make improvements to the organization that you, as students, are part of today. I am a creative, organized, detail-oriented, and efficient coordinator, possessing a hard-working work ethic in pursuit of excellence. Furthermore, I am an enthusiastic, open-minded, and assertive, yet compromising leader, who excels at working harmoniously with people, as well as working autonomously. From my past leadership positions – Vice President Service and Publicity chair for my sorority during my undergraduate studies, Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor, freshman mentor through the microbiology program, and many more – I have gained many skills that not only prepares me to take on this position, but is also applicable in life. My skills and attributes may influence my level of accomplishments, but my willingness, to make improvements in this organization, to create opportunities for the students, is what will make a difference.
ASHP-President elect
Jeri Anne Ngai
Hello everyone! My name is Jeri Anne Ngai and I would love to have the opportunity to serve as your PPSO ASHP-President elect. As a first year pharmacy student my involvement with PPSO included helping make auction baskets for Picnic on the Lawn and colleting donations for Evening of Excellence fundraising event as well as volunteering at Operation Immunization and Diabetes events. My involvement with PPSO has helped me to learn about what it means to be a pharmacy student outside of the classroom and I would like to be given this opportunity to continue my involvement as well as help all members get actively involved in PPSO events. I believe that I am a cooperative person and easy to get along with and will be able to work with the other officers to ensure that we have a productive year. As ASHP-President elect, I will do my best to help all of you gain valuable hospital pharmacy experiences through job-shadow opportunities and even have hospital pharmacy guest speakers. For the incoming pharmacy students, I will do my best to help them learn about health system pharmacy and encourage them to get involved with PPSO and ASHP. As your ASHP-President elect I am determined to provide the best opportunities for all of you to learn more about and gain experiences in hospital pharmacy.
I just wanted to take some time to give you some info about my past leadership experiences that will help me to serve as your ASHP-President elect. I have served as secretary and Vice-President of a YMCA leadership program. As secretary I was responsible for writing monthly newsletters and informing members of upcoming events. As vice-president I was responsible for planning various events such as dances and camps. In addition, I also helped coordinate community service events such as Christmas caroling at nursing homes and beach clean-ups. I have also volunteered at the YMCA as a teen advisor in which I served as a positive role model and mentor for teenage students, and helped plan social and personal growth activities for teen members. I am confident that the skills acquired from these experiences will help me to serve as your ASHP-President elect. Thank you for your time and consideration!
ASCP-President elect
Darren ShimanukiHello fellow pharmacy students, my name is Darren Shimanuki. I would be honored to serve as the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) president elect. ASCP is a new addition to PPSO and I have had previous leadership experience with starting a new organization (President of Key Club in High School).
I am deeply committed to patient advocacy and patient education. I would like to use this passion to serve the organization in its efforts to support geriatric pharmacotherapy in the community. I have an emotional “soft spot” for senior citizens from watching my grandmother’s health decline throughout high school. As future pharmacists, we have a duty to use our clinical skills to make a positive impact on overall health care. With your support, I will do be my best to help integrate ASCP with the other PPSO organizations. Thank you for your consideration.
ASCP President
Brandi LaLiberte
I believe the ASCP student president should possess certain qualities. First and foremost the president must be a leader. This being a new organization for the WSU College of Pharmacy, the president must be an innovative thinker to recruit members, advertise, and organize functions that benefit the WSU COP. She must also have the ability to effectively communicate the opportunities this division of pharmacy will hold for future PPSO members. With the right leader, ASCP can be a successful addition to the current PPSO organizations.
As a leader of ASCP I will be beneficial because I have experience organizing student functions including a heartburn awareness outreach at the Washington State University Recreation Center. I have also assisted in Operation Diabetes and Operation Immunization functions. I’ve written grants for funding Operation Diabetes and Immunization as well as solicited donations for PPSO. I have the opportunity every week to lead first year pharmacy students in PCL which demonstrates and enhances my ability to effectively communicate with colleagues. These experiences have prepared me and given me the skills and attributes necessary to perform exceptionally in this leadership position.
I believe this position will allow me to pursue my passions of a being a student leader as well as have the opportunity to educate my peers about consulting pharmacy. Through my studies at WSU College of Pharmacy I have learned of the opportunities a consultant pharmacist can have in making a difference in the lives of many patients. This is a field of pharmacy that I believed to be an untapped resource and one of great opportunities. Becoming the ASCP president will not only open a door for me into this division of pharmacy but will also allow me to educate others about consulting pharmacy.
Thank you for your consideration,
Brandi LaLiberte
Pharm D candidate 2010
NCPA President-elect
Danielle Havens
Hello, my name is Danielle Havens. I would like the opportunity to represent our school as next year’s NCPA president-elect. Prior to moving to Pullman, I worked for a community pharmacy outside of Spokane. It was an opportunity that I very much enjoyed and learned a lot from. I learned a little about business and a lot more about how great it is to impact the lives of the people you interact with. One thing that you learn is just how great it is to be involved in a part of a small community. Each person has a name and story behind them and has different needs. Being involved in NCPA represents a way to interact and network with other community pharmacies.
This year in PPSO, I was involved in Picnic on the Lawn, Operation Immunization, Operation Diabetes, and fundraising for the Evening of Excellence. In the past I have also taken on leadership opportunities like being the support staff supervisor for a summer camp for underprivileged children for three years as well as organizing a community service opportunity for a group of classmates. First and foremost, if given the chance, I would be enthusiastic in keeping you informed about NCPA events and opportunities and do the best job possible to pass on these opportunities to my fellow classmates. I would be honored to be able to bring my passion and enthusiasm for community pharmacy to you. Thanks!
APhA President Elect
Makanani Antonio
My name is Makanani Antonio and I am running for APhA President Elect. I have attended WSU for four years and have been active in many areas on campus. I have held several leadership positions at WSU including Pre-Pharmacy Club treasurer, Hawaii Club Vice-President, and Director for the SHAPING (Shaping high school Asian American/ Pacific Islander students for the next generation) Conference. After being in pharmacy school for about one academic year, I would like to get involved with more leadership opportunities in the pharmacy program. PPSO is a great organization to network and to learn about current pharmacy issues. I am particularly interested in APhA because it is the group that supports pharmacy students nation-wide.
I feel like I can fully uphold the responsibilities of APhA. Some of the duties of APhA President Elect include being involved in either Operation Immunization or Operation Diabetes. As a first year, I attended several outreaches in the community and feel I have adequately learned from the second years on how a successful outreach should run. I would also work very closely with the chairs for both of these committees to outreach to as many people as possible. I am also committed to upholding my responsibilities of attending PPSO meetings, as well as APhA national meetings. I am excited about taking on a new challenge and hope that you will support me in this new opportunity. Thank you!
WSPA Junior Liason
Kendra Demaris Hi my name is Kendra Demaris and I am interested in the WSPA Junior Liaison position. In this position I will keep students informed about important pharmacy issues in Washington State and give the tools and information to each member so that involvement and participation can be optimized. Through this, we can directly ensure that the pharmacy profession will grow and adapt the meet the changes in the healthcare system. Washington is a very progressive state for pharmacy practice and, as students and future practitioners, we must commit to keeping it that way.
Throughout my undergraduate education I gained numerous leadership opportunities which included ASWSU Homecoming Committee Co-Chair, College of Sciences Ambassador, Mortar Board Activities Chair, in addition to numerous leadership roles that I assumed as a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. I am a hard worker and will strive to meet the expectations that are set before me. I believe that my previous experiences and values have prepared me well for any challenge I may face. Thank you for your consideration.
Andrew Yu
Hello, my name is Andrew Yu. I feel that I would do a great job serving as the PPSO WSPA Junior Liaison. I am devoted to pharmacy and attaining quality health and general well being for the public. If allowed to serve in this position, I will be in a location where I can begin to influence the shaping of future practice of Washington Pharmacies.
Outlining and sculpting state policy is a strong interest of mine, mainly because it often is the stricter and more restrictive policy that effects how work is conducted. The way legislature is presented and enforced, regardless of it is new or existing, affects the practice of pharmacy in many ways. I am a person that believes there can never be too much care or attention given to making changes that will ultimately better things for the public, pharmacies, and healthcare practices as a whole. With your support, I will be allowed to serve as a member of the Washington State Pharmacy Association Board of Directors as a Junior Liaison. Here I will provide my best efforts in making the ideal changes in policy. Thank you all.
Andrew Helm
My name is Andrew Helm. I would like to be considered for the WSPA Junior Liaison position.
I am experienced in policy inception and administration as well as education. I have a natural ability to assess issues at a global level and isolate areas of importance. Closely allied with my ability to accurately assess, I am capable of generating innovative and effective solutions to problems that may arise. I am also versed in public speaking, and I have an excellent potential for making the purposes and activities of the WSPA known to fellow students in a way that is both effective and unobtrusive.
As Jr. Liaison, it would be my goal to actively engage all students in the College of Pharmacy in WSPA matters. This may simply mean that students are well educated on current issues, or I may sound a call to action when the most pressing issues in Washington Pharmacy merit active support from the up-and-coming practitioners. As the Jr. Liaison, I would work to help the WSPA and the students in the College of Pharmacy come together in a way that maximizes the practice and business of pharmacy in Washington state - for the pharmacist as well as the patient.
I would be very glad to accept the Jr. Liaison position to the WSPA. Thank you for consideration.
Fundraising Chair
Stacy Sasaki
Hi! My name is Stacy Sasaki and I am running for the PPSO Fundraising Coordinator position. I’ve been actively involved with organizing fundraising events in the past. A good example of this would be a Christmas donation drive that I organized for the children in a local shelter that I spent a few months interning at. I was responsible for publicizing the event and collecting any monetary or toy donations. The monies that were donated were used to buy toys and games for the children. All the donations were wrapped and taken to the shelter so that they could be enjoyed Christmas morning. I also organized an ice cream sundae party for the kids. To do so, I contacted local vendors to donate the needed items to make this party a success. Both the kids and their parents enjoyed this event.
I have been working with the current Fundraising Coordinator, Mary, on Evening of Excellence, so I have an idea of what to expect for next year. I realize that the Fundraising position is a position that requires good communication with the other officers of PPSO, proper time management to do things in a timely manner, and great responsibility in managing the E-store ordering as well as ordering supplies for the incoming first years. I like to be organized, which I think is a very good quality to possess for this position and I enjoy working with a team. I am willing to work hard to represent our organization and Pharmacy school in and around WSU.
PPSO 4th Year Liason
Linda Mach
I am running for the PPSO fourth year liaison because I want to continue to be involved in PPSO. For the past three years, I have enjoyed participating in many of the projects that PPSO offers, and I don’t want my fourth year to be an exception. It is easy for fourth year students to detach themselves from the College of Pharmacy when we immerse ourselves in our rotations, but I want to stay connected. That is why I am running for PPSO fourth year liaison.
According to PPSO bylaws, fourth year liaisons need to:
“1. Remain available … to fourth year students for questions pertaining to PPSO and its events.
2. Relate 4th year concerns to PPSO Executive Board.
3. Disseminate information … to all 4th year students...”
My most relevant qualifications include sociability and experience. Most importantly, I am very sociable, which is a significant quality for the fourth year liaison. As I mentioned earlier, it is easy for fourth year students to isolate themselves from PPSO events, but I plan to stay in touch with many of my colleagues, so I will be able to fulfill the duties required of a fourth year liaison. It is difficult to show on paper that I am friendly, but proof of my sociability lies in the fact that I am friends with students in all four years.
For the past two years, I have been the liaison for the Washington State Pharmacy Association on the PPSO Board. Therefore, I have experience in organizing all the projects associated with the WSPA, such as Legislative Day, Medicare Part D Outreach, Emergency Contraception Outreach, and the new Student Competition that will be showcased for the first time this year at the Northwest Pharmacy Competition. It must be obvious that organizing these activities requires good communication skills, since putting together any activity requires relaying information between many parties. I have also been involved in ASHP and APhA projects, including the Clinical Skills Competition, Operation Immunization, and the Patient Counseling Competition. Basically, I have had behind-the-scenes and in-the-scenes experience with PPSO, so it should be clear why it would be beneficial for me to remain on the PPSO Board. Furthermore, keeping me on the PPSO board would be advantageous because I can offer advice to the current officers when they organize PPSO events since I have helped out in the past.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Tracy Zelenka
It truly doesn’t seem like that long ago that we were all strangers in a strange land, 1st year orientation in G-50, listening to Cathy Elstad tell us that we were the top 10% of the nearly 1000 applications WSU received for our Class. Over the past 3 years of learning with and working with the Class of 2009, I’ve really come to believe it when I hear professors like Dr. Quock say we’re special. Although I’m excited to start rotations in just a couple of months, I’ll miss the daily interactions and support of my classmates. So one of my (purely selfish) reasons for wanting to take on the role of the 4th year liaison is that I want to stay connected to all of you. The other side of that same coin is that I think PPSO can be a valuable organization to the students, and I’d like to work with the classes coming up behind us, while keeping our class connected and informed.
I have maintained membership to all 4 PPSO organizations since the start of pharmacy school, and have rarely missed a PPSO meeting (even when I’ve brought my own lunch). Over the past 3 years I’ve gotten progressively more involved in PPSO and its activities (maybe to the point of driving you all a bit nuts). This year I’ve been instrumental in growing the PPSO base by chartering the new student chapter of ASCP (142 e-members so far), and lobbying to have it voted into PPSO. I have attended the annual conferences of NCPA (twice), APhA, and ASHP. This June I’ll be attending WSPA’s Northwest Pharmacy Convention, and in November I plan to attend ASCP’s annual conference in New Orleans. I believe my broad perspective of each of PPSO’s member organizations will be an asset in serving as your liaison.
In addition to the breadth of my PPSO experience, I’ve volunteered for numerous activities over the past 3 years that give my experience depth. During both our 1st and 2nd years I co-chaired a committee for Operation Immunization. You’re all familiar with my ‘Soap’ drive done under the banner of NCPA community service chairperson. Last year I organized a College of Pharmacy team to participate in the Campus on the Run event. And of course for our entire 2nd year I served as the coordinator for the Condoms-In-Bars program in Pullman. There are also many things that won’t show up on my resume, but that I volunteered for anyway. Examples for this year include delivering medication disposal pamphlets to Spokane area pharmacies (an APhA project), manning WSPA’s safe sex table, and making follow-up calls to area businesses to solicit donations to PPSO’s Evening of Excellence annual fundraising activity.
It would be a privilege (and I hope fun) to put my experiences to use for you as the 4th year liaison, and to stay in touch with all of you as we scatter to the 4 winds (or is it 5 if you count Yakima?).
Tracy Zelenka
Proud to be
Class of 2009
Operation Immunization
Tiare Gorospe (Co-chair with John)
Hey everyone! My name is Tiare Gorospe and I am interested in running for the Operations Immunization Chair position. Since Andrew Harbison and Shannon Weaver were co-chairs for this position this year, it would be nice to keep this trend for next year. I would like to co-chair with my fellow colleague, John Miura. I am currently a member of PPSO and I am appreciative of all the opportunities that have been made available to me. Therefore, I would like to participate in more of an active role in this organization. During my undergraduate studies here at WSU, I was extensively involved in several organizations that engaged in many community service projects. These organizations included the Hui Hau’oli O Hawaii Club and the Pacific Islander Club. Also, I am currently a teaching assistant for the Anatomy course for the second semester. Some skills needed to partake in this position are dependability, good listening skills, flexibility, and dedication; all of which will help in being a successful Operations Immunization co-chair.
John Miura (Co-chair with Tiare)
My name is John Miura and I am interested in running as co-chair for Operation Immunization with Tiare. I strongly feel that sharing responsibilities of the chair position will allow Operation Immunization to double its effectiveness in providing immunization within the WSU community. Prior to being accepted to Pharmacy School, I was the president of my family’s catering business, providing the leadership qualities required to efficiently organize and manage Operation Immunization. Having volunteered in a hospital and participated in last semester’s health fair activities, I have been exposed to and know what is required to successfully organize this year’s fairs.
We are aware that as 2nd years we must attain a certain number of immunization shots and as co-chairs we are willing to facilitate enough immunization opportunities to ensure that everyone fulfills that requirement with the least amount of stress. Not only will this benefit us as 2nd year pharmacy students, but it will also help our community, providing opportunities to receive flu vaccinations. Vote for us….We is immunized! d(^.^)
Operation Diabetes
Xuan Le
Hey guys, my name is Xuan Le (pronounced “soon”) and I am interested in running for Operation Diabetes Chair. One of the reasons that draw me to the position is that Operation Diabetes is an active part in both the pharmacy school and community. From my experiences during Operation Diabetes, I can see that not only does the operation engages and but it also gives opportunities for pharmacy students to practice what they have learned in class. Operation Diabetes also serves as a medium to raise awareness about diabetes in the Pullman community, especially at WSU, and I would like to have the chance to partake in leadership and help continue the mission of Operation Diabetes
As for my leadership skills, I was a Senator in student government, representing a pre-health club, at the UW. Not only did I fulfill my duties as a Senator, but I also helped other officers with their duties. I was active in organizing monthly club meetings and making all the members of the club feel welcomed. I also helped coordinate a pre-health conference for 300 people and an annual talent show that raised $3000 for Relay for Life. I am generally a nice and approachable person. Those who know me personally might agree that I can plan events well, care for the people involved, as well as, the outcome of the events. Those who don’t know me personally, let me prove the above to you, by voting for me to be Operation Diabetes Chair.
Treasurer
Kathy T. Nguyen
My name is Kathy T. Nguyen and as a member of the Class of 2011, I have been looking for ways to add to my educational experiences at WSU. When I learned of the upcoming opportunities to participate as a PPSO officer, I became interested in becoming more involved in the operations of PPSO. I would like to ask for your consideration as I run for the position of Treasurer.
This will be my first endeavor in fulfilling the responsibilities of a treasurer, however, I feel confident that some of my past work-related skills will help me to do an excellent job in accounting. My duties as a control room pharmacy technician, I believe, have given me the necessary competency to complete the tasks of a treasurer. I maintained perpetual and physical inventory, and had to account for every pill, capsule, or drop of medication dispensed; thus I can appreciate the requirement to be able to account for all PPSO expenditures made. I am dedicated, efficient, meticulous, and organized. Whatever the given project, I do my best to meet and exceed expectations.
Public Relations
Jenny Chiang
I am running for the Public Relations position because I have a strong interest in taking an active role in PPSO and contributing to the growing success of this student organization. I have the experience and the qualifications to execute all of the responsibilities within this position. At the same time, I am committed to making a difference in PPSO so that other students will benefit from this organization as it has benefited me.
As the Public Relations director, I plan on bringing the most updated news and information to all students through monthly news letters. Additionally, I want to encourage students to voice their concerns, and I will act on their behalf by representing their voice to the PPSO officers. I feel that it is important to bridge the communication gap between the students and the officers so that PPSO works for you. As a member, I have actively participated in many PPSO projects such as Operation Diabetes and the Heartburn Awareness Project in which I served as the co-chair. With these experiences, I feel that I will be able to maintain and enhance the continuity of this organization by serving as the Public Relations director.