April 20, 2022
Aliyah Cruz, Pharm. D. candidate class of 2022, is one of this year’s recipients of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Student Leadership Award.
The ASHP Student Leadership Award Program recognizes up to 12 students annually who have an interest in pharmacy practice in health-systems and who demonstrate leadership ability.
“It is an honor to have been chosen for this award and acknowledged for being a leader amongst student pharmacists,” Cruz said. “Leadership is not something I take lightly, and I am forever grateful for those that came before me and gave me an opportunity to grow and lead.”
Cruz said much of her leadership experience in pharmacy has centered around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) for underserved populations. Most recently, she served as national president of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA), where she aimed to inspire other students to spark positive change in their local communities.
“I am motivated to keep being a vocal advocate for those that do not have a seat at the table and want to continue to build bridges for future student leaders to grow and be even better leaders,” Cruz said.
Following graduation, Cruz will be joining UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin to start her PGY1/PGY2 HSPAL residency program.
“I am ecstatic for this opportunity as I will be able to bridge my professional pharmacy interests with my personal ones, and better understand how I can make a global impact on patients from the health-system point of view,” Cruz said. “I hope to continue being an active advocate for DEIB initiatives and continue to push the profession of pharmacy to be cognizant of the power we have in bridging inequity and barriers for all!”