This month, we are excited to feature Nneka, an award-winning leader and advocate for change in the pharmacy profession. Recently, Nneka was honoured with the Associate of the Year Award from Shoppers Drug Mart, a prestigious recognition that highlights her exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to both her profession and community.
Nneka’s Journey to Success
Nneka’s career began after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Dalhousie University. She started her career with Shoppers Drug Mart in 2010, becoming an Associate-Owner shortly after becoming licensed in Ontario. Over the years, she expanded her role and now owns and operates four pharmacies across Toronto. Always seeking innovation in both her professional and personal development, Nneka went on to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Florida in 2015. She is also a certified Diabetes educator and a registered health coach.
Nneka has been passionate about advancing pharmacy practice and providing optimal care to her community. Her role as a clinical preceptor for pharmacy programs at the University of Toronto and University of Waterloo, as well as for pharmacy technician programs at various colleges, has been immensely rewarding, allowing her to mentor and inspire future pharmacists and technicians.
A Community-Driven Leader
Nneka’s Associate of the Year Award recognizes her leadership, commitment to quality service, and deep involvement in community enhancement. As someone who embodies Shoppers Drug Mart’s CORE values and Blue Culture, Nneka excels in her work and provides mentorship to colleagues, while leading initiatives that benefit the community.
To Nneka, this award represents more than just personal recognition—it’s a win for her team, her community, and those who have supported her journey. “This prestigious honour is about so much more than just a title or a plaque; that’s merely the icing on the cake,” she says. “This award reflects years of hard work, dedication, resilience, and the ability to turn setbacks into setups for an undeniable comeback.”
Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC) Summit
In addition to her success in the pharmacy field, Nneka is also the co-founder of the Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC), a national non-profit organization aimed at supporting Black pharmacy professionals and promoting equity within the profession. BPPC’s work is centered around creating access, education, and advocacy for Black pharmacists, international pharmacy graduates, students, and technicians.
This year, BPPC hosted their inaugural Excellence Summit and Black History Month Celebration from February 7th to 9th at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy. The event brought together pharmacists and healthcare professionals from across Canada for a weekend of empowerment, education, and networking.
Highlights of the summit included:
- Educational sessions that provided cutting-edge insights for pharmacy professionals from hospitals, academia, and industry.
- A leadership panel focused on amplifying Black representation in Canadian pharmacy leadership.
- The official launch of the BPPC Mentorship Program, aimed at supporting the next generation of pharmacy leaders.
- Research presentations showcasing the latest innovations and findings in the pharmacy field.
The summit also fostered mentorship and networking, helping to build meaningful relationships among Black pharmacy professionals, industry leaders, and students.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Nneka is deeply committed to empowering Black health professionals and fostering leadership development, especially for women. Through her work with initiatives like the Women in Leadership for Associates (WILA) program, she has helped create spaces for female pharmacy professionals to connect, share their challenges, and support each other’s growth.
Her vision is to create a world where marginalized individuals, especially Black women, are empowered to achieve their dreams and excel in their careers. As she reflects on her journey, Nneka believes that mentorship, encouragement, and self-belief are key to overcoming challenges and reaching one’s potential. “I hope this award serves as inspiration to anyone who thinks they can’t—because you absolutely can,” she shares. “Show up with excellence, work with integrity and grace, because character is true power.”
We are incredibly proud of Nneka’s achievements and the positive impact she continues to make in both the pharmacy field and the broader community. Her work with BPPC and the success of the Excellence Summit are just the beginning of the legacy she is building for future pharmacy leaders.
Congratulations, Nneka! We look forward to the incredible work you will continue to do for years to come.
