Jaelyn Benyard

Spark into pharmacy:
My interest in pharmacy was sparked at an early age through the influence of my stepmother, who is a pharmacist and pharmacy owner. Watching her positively impact patients while also managing and leading her own business showed me the many ways pharmacists can serve their communities beyond dispensing medications. Her dedication to patient care, leadership, and advocacy inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Additionally, during high school, I participated in the Tipping the Scale Mentoring Program, which provided me with one-on-one mentorship and hands-on experience working in a pharmacy setting. Through this program, I was able to gain early exposure to the profession, develop professional skills, and build relationships with mentors who encouraged my growth and passion for healthcare. The experience was incredibly impactful, and I still maintain a relationship with my mentor today, which speaks to the lasting influence the program had on both my personal and professional development.

Professional Interests:
Health system pharmacy administration and leadership, oncology pharmacy, health equity and community outreach.

Journey to PSF Executive Committee:
My journey to the ASHP Pharmacy Student Forum Executive Committee began through my involvement in student leadership and professional pharmacy organizations during pharmacy school. I first participated in the Pharmacy Student Forum as an advisory group member and workgroup lead for two consecutive years, attending ASHP networking events, and engaging in national meetings. As I became more involved in advocacy, mentorship, and leadership development, I gained a deeper understanding of the opportunities within the Pharmacy Student Forum and its impact on student pharmacists nationwide. Through networking with peers, faculty mentors, and national pharmacy leaders, I was inspired by the work of the PSF in elevating student voices and creating meaningful programming. My passion for servant leadership, professional growth, and representation ultimately motivated me to pursue involvement and contribute to the continued success of the PSF.

Why PSF Executive Committee:
I applied to join the ASHP Pharmacy Student Forum Executive Committee because I am passionate about serving student pharmacists and creating opportunities that foster leadership, professional growth, and meaningful engagement within the profession. Through my experiences in PSF and other leadership roles within ASHP, I have seen the positive impact that strong mentorship, advocacy, and student representation can have on both personal and professional development. I am motivated to contribute my leadership experience, collaborative mindset, and passion for service to help advance initiatives that support student pharmacists nationwide. Joining the PSF Executive Committee would allow me to further advocate for students, help create impactful programming, and give back to an organization that has played an important role in my own growth throughout pharmacy school.

Benefits of being involved in ASHP as a student:
Being involved in ASHP's a student has significantly contributed to both my personal and professional development. Through ASHP, I have had opportunities to network with student pharmacists, residents, pharmacists, and healthcare leaders from across the country, which has helped expand my perspective on the profession and the many paths within pharmacy.

ASHP has also strengthened my leadership, communication, and professional skills through involvement in national meetings, educational programming, and student engagement opportunities. The organization has provided mentorship, resources, and experiences that have helped shape my confidence as a future pharmacist and leader. Additionally, being involved in ASHP has reinforced the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and lifelong learning, all of which continue to influence my growth both inside and outside of pharmacy.

Goals for the year as a PSF Executive Committee Member:
My goals as a ASHP Pharmacy Student Forum Executive Committee Member are to advocate for the needs and perspectives of student pharmacists, promote meaningful student engagement, and help create programming that supports professional and personal growth. I hope to strengthen connections between students and pharmacy leaders through mentorship, networking, and leadership development opportunities.

Additionally, I aim to contribute innovative ideas that encourage inclusivity, collaboration, and active participation within PSF. Through this role, I also hope to continue developing my own leadership and communication skills while positively representing student pharmacists on a national level.

Fun Fact:
I have a twin sister, and there are 13 sets of twins in my family.