The Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC) held their inaugural in-person event, the BPPC Excellence Summit: Annual Educational Conference, Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Black History Month Recognition, at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy on February 7 – 9, 2025 with over 130 attendees.
"Our heartfelt thanks to the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy for hosting the inaugural BPPC summit! Your support plays a crucial role in advancing growth and equity in healthcare,” says Lisa-Kaye Williams, pharmacist and director of operations, BPPC Board of Directors.
BPPC attendees at Waterloo Pharmacy. Photo credit: Hub City Images.
BPPC team. Photo credit: Hub City Images.
L-R: Lisa-Kaye Williama (BPPC-ON director), Nkem Iroh (BPPC vice-president and co-founder), Remi Ojo (BPPC co-rounder), Nneka Ezurike (BPPC director of communications and co-founder) and Tobi Obatusin (BPPC director for strategy/sponsorship and co-founder). Photo credit, including banner image: Hub City Images.
BPPC attendees at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, Amy Lamb, Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada president presenting. Photo credit: Hub City Images.
BPPC attendees at Waterloo Pharmacy. Photo credit: Hub City Images.
BPPC team. Photo credit: Hub City Images.
L-R: Lisa-Kaye Williama (BPPC-ON director), Nkem Iroh (BPPC vice-president and co-founder), Remi Ojo (BPPC co-rounder), Nneka Ezurike (BPPC director of communications and co-founder) and Tobi Obatusin (BPPC director for strategy/sponsorship and co-founder). Photo credit, including banner image: Hub City Images.
BPPC attendees at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, Amy Lamb, Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada president presenting. Photo credit: Hub City Images.
BPPC was formed in 2022 by a team of Black pharmacists looking to inspire change. The group came together and launched their first virtual online event in 2023, highlighting how much they’ve contributed as Black pharmacy professionals to the field of pharmacy. After their initial event, other organizations recognized their important work and they gained sponsorships, daring them to dream bigger.
“We are pleased to have had a small part in this by making the School available to support the BPPC inaugural event and are thrilled it was a success. We are looking forward to the great work this group will continue to do,” says Andrea Edginton, hallman director, Waterloo Pharmacy.
BPPC is dedicated to empowering Black pharmacy professionals by providing mentorship, advocacy and opportunities for community health and growth. Some highlights from the event:
- Pharmacy and healthcare professionals, students and healthcare leaders attended to connect and inspire change
- Researchers showcased their innovative ideas
- Allies committed to equity in pharmacy gathered to connect with one another
- The AGM served as a formal gathering for BPPC members to discuss organizational updates, future initiatives and governance matters
- Educational sessions were held for pharmacy professionals
- A panel on boosting Black representation in Canadian pharmacy leadership highlighted key opportunities
- Professionals networked to build meaningful relationships to encourage change
“I had a quiet dream to host our BPPC inaugural summit at Waterloo Pharmacy for years,” says Olivia Nwaokocha, PharmD’24 and event committee chair at BPPC. “This is just the beginning.”