Imagine the excitement and anticipation in the air as pharmacy students from across Australia gathered at the University of South Australia in Adelaide. The atmosphere was electric, with conversations buzzing about the future of pharmacy and the pivotal role these young professionals will play. This was the backdrop for the National Australian Pharmacy Students' Association (NAPSA) Annual General Meeting, where the new executive team for the 2024/2025 term was elected.
The New Leadership: A Fresh Vision
The NAPSA is thrilled to introduce Sebastian Harper as the newly elected National President. A third-year Bachelor of Pharmacy student at Griffith University, Harper brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role. His journey within NAPSA, previously serving as Treasurer, has been marked by dedication and a strong vision for the future of pharmacy in Australia.
In his acceptance speech, Harper expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in him by his peers and acknowledged the outstanding leadership of his predecessor, Bano Serhan. "Bano has been a rock of support throughout my term as Treasurer, and has led a distinguished Board of Directors through some turbulent times in pharmacy. I look forward to continuing to work with her as I assume the office of National President," Harper said. His words reflect a commitment to continuity and growth, building on the solid foundation laid by Serhan.
Meet the New Executive Directors
Joining Harper on this journey are a dynamic team of Executive Directors, including two re-elected members and five newly elected ones:
McKinley Nolan (University of Tasmania, Hobart)
Shylee-Jade Hadar-Pagliari (James Cook University, Cairns)
Benjamin Scott (University of Queensland, Brisbane)
Erin Fawcett (University of South Australia, Adelaide)
Mia Avram (Monash University, Melbourne)
Megan Potter (University of Tasmania, Hobart)
Aaliah Nelson (University of Queensland, Brisbane)
This diverse group represents a cross-section of the brightest minds in the schools of pharmacy, each bringing unique insights and expertise to the table.
The Road Ahead: Advocacy and Innovation
Harper has set an ambitious agenda for his tenure, aiming to bolster NAPSA's advocacy efforts and enhance the quality of engagement with its members. "The high quality of advocacy that NAPSA members have come to expect will only be strengthened with the team that has just been elected," Harper assured. This commitment underscores the association's dedication to supporting pharmacy students and, by extension, the broader healthcare system.
Immediate Past President Bano Serhan's endorsement of Harper and the new board highlights the continuity and passion that drives NAPSA. "Having worked closely with him over the last twelve months, I know his passion for pharmacy, social justice, and the power of member-based organisations will lend well to the role," Serhan stated. Her confidence in the new leadership bodes well for the association's future initiatives and projects.
A Partner in Progress: Raven's Recruitment
At Raven's Recruitment, we are delighted to congratulate Sebastian Harper and the entire NAPSA executive team on their election. We recognise the critical role that organisations like NAPSA play in shaping the future of pharmacy in Australia. Our commitment to supporting Australian community pharmacists aligns perfectly with NAPSA's mission to advocate for and empower pharmacy students.
As NAPSA embarks on this new chapter, we look forward to collaborating with the new executive team to help pharmacy students find a job they love. Together, we can ensure that the next generation of pharmacists is well-equipped to meet the challenges of the healthcare landscape.
The election of the new NAPSA executive team marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the association and its members. With a strong leadership team at the helm, there is every reason to be optimistic about the future of pharmacy in Australia. As we celebrate this milestone, let's reflect on the power of student-led organisations to drive change and innovation.
How do you envision the future of pharmacy in Australia with this new leadership at the forefront?
