Leading with Purpose: Celebrating Women's Pioneering Roles in Pharmacy

Women’s History Month is a nationally recognized observance that commemorates the role of women throughout American History. Though its roots as a national celebration trace back to 1981, the presidential proclamation of every March as Women’s History Month officially began in 1995. This proclamation is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women to the United States and recognize specific achievements by women throughout history.  

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 29, 2024) — The pharmacy landscape in the United States has undergone a remarkable transformation, with women pharmacists now representing between 62% and 75% of the profession—a stark contrast to the 14% seen in the mid-1960s. As Women’s History Month draws to a close, Lu Shawna Lawson, PharmD, MPA, a trailblazer and senior pharmacist at Community Health Network Specialty Pharmacy, shared insights into her career, challenges, inspirations, and advice for future pharmacists.

Q: Could you describe your role as a Community Health Network Specialty Pharmacy senior pharmacist?

Lawson: My daily responsibilities center around providing focused, patient-oriented pharmacy care. I direct and guide our pharmacy team, ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients. The disease states that I am currently focused on include Oncology, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, Rheumatology, Transplant, and DVT/PE treatments. Educating patients about their conditions, the medications prescribed, possible side effects, and administration methods is vital to my role.

Q: What has been your most significant career challenge, and how did you overcome it?

Lawson: Facing a lack of support from my direct supervisor during a period of patient volume growth and hospital expansion was incredibly challenging. Despite advocating for the necessary staffing and infrastructure to maintain quality care, I felt unsupported, and my concerns were overlooked. A candid conversation with my supervisor allowed me to express my concerns and request equal support and respect compared to my colleagues. This dialogue led to an acknowledgment of my needs and a more supportive working relationship.

Q: Who is a woman pharmacist who inspires/helped pave the way for you?

Lawson: Donna Howell-Smith, whom I met in 1994 while working as a pharmacy technician and intern at Humana in Louisville, KY, was my first female pharmacist role model. Donna was an invaluable mentor, providing me with encouragement, guidance, and wisdom, especially throughout pharmacy school.

Q: What advice do you have for future pharmacists?

Lawson: Never allow yourself to become stagnant. Pharmacy offers diverse roles and opportunities for growth, both professionally and personally. Stay creative, seek continuous development, and engage actively with professional organizations to enrich your career and impact.

Q: Can you share your journey and experiences with Lambda Kappa Sigma?

Lawson: My journey with Lambda Kappa Sigma (LKS) began in 1997 as a student at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, eventually leading to my election as chapter president. This early experience set the stage for a series of leadership roles within LKS, culminating in my election as grand president in 2022, a momentous occasion as I became the first African American to hold this position since the organization’s inception in 1913.

A pivotal moment in my LKS journey occurred nearly 25 years ago at my first LKS convention, where I served as a student chapter delegate. The convention was a transformative experience, allowing me to connect with other pharmacy students and alumni who were passionately involved in various aspects of pharmacy. Their dynamic presence and commitment to the field were truly inspiring. It was there that I met Christine Perry, the grand president at the time, whose encouragement led me to pursue involvement at the national level. This culminated in my election as the collegiate representative on the grand council nominating committee during that very convention.

Since then, my involvement with LKS has been both deep and wide-ranging, spanning local and national committee appointments and holding several positions on the grand council. My active participation has allowed me to forge lifelong personal and professional relationships, particularly with my LKS sisters. These relationships have been a source of mutual support through both triumphs and trials, from career milestones and family celebrations to the challenges of family loss and illness. The unique bond we share within this organization is something I deeply value and cherish.

Inspired by these experiences and the impact of LKS on my life, I was motivated to serve as grand president. My aim is to highlight the value and opportunities LKS offers to women both during their pharmacy education and throughout their careers. I was officially installed at the 53rd annual convention in Indianapolis, marking a significant milestone for myself and the organization as a whole.

Reflecting on my tenure, I am proud of the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced, the lifelong friendships I’ve made, and my ongoing commitment to empowering women in pharmacy. Serving as grand president has been a profound honor, providing me a platform to support and inspire others. As I seek a second term for the 2024-2026 biennium, my focus remains on preparing and positioning Lambda Kappa Sigma as the premier professional pharmacy fraternal organization for women. My journey with LKS has been incredibly fulfilling, marked by significant milestones and a deep-seated commitment to the values I hold dear.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?

Lawson: I am grateful for the unwavering support from my husband, Shelton Lawson, and our son, Shelton Lawson II. Outside of my professional life, I contribute to my community through my church and volunteer work. I am the secretary of my church’s nurse ministry, where we educate our members about healthy living and provide opportunities for health and wellness screenings and education. I am also a volunteer pharmacist at the Rophe Free Clinic, providing preventative and non-life-threatening acute care among the uninsured and underinsured in Pike Township. 

My leisure time is spent with family, traveling, running half-marathons, and embracing life as a football mom.