Jaelyn Benyard

I first joined ASHP in Fall 2023 through my ASHP-SSHP chapter at PCOM Georgia, where I was elected as the P1 liaison. Getting involved early gave me the chance to connect with pharmacy leaders, advocate for students, and start building my professional home within ASHP.

Current Involvement:
I am currently very active at both the national and local levels. Nationally, I serve as a workgroup lead for the ASHP Pharmacy Student Forum Career and Leadership Development Advisory Group, where I help guide initiatives focused on student leadership development and contribute to leadership programming and resources for student pharmacists across the country. I also serve as a student member on the ASHP Council on Pharmacy Management, where I provide a student perspective in national discussions and policy development related to workforce challenges, pharmacy leadership, and practice sustainability. Locally, I am the President of my ASHP-SSHP chapter, leading efforts to promote health-system pharmacy, residency preparation, and professional development through educational programming, networking events, and advocacy initiatives. Through these roles, I stay deeply engaged with ASHP’s mission.

Favorite Part of ASHP Student Membership:
My favorite part of my ASHP student membership is the sense of community and access to mentorship it provides. Being part of ASHP has connected me with pharmacists, residents, and fellow student leaders who genuinely want to see students succeed and are willing to share their experiences, advice, and encouragement. Those connections have helped me feel supported while navigating pharmacy school and exploring health-system career paths. The most beneficial part of being a student member of ASHP has been the leadership and professional development opportunities. Through ASHP, I have gained exposure to national policy discussions, leadership training, and real-world issues impacting pharmacy practice, which has helped me grow both professionally and personally. ASHP has given me the tools, confidence, and platform to advocate for students, develop my voice as a future pharmacist, and feel prepared to contribute meaningfully to the profession.

Favorite ASHP Memory:
My favorite memory from an ASHP experience was participating in Policy Week and seeing how student voices truly contribute to shaping the future of pharmacy practice. I was able to take part in national discussions alongside pharmacists and leaders from across the country. This was incredibly meaningful, especially knowing that the perspectives I shared helped inform real policy conversations. It was inspiring to watch ideas evolve through thoughtful dialogue and collaboration, and it solidified my passion for advocacy and leadership within ASHP. That experience made ASHP feel less like an organization I belonged to and more like a professional home where my voice genuinely mattered.

Advice for Other Student Pharmacists:
My advice to pharmacy students who want to get involved in national organizations is to start early and say yes to opportunities, even when you don’t feel ready yet. I’ve learned that confidence and clarity come from participation, not perfection. Apply for roles, volunteer for committees, attend meetings, and introduce yourself to people in which those small steps open doors to bigger opportunities. I also believe it’s important to lead with authenticity and purpose. Don’t just join organizations to build a resume but join because it aligns with your values and passions. When you care about the mission, the work feels meaningful and your impact is stronger. Most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of relationships. The connections you build through national organizations can become your mentors, collaborators, and lifelong professional support systems that shape your journey far beyond pharmacy school.