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This past summer, Janaya Santos ’24, Pharm.D.’27, took part in one of the pharmacy industry’s largest events—an experience that gave her valuable connections and insights as she prepares for her future career.
Santos was named to the inaugural class of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Emerging Leaders Academy, a new program designed to prepare promising student pharmacists for leadership in the industry.
She represented the University of Saint Joseph at the 2026 NACDS Total Store Expo, held Aug. 15–19 in Boston, accompanied by Doreen E. Szollosi, interim dean of the School of Pharmacy & PA Studies, who nominated Santos for the leadership program.
Opportunities like the Emerging Leaders Academy provide students with valuable connections and experiences that help them grow as leaders. I am proud to support Janaya as she continues to develop the skills and confidence that will prepare her for a meaningful career and enable her to serve her community and the profession.
Doreen E. Szollosi
Making important connections
Santos earned her Health Science B.S. with a minor in Chemistry from USJ in May 2024. As an undergraduate, she tutored fellow students in chemistry and served as president of the Pre-Pharmacy Club, experiences that helped lay the foundation for her growth as a future healthcare professional.
At the Total Store Expo, Santos and her fellow Emerging Leaders Academy members explored industry trends, emerging technologies, and pharmacy advocacy, and participated in the selection of new items during the Expo’s product showcase.
One of the most valuable things the Expo offered, she said, was networking with industry leaders.
“The connections I made throughout the event with students, NACDS board members, and retail pharmacy corporations are ones that will last me a lifetime, and I am incredibly grateful to have met so many amazing people in all different areas of pharmacy,” Santos said.
These newly expanded connections may open more doors and opportunities for me and make me hopeful that I can do great things in my future as a pharmacist.
Janaya Santos
NACDS President and CEO Steven C. Anderson described the Emerging Leaders Academy as a long-term investment in the future of the pharmacy industry.
“Our responsibility is to help these future leaders understand the tremendous possibilities our industry has to offer, equip them with the tools and network to succeed, and inspire them to help shape the future alongside NACDS,” Anderson said.
Santos said she hopes the Emerging Leaders Academy will be a source of support and opportunity as she prepares for her career.
“I hope that my involvement in the ELA will provide me with resources and a community that I can turn to in my future within the pharmacy industry,” she said. “Pharmacy is a very small world, so to have these newly expanded connections that may open more doors and opportunities for me makes me hopeful that I can do great things in my future as a pharmacist.”