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About Us

About Us

Mission

To provide an empowering environment for Black pharmacy professionals to grow through leadership and mentorship. 

Our Vision

To lead excellence in practice amongst Black pharmacy professionals and promote equity for Black Pharmacy professionals and patients

Our History

The Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC) is a community-driven, volunteer-led,  nonprofit organization  established in October 2023 for Black pharmacists, pharmacy interns, technicians, students and residents. BPPC is committed to advancing  equity for Black pharmacy professionals and patients at every level of healthcare in Canada. 


BPPC was launched as a Call to Action in response to feedback from the 2023 Canadian Black Pharmacy Students' Conference and a Black History Month gathering, where students and pharmacy professionals highlighted the underrepresentation of Black pharmacy professionals in the Canadian pharmacy schools, profession and leadership, lack of relatable role models and mentors, as well as networking opportunities, underscoring the systemic barriers they face in career growth among other things. 


BPPC was therefore created to address the unique challenges and needs of Black pharmacy professionals and patients.  BPPC provides a dedicated platform for Black pharmacy professionals to connect, collaborate, and support one another. 

45+

Trainers

10K+

Members

2K+

Reviews

20+

Years of experience

Our Core Values

Advocacy​

On behalf of Black pharmacy students, interns, and licensed professionals, address systemic barriers and strive to promote equity within the pharmacy field.

Mentorship​

Provide support to Black pharmacy professionals to enhance growth and success through mentorship programs, educational resources, career advancement opportunities. We strive to create a strong network of professionals who share experiences, offer support, and collaborate on solutions.

Community Health & 
Well-being

Contribute towards the health and wellbeing of Black Canadian through community engagement and health promotion. 

A Community with a Purpose

We provide resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities to help our members thrive in their careers while promoting equity and inclusion within the healthcare sector.

Mentorship & 
Networking

We connect experienced pharmacy professionals with pharmacists and students through networking events and a planned mentorship program, fostering learning and mutual support. We provide opportunities for Black pharmacy professionals to network, share experiences, and build collaborative partnerships.

Educational & Professional Growth

Through webinars and conferences, we provide ongoing professional development tailored to the learning needs of our members and partners.






Advocacy 
Initiatives

We will work to address the disparities in representation and leadership within pharmacy and advocate for policies that promote diversity and inclusion at a national and international level.





Community 
​Engagement

We partner with communities to increase awareness of the vital role Black pharmacists play in improving public health outcomes through community and health promotion events. 





Our Impact

Nov 2023

Launched a successful online campaign on LinkedIn and Instagram

Jan 2024

Established its governance, board of directors, committee chairs and vice-chairs

Feb 2024

Planned a mentorship program that includes an International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG) component.

March 2024

Established connections with various organizations and advocacy bodies

Jul 2024

Built a growing community of over 200 members and counting

Ongoing

Focused on leadership and engagement opportunities for BPPC members to foster meaningful change.

We are committed to making a positive impact in the pharmacy profession and look forward to continuing our efforts.

Mary Adegboyega 
MRPharmS PGcert RPh
President & Co-founder

Mary (Ore) Adegboyega is a dual licensed British trained Consultant Pharmacist, YouTuber and Content Creator. 

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Mary  practiced as a pharmacist in England for 7 years and spent the majority of her career there working across NHS hospitals, social enterprise organizations and occasionally retail chain pharmacies before taking the leap to relocate to Canada. Although her clinical practice is diverse, she has a major interest in Mental Health and Health equity, specifically for underserved communities such as the Black community.

Mary uses her social media platforms to share Pharmacist lifestyle content; to help amplify the voice of Pharmacists.  Mary partners with organizations both in the UK and Canada to mentor international Pharmacists and Pharmacy students who are interested in licensing in Canada and the UK. She also uses her skills to collaborate with multiple organizations both within and outside the pharmaceutical field. 

Mary recently served a two year term as committee member for the Ontario College of Pharmacists fitness to practice committee and occasionally supports as Clinical Instructor for the University of Toronto's Leslie Dan school of Pharmacy.

Mary is a strong advocate for diversity in the Pharmacy and Healthcare leadership space in Canada and has worked on multiple equity projects. She believes that representation in pharmacy leadership is essential and necessary in order to adequately serve patients and communities.


Dr. Nkem Iroh
PharmD, MBA, BCPS, CHE
Vice-President & Co-founder

Dr. Nkem Iroh is an innovative pharmacist leader with nearly 20 years of experience across diverse healthcare settings in Canada and the United States. 

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She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in Healthcare Management from The University of Texas at Tyler. Nkem is board-certified in pharmacotherapy and recently achieved Certified Health Executive (CHE) status with the Canadian College of Health Leaders.

Currently, Nkem is a Director of Pharmacy Services, overseeing pharmacy operations and leading efforts to enhance patient care. Her career includes roles such as Manager of Outpatient Services and Clinical Coordinator in emergency medicine, oncology, and palliative care. She also practiced clinically in cardiology and emergency medicine for many years.

As an educator and mentor, Nkem serves as a preceptor for PharmD students and residents, sharing her vast clinical and leadership experience. She is deeply committed to equity, mentoring young healthcare professionals, and advancing pharmacy practice.

In addition to her professional work, Nkem serves on the boards of Your Time Women’s Empowerment Foundation, and as Chair Elect & Pharmacist Trustee of the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP) Foundation. She has served on the board of First Years Learning Centre and  Education Services Committee, CSHP Saskatchewan Branch since 2015 both as a co-chair and as a member. Passionate about community service, she strives to inspire and shape the next generation of pharmacy leaders.


Nneka Ezurike 
Pharm D, Bsc.Pharm, CDE, RPh, HCA-RHC
Director of Communications & Co-Founder

Nneka Ezurike is a dedicated pharmacist, entrepreneur, and advocate for women’s empowerment and health.She owns multiple Shoppers Drug Mart franchises in Toronto.

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 She owns multiple Shoppers Drug Mart franchises in Toronto and holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy from Dalhousie University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Florida. She is also a professional committee appointee for the Ontario College of pharmacists and plays an important role in advancing the College’s mandate to serve and protect the public interest. 

As a clinical preceptor for University of Toronto and University of Waterloo Pharmacy programs, and pharmacy technician programs, Nneka mentors the next generation of professionals. She is also a Certified Health Coach and Certified Diabetes Educator, and is actively involved in the Toronto chapter of Diabetes Canada, contributing to the community through education and support. 

Nneka is passionate about empowering women, serving as a board member for Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health, and is involved in initiatives like the Shoppers Drug Mart POWER (Preparing Outstanding Women for Excellence in Retail) program and the Women in Leadership for Associates (WILA) which underscores her commitment to mentorship, leadership and development.

She engages with marginalized youth and advocates for Black pharmacy professionals. As an international speaker, she inspires others to achieve their dreams and improve their health and wellness.

Her vision is to create a world where women and marginalized groups can excel in their careers and lead healthier lives through mentorship, leadership development, and health advocacy.



Tobi Obatusin
BSc, PharmD
 Director of Strategy and Sponsorship

Dr. Tobi Obatusin is a visionary and a pharmacist with experience in both hospital and community practice settings. 

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She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Mount Royal University in Calgary and earned her Pharmacy degree from the University of Alberta. As the founder and former president of the Black Pharmacy Students Association (BPSA) at the University of Alberta, Tobi played a crucial role in fostering a supportive community for Black pharmacy students.

During her studies, she also served on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, where she contributed recommendations to enhance the experiences of racialized students and Faculty. Tobi is deeply committed to her community, engaging in various projects, participating in speaker events, serving as a guest lecturer, and mentoring current and prospective pharmacy students. In 2023, she hosted the first Canadian Black Pharmacy Students Conference to strengthen connections and build a sense of belonging among her peers.

Tobi’s efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) Leadership Development Award, the Alberta Pharmacists Association (RxA) Advancing the Profession Award, the RxA Advocacy Award, and the BPSA Past-President and Leadership Award, among others. She is passionate about advocating for equitable pharmacy practices that support racialized peers and patients, with a focus on mental health and Black health. 

Tobi is not only shaping the future of pharmacy but also championing the health and well-being of the communities she serves. Her leadership and advocacy ensure that every voice is heard and valued, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive healthcare landscape.


Lisa-Kaye Williams
BScPhm, MHM, CHE, CDE
Interim Director Ontario​ Region

Lisa-Kaye Williams is a dedicated Pharmacist and business owner with over 15 years of experience in the pharmacy industry. 

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Beyond operating the pharmacy, Lisa-Kaye is devoted to mentoring youth, Pharmacy Assistants, Regulated Technicians and Pharmacy Students, advising women in leadership and supporting various community initiatives. She has been a guest speaker for numerous organizations including the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA), the DeGroote Women in Business (DWIB) and the Canadian Association for Girls in Science (CAGIS).


Lisa-Kaye completed her pharmacy degree at the University of Toronto and a Master of Health Management degree at McMaster University. She is a Certified Health Executive (CHE) with the Canadian College of Health Leaders and a Certified Diabetes Educator. For her community activism, she was recognised with a Paul Harris Fellow Award. Outside of work, Lisa-Kaye enjoys exploring nature and spending time with her family.


Tyiesha Wright
BHSc, PharmD Candidate 
Student Representative

Tyiesha Wright is a Doctor of Pharmacy student at the University of Toronto’s Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. 


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Tyiesha is an alumni of the University of Manitoba where she obtained a  Bachelor of Health Sciences degree and minor in psychology.

Tyiesha has a passion for health equity and addressing racism within healthcare systems. Throughout her educational journey, Tyiesha has been involved in numerous research projects aiming to understand and address health inequities among marginalized communities across Canada. 

Tyiesha hopes to inspire and support the next generation of Black pharmacists in Canada. Outside of pharmacy, Tyiesha enjoys reading, hiking and trying new recipes in the kitchen.


Partners

We are proud to collaborate with various healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and corporate partners to promote the growth and success of Black pharmacy professionals in Canada