At the Kay Mason Foundation, we are committed to providing life-changing opportunities for our scholars, empowering them to pursue their passions and grow into future leaders. Thanks to our incredible partner, DHL, our senior scholars—Emlyn, Asonele, and Nurjaan—had the privilege of attending the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) event, hosted by CIPLA at Pharmacy House in Kenilworth. This experience allowed them to network with global pharmaceutical industry professionals and gain invaluable insights into potential career paths.
We would like to extend a special thanks to Nisa Ebrahim, Global Head for Cargo Insurance & Risk Management at DHL, whose support made this transformative experience possible. Along with our founder, Richard Mason, our scholars had the chance to immerse themselves in the diverse world of pharmaceuticals.
Emlyn’s Takeaway: Unveiling the Depths of Pharmacy
Emlyn walked into the event with a general idea of what pharmacy entails, but left with an entirely new perspective. She had always thought that pharmacists primarily dispensed medication, but through conversations with professionals and university students, she learned how much more complex the field truly is. “Pharmacists have deep knowledge about the biomedical composition of drugs,” Emlyn shared. “They’re not just handing out prescriptions—they’re critical to determining the best treatments for various diseases and conditions.”
What made this experience even more impactful was the opportunity to network with others who share her passion for healthcare. “Meeting people who are as dedicated to health sciences as I am was inspiring. These connections will be invaluable as I continue my journey in the pharmaceutical world,” she said.
Asonele’s Experience: Confidence and Inspiration
For Asonele, the event was nothing short of inspiring. One of the most memorable encounters she had was with Jackie Maimin, a seasoned pharmacist who shared a powerful message: Pharmacy should never be a second option. “Jackie told us that you have to love pharmacy, that it has to be in our hearts. Helping people must be something we’re truly passionate about,” Asonele reflected.
Hearing from professionals who initially aimed to become doctors but ended up falling in love with pharmacy was also eye-opening for her. It reinforced the idea that even when our career paths shift, we can still find fulfillment and purpose.
At first, Asonele was nervous about engaging with industry professionals from diverse backgrounds, but by the end of the day, she found herself thriving in those interactions. “I was blown away by how much I enjoyed it. Pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone really paid off,” she said, feeling more confident in her ability to connect and grow.
Nurjaan’s Insights: Clarifying Her Career Path
Nurjaan’s experience at the FIP event was crucial in helping her clarify her career goals within the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to attending, she had a limited view of what pharmacists did, but her interactions with professionals broadened her understanding of the field. “I learned that the pharmaceutical industry is vast, with endless opportunities. It’s not just about working in retail and handing out prescriptions,” she said.
What stood out for Nurjaan was the practical advice she received from pharmacists on how to interact with patients. She learned that beyond technical expertise, the key to success in this field lies in having the right personality traits—empathy, communication, and patience. These insights will be instrumental in shaping her career path as she continues to explore her options in healthcare.
Why We Value Partnerships and Industry Exposure
At the Kay Mason Foundation, we believe that exposure to real-world industry experiences is key to unlocking our scholars’ potential. The FIP event was a perfect example of how opportunities like these can shape our scholars’ futures, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence they need to pursue their dreams.
The event also reinforced the importance of our partnerships. We are deeply grateful to DHL for making this experience possible, and to Nisa Ebrahim for her continued support. This collaboration is a testament to the power of community and corporate partnerships in helping us provide life-changing opportunities for our scholars.
Looking Ahead: Empowering Our Scholars for the Future
We are immensely proud of Emlyn, Asonele, and Nurjaan for embracing this opportunity and making the most of their time at the FIP event. They returned with new knowledge, strengthened confidence, and a clearer vision for their future in the pharmaceutical industry.
At the Kay Mason Foundation, our mission is to empower the next generation of leaders, and through experiences like this, we are one step closer to achieving that goal. We look forward to continuing our work with DHL and other partners to provide our scholars with opportunities that will shape their futures and help them make a meaningful impact on the world.
We are excited to see where these young women go next—and we will be with them every step of the way.
