The 2021 Lambda Kappa Sigma (LKS) National Convention was held virtually on July 14-18 to celebrate 108 years of elevating women in pharmacy. Wayne State's Omicron chapter attendees networked with fellow students from pharmacy programs across the country, built leadership skills and attended business sessions.

"The theme of convention this year was Bloom and the LKS national headquarters provided us with tools to bloom within ourselves, our Omicron chapter and our future careers," said chapter President-Elect Jewel Konja.

During a pandemic year when the LKS national regions were changed and increased in number, the WSU team was once again the top chapter of the year in its region. The group also placed third in member retention and was a finalist for top leadership team among 85 chapters.

"During this pandemic year, I am so proud of Omicron, led by President Ahlam Daoud, Past President Samantha Langell and President-Elect Jewel Konja," said Dr. Mary Beth O'Connell, the chapter's faculty advisor and WSU Applebaum professor of pharmacy practice. "Our members did very well with recruiting P1s and keeping all the sisters together during the pandemic, providing much needed help, stress reduction, fun, comradery and so much more."

Konja says the awards were a wonderful way to end the conference experience. "On top of our newfound motivation and tools to work on leadership, empowerment and development, I am so happy and proud of the Omicron chapter for our awards received," she said. "It shows that our work during the pandemic to adjust and make the most of the situation paid off."

Interim Associate Dean for Pharmacy and Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice Dr. Susan Davis added, "Ahlam, Sam and Jewel, we are so proud of you for growing and supporting such a wonderful organization. These awards speak to your leadership skills and your members' commitment to the profession."

WSU Applebaum information meetings for prospective students take place at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The application process for the Doctor of Pharmacy program begins each July.

An anchor in urban health care
The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels - from undergraduates to veteran faculty members - translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 26,000 students.