For Jordan Louis, earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Howard University is more than the culmination of academic rigor; it’s a moment of triumph, resilience, and rediscovery of purpose.

Originally from Philadelphia, Louis’s journey to pharmacy wasn’t linear. Before entering graduate school, she was a fourth and fifth grade math teacher in South Philly, where she developed a deep connection to working with children and a strong sense of purpose in education. 

“A lot of pharmacy is patient education,” Jordan shared, reflecting on how her teaching background became a powerful foundation. “Translating complex concepts into digestible information was something I had to do every day in the classroom, and it’s the same skill I’ll use with patients from all backgrounds.”

Though she initially pursued medical school, it was during a master’s program in biomedical sciences at Rutgers that Louis was introduced to the world of pharmacy. Through conversations with mentors and friends in the field, she discovered a new path that aligned with her desire to work directly with patients and impact community health.

When it came time to choose a pharmacy school, Howard was the only option in Jordan’s mind. “I knew I wanted to be at an HBCU. I wanted to be surrounded by people who truly believed in my success.” 

At Howard, she found not only that supportive community but also opportunities to lead and advocate. Jordan became the first student from Howard to serve on the executive committee of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists a national pharmacy association. There, she worked to ensure that Black and brown students were included in national conversations and decision-making. “Representation mattered to me. I wanted to make sure others had access to the kinds of experiences I did.”

Her time at Howard was not without its challenges however, during her final year, Louis’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, and she unexpectedly lost a close family member. In the midst of clinical rotations and the residency application process, Louis leaned on a network of professors and peers who checked in, offered help, and made sure she didn’t carry the weight alone. “It truly takes a village,” she said. “But when you're around your own people, they already understand that.”

Personally, and intellectually, Louis says she's grown most by learning to be kinder to herself. “I’ve always been a perfectionist. But life has a way of humbling you. I’ve redefined what success looks like and learned to celebrate every small win.”

Now, as she prepares to return to Philadelphia for a residency at the VA Hospital, Louis is clear about her mission. She hopes to one day work in ambulatory care clinics, managing complex medication regimens for patients with chronic illnesses in partnership with their primary care providers. “Graduating feels like a release,” she said. “It’s success, it’s pride and it’s the beginning of the next chapter.”

Her message to future students is clear. “Don’t be afraid to ask for it. Put in the work, and no one can deny what you’ve done. Celebrate every win big or small. And be intentional about your purpose.”