Olivia Nwaokocha
As Black History Month shines a light on the contributions of Black professionals across various fields, Olivia Nwaokocha stands out as a dedicated advocate for representation, mentorship, and health equity in pharmacy. A recent Doctor of Pharmacy graduate from the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, Olivia is currently in the process of obtaining her pharmacist license while actively working with the Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC).
For Olivia, pharmacy was a natural extension of her lifelong interest in healthcare, deeply rooted in her family’s background. “Healthcare was always a part of our family,” she shares. Her academic journey began with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Guelph before she transitioned into pharmacy to bridge the gap between science and real-world patient care.
However, entering the field came with challenges. “One of the main things that drove me to pursue this program was that I don’t think I had ever seen a Black female pharmacist that looked like me,” Olivia reflects. This lack of representation fueled her determination to not only succeed but to make herself visible for future generations.
Mentorship has been integral for Olivia’s professional and personal growth. She credits both personal and professional mentors, including BPPC leaders Mary, Nkem, and Nneka, as well as pharmacists like Danielle Paes, whose careers she has followed closely. “I have mentors that don’t even know that they’re my mentors,” she laughs, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from those who have paved the way.
As the Event Committee Chair for the BPPC, Olivia led the planning of their inaugural AGM Summit at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy in February 2025. Her work with BPPC has been instrumental in fostering mentorship and professional development within the Black pharmacy community. “Representation breeds more representation,” she asserts. “It’s important for us to be visible so that others can see it’s possible.”
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Beyond the BPPC, Olivia’s impact extends nationally through her work with the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC). Her contributions to health policy and Black health equity have earned her the Federation of Black Canadians – Change Maker Award. She has shared her expertise on Black health at the Public Health Agency of Canada-sponsored Black Health Panel and played a critical role in COVID-19 response efforts, serving as a vaccine clinic volunteer and educator.
For Olivia, Black History Month is about “showing up, speaking proudly, and sharing our stories.” She believes these conversations are crucial but also calls for action. “We need to move beyond just talking about it—real steps need to be taken to create change.”
This February and beyond, OPA recognizes the valuable contributions of Black pharmacy professionals who continue to shape the profession through advocacy, mentorship, and leadership. OPA remains committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse pharmacy community, ensuring that Black voices and experiences are amplified in the pursuit of equitable healthcare for all.
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