Dr. Aireona Armagon: “You are part of a community that believes in you”

As part of American Pharmacists Month, Texas Southern University continues celebrating the journey and formation of pharmacists, who will transform healthcare. We spotlight Dr. Aireona Armagon, Interprofessional Education Coordinator in the Joan M. Lafleur College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, whose journey into pharmacy is defined by compassion, service, and leadership.

Discovering a Calling

Dr. Armagon’s passion for pharmacy began while working as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens. There, she witnessed firsthand the power of patient-centered care.

“I watched the pharmacy manager spend 15–20 minutes talking with a patient, listening, educating, and empowering her with knowledge about her condition. Seeing the pharmacist have so much compassion in that moment has stuck with me,” she recalled. “I wanted to be the kind of trusted pharmacist patients could turn to for guidance and support.”

The COVID-19 pandemic deeply influenced Dr. Armagon’s path. As pharmacists became essential frontline providers during an unprecedented global health crisis, she saw the profession’s impact more clearly than ever.

“Seeing pharmacists advocate for patients, especially older adults who were most vulnerable, reminded me that our role extends far beyond the counter. It reaffirmed my calling to be a voice for the underserved and a champion for patient care,” said Dr. Armagon.

One of Dr. Armagon’s most defining experiences came through her involvement in the Embrace Medication Telehealth project with the Center for Biomedical & Minority Health Research (CBMHR) at Texas Southern University. The initiative focused on helping older adults navigate digital healthcare tools during the pandemic, a challenge that affected vulnerable populations.

“Visiting community churches and senior centers across Houston, I connected with amazing older adults who reminded me why this work matters,” she said. “It deepened my passion for patient safety, advocacy, and creating innovative solutions for vulnerable populations.”

For Dr. Armagon, choosing Texas Southern University was more than a professional decision, it was personal.

“I chose Texas Southern University because of its rich legacy in creating opportunities for African Americans, being one of the top five schools to produce the most African American pharmacists in the United States to this day,” she shared. Encouraged by mentors and colleagues who praised the university’s supportive environment, Dr. Armagon found more than a school, but a “supportive community that truly wants you to succeed.”

Overcoming the Unknown

Being the first Doctor of Pharmacy in her family, Dr. Armagon had to create her own path through unfamiliar terrain.

“I had to take initiative through researching, exploring, and discovering new opportunities that aligned with my interests in safety, compliance, and patient advocacy,” she explained. Along the way, she discovered her interests in safety, compliance, and advocacy.

“I had to embrace challenges, grow as a leader, and trust that even the unknown had value.”

In her current role as Interprofessional Education Coordinator, Dr. Armagon is shaping the way future healthcare professionals learn to collaborate.

“I strive to create meaningful learning experiences where pharmacy students can learn with, from, and about other healthcare professionals just like in real-world healthcare settings,” Dr. Armagon shared. She also continues her commitment to mentorship: “I believe that when we educate, empower, and serve, we elevate the entire community.”

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Armagon offers heartfelt advice to her younger self and future pharmacy students:

“Give yourself grace. There’s a verse in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that reminds us, To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.”  She reinforces the idea that everything has its purpose in shaping your journey. “Stay faithful, stay focused, and keep walking in purpose because you’re exactly where you need to be.”

If You Could Give Students One Piece of Advice…

“Remember the core values of ‘Texas Southern PROUD’: Teamwork, Student Success, Unprecedented, Proud, Research-driven, Optimistic, United, and Distinct,”  Armagon said.

She also encourages current and future students to embrace challenges, don’t be afraid to ask for help and mostly importantly:

“Stay curious, stay compassionate, and never forget that you are part of a community that believes in you.”

As we continue to celebrate American Pharmacists Month, Texas Southern University honors the voices and journeys of pharmacists like Dr. Aireona Armagon, who are changing the future of healthcare through education, advocacy and innovation.

Throughout October, we will be sharing more stories from the students, graduates, and faculty who are shaping the future of healthcare through pharmacy at Texas Southern University.