By Sabrina Miller, Content Strategy Specialist
BALTIMORE, Md. – Notre Dame of Maryland University’s (NDMU) Doctor of Pharmacy candidate, Jasra Noor Zaheer, doesn’t intend to wait decades for pharmacy ownership, it is a vision she is already pursuing.
“I grew up watching my family pour time and energy into something they could call their own,” Zaheer said. “That exposure shaped the way I view business. Risk didn’t mean fear- it meant opportunity.”
Drawing inspiration from her family’s entrepreneurial spirit, Zaheer has embraced leadership and mentorship opportunities that have positioned her at the forefront of a new generation of pharmacy professionals eager to take ownership, both literally and figuratively, of their futures.
During her time at NDMU’s School of Pharmacy & Health Professions, Zaheer has taken on leadership roles in the Industry Pharmacists Organization, the American Pharmacists Association, and the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA), gaining insight into patient care, advocacy, and business strategy. Additionally, Zaheer completed the Certificate in Leadership & Entrepreneurship as part of her pharmacy studies at NDMU, to build the business and leadership skillset that complemented the clinical training.
Her involvement with the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has been pivotal. Attending the NCPA Annual Convention introduced her to innovative business models and independent pharmacy leaders. In June 2025, as one of only 40 students nationwide selected for the NCPA Foundation–University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Pharmacy Ownership and Leadership Academy (POLA), she learned firsthand about financing, business planning, and operational management.
“These opportunities didn’t just inform me—they empowered me with the tools, clarity, and confidence to pursue pharmacy ownership with purpose and direction,” Zaheer said.
In addition to her family, Zaheer credits a close mentor—an independent pharmacy owner—for shaping her drive and understanding of business ownership. Under his guidance, she gained lessons that extend far beyond the classroom, learning how to manage inventory, finances, staffing, and, most importantly, how to build a business rooted in genuine care for the community. Zaheer says the greatest lesson he taught her was simple but profound: “Do what makes you happy. Love and accept people as they are. And no matter how busy business gets, never compromise on how you treat people.”
In her article, “Why Ownership Is Not Intimidating—It’s Empowering,” published in the October 2025 issue of NCPA’s America’s Pharmacist, Zaheer challenges the common misconception that pharmacy ownership is something to fear or postpone. Many believe ownership must come only after years of experience, financial security, or advanced business degrees—and that it often requires sacrificing family life. Zaheer argues otherwise. She believes that qualities such as resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are what truly define successful owners, those who balance vision with practicality and remain humble enough to keep learning.
Zaheer explained that the opportunity to write the article arose through the NCPA Association Management & Leadership rotation, which she joined because of her leadership experience and involvement with the organization. Writing has always been something she genuinely enjoys, and after meeting with NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey—a pharmacist whose own career began through writing—she was inspired to share her own story. She proposed telling the journey of how her interest in independent pharmacy developed from her first days in pharmacy school to where she is now. The NCPA team recognized that her perspective offered something unique and relatable for student pharmacists, early-career professionals, and current pharmacy owners alike. “It was both a reflective and rewarding experience,” Zaheer said. “I’m grateful I had the chance to share something personal that I hope encourages others to embrace their own development and voice within pharmacy.”
Zaheer hopes to encourage other student pharmacists to see ownership not as a distant goal but as an achievable, empowering path.
“Ownership isn’t about being fearless—it’s about acting despite fear, with mentorship and preparation,” she said. “For me, it’s not just a career goal; it’s the next step in a journey grounded in service and ambition. And I’m not taking that step alone—I’m moving forward with a growing community of student pharmacists, mentors, and independent owners who believe we don’t have to wait to make a difference.”
Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best "Regional Universities North" by U.S. News & World Report.
