Eight Meijer team members are among the 2022 Drugstore News’ Top Women in Health Wellness and Beauty. Congratulations to all the winners! We asked each one to highlight her values and passion for pharmacy by sharing the most rewarding aspect of her career.
Commitment to Care Winners
Meagan Bonkowski
PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Pharmacy Operations, Remote Office
Meagan is responsible for the regulatory compliance and training of our pharmacy team members associated with clinical service programs throughout Michigan. She oversees the development and implementation of clinical programs that help patients achieve optimal health. Meagan has collaborated closely with hospital systems, health departments and universities. Partnering with these groups throughout the pandemic forged relationships that have proven to be invaluable.
“One of the most rewarding experiences of my career was being part of a team that led the COVID-19 vaccination efforts in Michigan. Coming together in our time of need to protect the communities was truly fulfilling. I am incredibly grateful to be surrounded by a supportive team that made such a huge community impact,” Meagan said.
Crystal Isaacs
PharmD, RPh
Pharmacy Team Leader, Louisville, Ky., Meijer
Crystal works to increase healthcare access to marginalized communities. She founded and leads our Pharmacy Diversity and Inclusion Team and serves on our Meijer Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee. Crystal also serves as Co-Chair for the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. She is a practicing Pharmacist-In-Charge and Team Leader at our Louisville, Ky. store In 2021, as Market Clinical Coordinator, she led large-scale COVID-19 vaccination clinics across Indiana and Kentucky.
“My team and I reach many patients with significant barriers to receiving adequate healthcare. For many of the patients in our community, we may be the only healthcare provider they have regular access to. I expect that we are intentionally inclusive and meet our patients where they are in terms of health literacy, language, ability, disability, socioeconomic status, etc., in hopes of eliminating any further barriers. Leading a team that makes a true impact in increasing healthcare accessibility is the most rewarding aspect of my career,” Crystal said.
Rachel Phillips
MBA, PharmD
Third Party Commercial Programs Manager, Pharmacy Managed Care, Walker, Mich.
Rachel has been a leader with us for 10 years, recently building and developing the Pharmacy Service Center team that supports retail operations across our six-state footprint. She believes in the importance of continuous personal and professional growth through mentoring, education and community service.
“I love that my pharmacy career path has been unique, especially during the last decade I’ve spent with Meijer. I’ve had opportunities to implement and lead new pharmacy initiatives that support our retail pharmacies and bring value to our customers. It’s very rewarding to see the progress that can be made over a few years when people come together to accomplish a shared goal,” Rachel said.
Rising Stars
Rebekah Frost
CPhT
Unit Director, Pharmacy Central Fill, Belleville, Mich.
Rebekah has focused on improving culture through monthly Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion events, as well as building a team and environment that can better serve the patients in our community. She focused her DE&I efforts on understanding each other’s cultures and identities and creating a safe space regarding mental health. Rebekah’s efforts supported service expansion to the Toledo market and a 10 percent increase in prescriptions.
“The most rewarding aspect of my career has been the opportunity to positively influence not only my team, but the local community. These influences include introducing mental health training to our leaders, resources to our team members, supporting local food banks and animal shelters, and now regularly supporting over a dozen small area businesses we established relationships with during the beginning of the pandemic. My facility has been at the center of the COVID-19 vaccine and antiviral distribution for the State of Michigan, where we continue to support vaccination efforts two years after the vaccine was first introduced. This positive community influence continues to be my passion as I continue my career with Meijer,” Rebekah said.
Karen Langeland
Vice President of Merchandising, Hardlines, Walker, Mich.
Over the past 7 years, Karen has held various merchandising leadership roles, including Director of Merchandising – Beauty and Baby. She is most proud of the relationships built with her team, peers and suppliers since joining that team more than 18 months ago. She and the team spent 2022 developing a beauty roadmap focused on creating an elevated and inclusive customer experience. Customers who walk our beauty aisles should see themselves represented because beauty is for all!
“Building relationships that inspire and support others to be their authentic selves and realize their greatest potential, personally and professionally,” Karen said.
Brittany Myland
Pharm.D. BA
Area Business Manager - Meijer Specialty Pharmacy, Meijer Pfizer FSU PGY-1 Residency Program Director
Brittany brings her excitement for education, patient care and forward-thinking into her pharmacy career. She’s contributed to driving numerous regional educational initiatives and developing incoming talent. Brittany is a grounded, collaborative leader with a successful history of supporting and leading. She engages teams with an emphasis on collaboration and driving organizational goals while focusing on growing personally and professionally.
“I really value being able to progress, connect, create and grow with my patients, teammates, and students. I love helping my pharmacy patients find their way to a better and happier life in their therapy and health, as well as connecting, innovating and growing with my team and leaders in a field I am passionate about. I enjoy guiding and helping my students develop into unique and talented practitioners who can continue to lead the field of pharmacy forward with a fresh, new vision,” Brittany said.
Rosa Zamudio
Pharmacy Distribution Area Shift Manager, Walker, Mich.
Rosa is the Pharmacy Distribution Area Shift Manager for our only pharmacy warehouse. In 2021, her team assisted during COVID-19 by shipping more than 400,000 COVID-19 tests and more than 86,000 units of supplies to stores to test and vaccinate our communities. In 2022, she led her team to increase shipping volume by 8.2 percent compared to 2021.
“The most rewarding aspect of my career is knowing that the work my team and I are doing is important. Distributing pharmaceuticals is not only a matter of getting product out the door; it’s making sure, at the end of the day, our patients have the medication they need available to make their lives better,” Rosa said.