Her Story
About Alison
Alison Lucherini is a registered pharmacist with 14 years of experience in community pharmacy, currently serving as a Registered Pharmacist at Costco Wholesale. She began her professional journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Utah in 1992 before transitioning into healthcare. After beginning her pharmacy prerequisites in 2002 while working full-time and raising her children, she went on to complete her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Shenandoah University, entering the full-time doctoral program in 2008. Her career reflects her commitment to lifelong learning, adaptability, and pursuing opportunities that align with her personal and professional goals.
In her role as a Registered Pharmacist at Costco Wholesale, Lucherini focuses on prescription verification, patient counseling, and providing guidance on over-the-counter products and supplements to support patients’ overall health and wellness. She is also dedicated to mentoring future pharmacists, serving as a Pharmacy Practice Preceptor for students from the University of Arizona and Midwestern University. Through hands-on learning and integrating students into her daily workflow, she provides practical insight into pharmacy practice while emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, professional development, and exploring the many career opportunities available within the field.
Before entering pharmacy, Lucherini spent 15 years in construction management, overseeing hotel projects throughout the West Coast with a focus on furniture, fixtures, equipment, and wellness facilities. She credits her success to the strong values instilled by her parents, including discipline, resilience, and the ability to embrace change. Her personal philosophy is guided by the golden rule, emphasizing empathy, compassion, authenticity, and treating others with respect. She encourages young women pursuing STEM careers to follow their passions, persevere through challenges, and demonstrate their capabilities through the quality of their work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alison
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strong foundation my parents provided through their high expectations, discipline, and emphasis on resilience. Growing up, we moved frequently, which taught me adaptability, independence, and the importance of embracing change rather than becoming too attached to circumstances. Those experiences shaped my mindset that if something is no longer serving you, you have the ability and responsibility to make a change, pursue new opportunities, and continue growing.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my pharmacy school advisor, who challenged me to think critically about pursuing an MBA. They asked whether I truly intended to use the degree or if I simply wanted the credentials after my name. That question encouraged me to reflect on my long-term goals and priorities, helping me realize that an MBA was not the right path for me at that time. I learned the importance of making career decisions based on purpose and personal values rather than external expectations, and I chose to prioritize a career path that aligned with my desire for meaningful work and a healthy work-life balance.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to follow their passion, embrace challenges, and have confidence in their abilities. I am proud to see more women pursuing demanding STEM fields, and I encourage them to persevere through obstacles and remain committed to their goals. Success is built through dedication, resilience, and consistently demonstrating your capabilities through the quality of your work rather than simply through words. Let your accomplishments speak for themselves and never underestimate the value you bring to the field.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities in pharmacy today are the many paths available for growth and specialization. The field continues to expand through advanced education programs, board certifications, specialized practice areas, and emerging opportunities involving technologies such as artificial intelligence. While the possibilities are extensive, the primary challenges are often the time and financial investments required to pursue additional training and professional development. With dedication and a commitment to lifelong learning, pharmacists have the ability to shape their careers in many meaningful and innovative ways.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are guided by the golden rule: treating others with the same respect and kindness I would want for myself. I believe in practicing what I preach, leading with authenticity, and avoiding hypocrisy by ensuring my actions align with my values. Empathy and compassion are central to how I interact with others, while also recognizing the importance of maintaining healthy professional boundaries. I approach each day as a new opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on those around me.
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