Anna Pagano

I attribute much of my success to a steady foundation of support, motivation, and a natural curiosity that keeps me learning and growing. I’m incredibly grateful for my strong circle of family and friends, especially my husband, Jason Sr., and my son, Jason Jr., who inspire me every day to keep striving to be the best version of myself. Along the way, I’ve also had the privilege of learning from many leaders who have each played a role in shaping my growth and perspective. I’ve learned to say yes to opportunities when they come, trusting that every experience adds value—even if I don’t realize it right away. That mindset, combined with the encouragement around me, has made all the difference in my journey.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never turn down an opportunity to learn something new. Throughout my journey, I’ve been given chances to explore areas that didn’t seem directly related to my field at the time, and time and time again, that knowledge has come back in meaningful ways. It taught me that keeping an open mind—and an open heart—can take you further than you expect.

I've been taught that in healthcare, we often meet patients on some of the hardest days of their lives—they may be scared, overwhelmed, or uncertain. Leading with empathy and compassion in those moments not only helps them feel seen and supported but also allows you to truly make a lasting impact on someone’s life. Remember to make an impact!

My advice to any young woman entering the pharmaceutical industry is simple: remember, you’ve got this. Being a woman in this field can be taxing, especially when balancing work, life, and often motherhood—it’s a tall order, and it won’t always feel easy. There will be moments where it feels like you can’t do it all, and as someone who finished school later in life, I understand the late nights after the kids are asleep and the pressure of meeting expectations at work. But through it all, remind yourself that there is a finish line—don’t lose sight of it. Surround yourself with the right people, lean on the resources available to you, and trust that with time, persistence, and support, everything will fall into place

One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in home infusion right now is its rapid growth, with the field projected to nearly double in the coming years. More patients are choosing to heal at home, where we know they often recover better both physically and emotionally, while also avoiding the financial and personal strain of long hospital stays. In states like Florida, where the population continues to age, the demand is only increasing. The real challenge isn’t a lack of need—it’s a shortage of staff. Fewer students are pursuing pharmacy careers, and the demand for skilled pharmacy technicians continues to rise faster than salaries. These hurdles push us to think creatively about recruitment, retention, and support for our teams, while also reminding us of the meaningful impact we have in bringing care directly into patients’ homes.

The values that matter most to me are the ones that shape not only who I am, but how I show up for others every day. I truly believe that our values guide how we see the world and how we treat the people in it, which is why leading with compassion and empathy is so important to me—both in my work and in my personal life. Those qualities allow you to make a meaningful mark, not just professionally, but in the lives of the people around you. Integrity is another cornerstone, especially in my field, where trust and accountability are everything. And above all, I value a strong sense of community—whether it’s in the workplace or at home—because feeling supported and connected is essential to succeeding in any field, not just pharmaceuticals.