Erika Griffith, M.B.A.

I attribute my success to resilience, continuous learning, and the support of the mentors who have guided me throughout my career journey in healthcare. I began my career in infusion pharmacy sales more than 20 years ago after exploring the possibility of becoming a pharmacist, and I have continued to grow by embracing new opportunities and challenges. One of my proudest professional achievements was completing my bachelor’s degree during the COVID-19 pandemic while working full-time and raising four children, demonstrating my commitment to personal and professional growth. I am also grateful for the mentorship of individuals like Raveena Lyons, who helped me build a strong foundation in marketing and sales, and Casey Ely, whose leadership and example inspired me to support and encourage others. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and using my journey to empower others to achieve their goals.

I would advise young women entering the healthcare industry to embrace the hard work, commitment, and sacrifices that come with building a successful career. Early in your journey, there may be long nights, weekends, and personal sacrifices, but those experiences help build resilience, confidence, and expertise. While there may be moments when you miss important events, the dedication and effort you invest will create opportunities for growth and balance in the future. Most importantly, find joy in connecting with people, continue learning, and recognize the impact you can make by educating and supporting others. A career in healthcare is challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding for those who are passionate about making a difference.

One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field has been finding balance while managing the many responsibilities of my professional and personal life. As a working mother with a strong drive and a Type A personality, balancing career demands, family commitments, and personal growth has become my norm. Navigating these responsibilities has required resilience, organization, and the ability to adapt, especially while supporting my family through challenges such as dementia. I also see tremendous opportunity in continuing education and professional development, as my own experience returning to college in my 40s reinforced that it is never too late for women to pursue their goals, expand their knowledge, and continue growing both personally and professionally.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are perseverance, compassion, continuous growth, and service to others. My decision to return to school and earn my bachelor’s degree, followed by pursuing my master’s degree, was driven by my commitment to personal development and my belief that it is never too late to achieve your goals. Being recognized through membership in national and international honor societies reinforced the importance of dedication and lifelong learning. I am also deeply committed to giving back to my community through my involvement with organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association, inspired by my father’s experience, and through my support of local hospice organizations, especially after witnessing their incredible impact during COVID. These experiences have strengthened my belief in the importance of empathy, advocacy, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.