The right mentor can change the course of a career. Let us help you find yours - or help you become one.
The NCPA Foundation Mentorship Program connects anyone in independent pharmacy who wants guidance: students, aspiring owners, and current owners alike! Experienced pharmacy owners are willing to share what they’ve learned. It’s free, it’s open year-round, and there’s no application cycle to wait for. We accept mentor and mentee applications on a rolling basis.
Already part of Pathways or the Rural Pharmacy Ownership Accelerator? Those programs include their own mentorship — this program doesn’t replace them. It exists so that anyone who needs a mentor can find one, no special program enrollment required.
Mariam Tamayo (2026 Pharmacy Student)
I joined the mentor program with many questions.
The program gave me the structure to define my direction, focus my efforts, and outline the concrete steps needed to achieve my objectives.
Dr. Allie Jo played a fundamental role in this process. Her mentoring style stands out for balancing warmth and approachability with professionalism.
Michael Mustin, Program Coordinator, was key to making this experience possible. His work connecting me with my goal, his constant attention to my needs and projects, and his management in making this match happen made all the difference.
Thanks to the mentor program, I now move forward with greater strategic clarity and confidence in my decision-making.
Mariam Tamayo, 2026 Pharmacy Student (P3)
Why Mentorship Works
We don’t just believe in mentorship. We have evidence that backs it up. Landmark research from Harvard’s Opportunity Insights, published in Nature in 2022, found that connections across economic lines are among the strongest predictors of upward mobility ever identified — stronger than school quality, neighborhood income, or family structure. The relationships you build shape what becomes possible.
That’s what this program provides: not just advice, but a genuine connection to someone who has already walked the road you’re on.
Find A Mentor
Whether you’re a student pharmacist, an aspiring owner, or a current owner facing a new challenge, we’ll match you with an experienced owner suited to your goals.
As a mentee, you’ll commit to:
- Showing up — attend your meetings, complete any activities, and take initiative in your own learning
- Professionalism — respect your mentor’s time and communicate in the manner you’ve agreed on
- Confidentiality — keep sensitive information your mentor shares in confidence
Become A Mentor
If you own a pharmacy, you have knowledge someone is searching for right now. Mentoring is one of the most direct ways to strengthen the profession! And, most mentors say they get as much from the relationship as they give.
As a mentor, you’ll commit to:
- Time — a reasonable, regular commitment to meet with your mentee
- Knowledge sharing — honest guidance drawn from your own experience as an owner
- A supportive environment — respectful communication and confidentiality for anything sensitive your mentee shares
Get Started
Email Michael Mustin at Michael.mustin@ncpafoundation.org with your name, the best phone number to reach you, and a few words about what you’re hoping to get out of the program — whether that’s finding a mentor or becoming one. We’ll take it from there.
Program Terms & Conditions
Mentorship Program Terms & Conditions
The NCPA Foundation Mentorship Program (“Program”) is designed to connect students and pharmacy owners seeking guidance and support (“Mentees”) with experienced pharmacy owners willing to share their knowledge and expertise (“Mentors”). These terms and conditions (“Terms”) outline the expectations and responsibilities of all participants in the Program. The NCPA Foundation will use its best judgment to match Mentees with Mentors based on their stated interests, goals, and areas of expertise.
However, the NCPA Foundation cannot guarantee a perfect match. NCPA Foundation does not guarantee the success of any mentorship relationship. The program serves as a platform to connect Mentees and Mentors, and the ultimate responsibility for the success of the relationship lies with the participants themselves. Mentees and Mentors have the right to terminate the mentorship relationship at any time. If a Mentee or Mentor wishes to terminate the relationship, they should notify the NCPA Foundation as soon as possible. The NCPA Foundation will then work to connect the Mentee with a new Mentor, if applicable.
NCPA Foundation reserves the right to modify the terms & conditions of the program at any time. Any changes will be communicated to participants via email.
Mentees and Mentors agree to indemnify and hold harmless the NCPA Foundation, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any and all claims, losses, damages, or liabilities arising out of their participation in the Program.
Participation and Termination
The NCPA Foundation reserves the right to end any participant’s involvement in the program at any time, for any reason — including, but not limited to, unprofessional conduct, lack of availability, or lack of commitment.
Mentors and Mentees may also end their mentorship relationship at any time. If you wish to do so, please notify the NCPA Foundation as soon as possible; where applicable, we will work to connect the Mentee with a new Mentor.
