Valeria Zubiate

I am honored to receive an Incentive Grant to continue serving patients who face barriers in managing their diabetes. This project is guided by a belief that we are each called to serve others through our gifts and knowledge. By combining education, empathy, and innovation, I hope to help patients take ownership of their health and build a stronger, healthier community.

My motivation stems from the privilege of serving a community I proudly call home. The struggles my patients face often mirror those of my own family, and I understand their daily challenges in managing their health because I experience many of the same ones myself. I have witnessed the difference that one-on-one education can make in improving a patient’s confidence and health outcomes, and through this project, I hope to expand that impact by reaching more patients at once. This project allows me to give back to the community that shaped me by helping patients identify their personal barriers and together, learn how to take control of their health.

I believe that knowledge is power and sharing that knowledge in a group setting lets patients learn not only from me, but from each other. What excites me most is seeing patients realize that they already have the tools to take control of their health. I also anticipate that many of the patients have never worked with a pharmacist before, so I’m also excited to show them the kind of care, knowledge, and support our profession can offer.