The NDSU Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS) student chapter was selected as one of the the national PLS Charles C. Thomas Leadership Challenge winners. Each year student chapters develop plans that focus on the development of current and future leaders. The 2025 challenge objective was to meet goal 3A.2 of the PLS strategic plan which states " to identify and cultivate partnerships with local, regional, and global stakeholders". Chapters were tasked with submitting a proposal that involved the "design, plan, implement and evaluate a longitudinal, sustainable initiative within your chapter to expand global mindset and identify non-US based global professional leaders in pharmacy and beyond who are not yet members of PLS. This will engage and facilitate partnerships among student and alumni members with non-PLS global leaders. Collaboration with international schools/colleges and professional pharmacy organizations, community partners are encouraged".

Under the mentorship of chapter president Allyson Waletski (P3), chapter vice president Olivia Paumen (P2) led the development of the award-winning proposal. The submitted proposal focused on two key goals. The first is the imporovement of healthcare accessibility through the organization and implementation of two blood pressure screening clinics. The events aim to promote early detection of hypertension while addressing critical healthcare access needs. The second goal centers on leadership development by equipping student pharmacists with the skills necessary to advance the profession of pharmacy by collaborating with an international school of pharmacy. 

With guidance from the chapter advisor Dr. Lisa Richter, Waletski, Paumen, and other committee members plan to implement the proposal over the next four years. The NDSU PLS chapter is excited to make this vision an reality and contribute to a lasting impact through PLS.