Welcome to our Women of Power series. We believe that empowered women empower women so here at Belong Lifestyle we are so excited to introduce you to some local women who are innovators, leaders and all around incredible humans changing the world.
We can’t wait to introduce you to the phenomenal Christine Hrudka.
First of all, a huge congratulations to Christine as she was just announced as the 2021 recipient of WESK’s 4th annual Celebration of Achievement Award! Check out her video here.
Christine is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan. She currently is an owner of Pharmacy First on 8th and Pharmacy First at Lifebridge. Previous to this, Christine was a Shoppers Drug Mart franchise owner for 16 years in both Regina and Saskatoon. Christine served and chaired the Pharmacy Economics Committee for 5 years. She served on the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Council for 3 years and was President in 2010. Christine serves on the PAS Board currently and chaired for 2 years. Christine is the appointed PAS representative on the Canadian Pharmacists Association board. She has volunteered for many community boards such as SREDA, YWCA, United Way and WESK. Christine lives in Saskatoon with her husband Gordon Wyant.
In her words:
“I have spent the majority of my career in the pharmaceutical industry in Canada. My ownership of both chain and independent pharmacies has provided me an extensive understanding, not only of pharmacy operations, but of retail as well. Not limiting my entrepreneurial endeavours to pharmacy ownership, my other achievements include software development and the roll out of new to market pharmaceutical products. As a front line user of pharmacy technology, I’ve been fortunate to play a role in the expansion of prescriptive authority for Saskatchewan pharmacists and continue to advocate for the further expansion across the country. Never before has health care been more important in our country as we navigate this new Covid world.”
“My roles as past Chair of the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan (PAS) and Vice Chair of the Canadian Pharmacy Association (CPHA), and other Board positions, have allowed me to acquire a variety of leadership experience In 2018 I assumed the position as Chair of the CPHA, coupled with an appointment as the North American rep on the World Pharmacy Council. This has given me the privilege to be part of leadership of pharmacy not only in Canada but in the world. I’ve lead our association on topics as drug shortages, opioid crisis, Health Infoway, Covid 19 response and the one closest to my heart -Women in Pharmacy Leadership.”
“As a pharmacy owner and a female leader my goals have been consistent since the first door I opened. Creating better patient care by using our health care resources in better ways and having women’s voices heard at tables of influence. I am hoping my path is an inspiration for other women in pharmacy and in the health care sector. My board and governance experience will help to get the female voice heard. Currently I sit as a director on Pharmapod – an Irish software company. Also Smart Employee Benefits as a director and member of Governance and Compensation. I also am thrilled to chair the board of Aither Ingredient Corporation. Lastly I am honoured to sit on the University of Saskatchewan Senate. “
“My speaking engagements have been extensive. I spoke in Dubai on the Opiod Crisis as well as Pharmacy services. I spoke in Australia on Electronic Health Records and Women in Leadership. I was invited to speak in Portugal about Minor Ailment Prescribing. I am so proud to be a Canadian Pharmacist and a Pharmacy business owner. Seeing more female voices heard as we tackle Covid 19 is impt so happy to sit on Minister Anand Covid committee hristine is a pharmacist entrepreneur and leader in her profession. Christine is an owner of two independent pharmacies in Saskatoon and past chair of the Canadian Pharmacist Association.”
“Growing up I knew I wanted to be in health care but I also had this urge to own something. Pharmacy was the perfect mixture for me.
We absolutely love Christine’s advice to her younger self:
“The biggest challenge that faces my business a long with most is the constant change that is occurring at such rapid rates. Keeping up with knowledge and new processes is such a challenge.”
The most powerful lesson I’ve learned is “You can’t be what you can’t see”.
“We need to have women in leadership roles so our voices are heard at the tables where decisions are being made at. I am going to continue to mentor and be a voice for women in my profession and all leadership roles in our world. We need women in leadership so our daughters know they belong there also.”
My clothing mantra is always have something that is a surprise. Shoes that make a statement are my fav addition to any wardrobe piece but clunky jewellery or a bold scarf also work. Make a statement that people will remember you by.
Ready for more inspiration? Follow Christine on Facebook right here.
Please note that all photography included in this post is the artwork of Lovely Roots Photography.
