Hispanic Heritage Month: Julissa Gomez '20

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, our Latinas Lead Club and Alumnae Office have partnered to create a Q&A series celebrating our trailblazing Hispanic alumnae!

Julissa Gomez graduated from Mother McAuley in 2020, and went on to receive an Associates of Science Degree from Richard J. Daley College in 2022. Julissa is currently working towards earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 2026.  Upon graduation, she hopes to secure a position as a retail pharmacist where she can serve the underrepresented patient populations. Julissa's goal is to advocate for the well-being of minorities and address community needs with a focus on language inclusivity.

How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
Hispanic Heritage Month has gradually gained more attention over the years, which is wonderful. I love participating in events like watching the parades on 26th Street, wearing traditional embroidered blouses, and attending festivals that celebrate Hispanic culture. Growing up with my grandparents who immigrated from Mexico, my culture is deeply woven into my daily life. While I don't attend a parade or festival every day, I honor my Hispnic heritage daily by speaking Spanish, supporting our fútbol teams, enjoying traditional dishes, listening to various genres of Spanish music, and, most importantly, sharing my traditions and the beauty of my culture with my peers. 

What inspired you to choose this career path?
I have always known that I wanted to pursue a career in the health profession, but I was certain that I did not want to have any physical contact with patients. While exploring various career options in healthcare, I discovered pharmacy. As I researched further, I gained a deeper understanding of the significant impact pharmacists have in our healthcare system, particularly as the drug experts who detect medication errors made by doctors and nurses. What truly solidified my decision was discovering the demographics of the profession. Despite Hispanics being the largest minority group in the US, only 4.5% of pharmacists are from this community. This disparity means that many Spanish-speaking patients may struggle to receive proper counseling, leading to poor medication adherence due to language barriers. I chose pharmacy because I want to advocate for my community. My goal is to ensure that every Spanish-speaking patient has the opportunity to communicate in their native language, receive comprehensive counseling, ask all their questions, and leave the pharmacy feeling informed and empowered about their medications. 

How do you share your culture with others who may not know a lot about it?
I love sharing my culture through food, music, and celebrations. Coming from a large family, everyone is always welcome and treated equally. I believe that educating others about the history of important holidays like Día de los Muertos and Las Posadas can help illuminate the beauty of our culture. Every opportunity I have to share my traditions with those who are open to learning fosters inclusivity and celebrates diversity. 

How have you incorporated your Latina pride into your life after high school? 
Being Latina is a source of pride for me, though it wasn't always easy. I initially struggled to find a balance where I felt "Latina enough." Looking back, I realize that the real challenge was embracing my culture and recognizing the strength of the incredible Latinas who came before me. I incorporate my heritage into my daily life in many ways - whether it's translating for someone who approaches me because they see familiarity in my features, listening to my grandparents' stories about their lives before immigrating to the U.S., supporting Latina-owned businesses, celebrating traditional holidays, or participating in clubs like the National Hispanic Pharmacy Association (NHPA), which works to educate others and advocate for the Hispanic community. Being Latina not only enriches my life but also inspires me to foster connections, upift my community, and celebrate the beauty of our diverse culture.