Meet Michelle Gonzalez

September 2024

Pharmacy Engagement Representative

Hometown ~ Orange, CA

My Core Values ~ Respect, integrity, and maintaining a positive mindset.

My Journey into Pharmacy ~ I grew up in the pharmacy industry. My mother was a purchaser at a large LTC pharmacy, and as I child I spent a lot of time tagging along to work with her. I loved the pharmacy and considered it a second home because throughout the years it employed a lot of my friends and family.

I started out working as a clerk at the pharmacy at the age of 16 and continued working there after graduating high school. I took on additional roles, including one as a driver making deliveries to LTC facilities. While studying psychology at California State University, I received my pharmacy technician license.

Over the past 17 years, I have worked in retail, specialty, hospice, and compounding pharmacies. Most of my experience was in pharmacy operations, clinical management, sales and patient care. I love and enjoy what I do because I love helping people.

Working at American Pharmacies ~ At APRx I am a part of the Pharmacy Engagement team. I call non-APRx independent pharmacists across the US to educate them on the APRx mission and the various ways we are working to protect and advance their profession. After building a relationship, I pass along a warm introduction to our National Accounts team. I focus on new business and work with the team to obtain meetings with prospects. I love my job!

I have had the best experience working at American Pharmacies. I love the family and team environment. We value our culture and our mission of helping independent pharmacies. We do our best to advance the profession and keep our industry alive.

All in the Family ~ My husband Eric and I have been together for 16 years and we are blessed with two beautiful children, Noah Leonidas and Zoey Athena.

Both of my mother's parents are from Iowa but relocated to California in 1963. My father's family is originally from Guerrero, Mexico. My paternal grandfather was given an opportunity in 1960 to work in King City, California as part of the Bracero program – a federally-sponsored program that brought Mexican workers to the United States from 1942 to 1964 to work in agriculture and railroads.

The program's purpose was to address labor shortages caused by WW II. After my grandfather passed, my grandmother traveled from Mexico to California in 1978 to start a new life.

(L) Michelle's maternal grandparents, Judith & James

(R) Michelle with her grandfather and bestie, James.

I am the oldest of three. My mother has two siblings and my father has eight. I speak Spanish and spent a lot of time in Mexico as a child learning about my father’s roots.

Michelle's father, Jesus "Jessie" and mother, Julie walk her down the aisle.

Michelle and her younger brother, Ray

Michelle and her mother with younger sister, Kaelyn

In My Spare Time ~ I enjoy going to the gym and staying active. I love going to Orangetheory and riding my peloton bike. I participate in multiple local half marathons,10Ks and 5Ks throughout the year.

On weekends, my family and I like to go hiking, to the beach or to Disneyland, and attend church. I grew up playing basketball, softball and golf, so I enjoy playing sports. Our family loves football and are Philadelphia Eagles fans.

When I’m not participating in physical activities, I’m usually reading books on philosophy. I love to travel around the world and enjoy learning about different cultures. We practice Judaism at my grandparent’s home.

The Future of Pharmacy ~ I want independent pharmacies to be valued for the level of care they provide patients. I want them to survive so that future pharmacy owners see first-hand how to effectively care for our communities.

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