At Palm Beach Atlantic University’s (PBA) Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, Kiara Williams found more than a path to earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree; she has fulfilled her calling to serve through medicine, found her voice in leadership, and embraced her purpose in Christ.
A mother of two and a first-generation college graduate, Kiara embodies the spirit of perseverance and faith that defines the PBA experience. Since enrolling at the Gregory School of Pharmacy in 2019, she has become a trusted class leader, a global servant, and an inspiration to future generations—including her children, who will soon proudly list “doctor” on forms describing their mother’s education.
Born and raised in Pompano Beach, Florida, Kiara grew up with her mother, stepfather and grandparents. She always dreamed of walking a new path through higher education to inspire her siblings, her children and others from her neighborhood to pursue their goals.
Her family’s faith journey began in middle school when they started attending church, and she joined the youth choir. That spark of belief soon became the compass for her life.
Finding her Calling through Missions
After earning her associate degree through a 2+2 scholarship and completing her bachelor’s at Florida Atlantic University, Kiara’s path to pharmacy took shape. But it was at PBA that her calling came into sharp focus. Encouraged by a faculty member to join a mission trip, Kiara traveled to the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Eswatini, providing critical vaccinations and care to underserved communities.
“When you’re on a mission trip, you see and hear so much. It becomes a place where I can use medicine as a platform to share the Gospel,” Kiara said.
She recalled treating a man who had suffered an acid attack to his face. Although he was initially angry with God, he accepted eye drops from the Christian medical team. An hour later, he returned and gave his life to Christ.
“My faith right now is sky-high. It’s continuing to rise. Being at a Christian school makes it easy to incorporate God into my profession,” she said.
She is working toward becoming a licensed international vaccination immunizer and is currently participating in a drug development study.
Patience, Grace and a Listening Ear
Balancing the demands of pharmacy school with raising her children, London and Xavier, Kiara continued to serve and lead. She joined Phi Lambda Sigma, a pharmacy leadership society, where she co-chaired a national subgroup advancing student leadership development.
Her journey wasn’t without hardship. She returned to class just days after giving birth to London, endured the loss of multiple family members during school, and navigated the pain of losing her biological father just as they were rebuilding their relationship. But through it all, she stayed grounded in prayer, Scripture, and community.
“I’ve learned patience. I’ve learned how to give grace,” she said. “Being at a Christian school makes it easy to incorporate God into my profession.”
She honors the people God placed in her life—her uncle Darvin, who taught her discipline; her mother and grandparents, who helped raise her children; and her brother Leon, who was inspired by her example to earn his degree.
“Thank you to my grandparents for the prayers they prayed. I didn’t hear or receive them growing up, but now it is being revealed.”
With graduation on the horizon, Kiara is preparing to take the next step in her career. She’s pursuing international certification as a vaccination immunizer and participating in a drug development study—all while modeling the servant leadership she hopes to see in others.
“No title defines me,” she said. “Being a servant leader is what makes me who I am.”
Still grounded in faith, family, and purpose, Kiara Williams isn’t just earning a degree—she’s changing the narrative for women, mothers, and students who dare to believe in something greater. “I am teary-eyed about how I’m almost there,” Kiara said.
To learn more about PBA’s Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy, click here.
