Caterina Pica ’25, PharmD ’27, is a pharmacy major from Staten Island. She is the president of the Eta chapter of Lambda Kappa Sigma, an organization dedicated to “empowering women in pharmacy.” Lambda Kappa Sigma, which disbanded on the University City campus in 2006, was refounded by Pica in 2024. 

Why did you want to become the president of LKS?

I really wanted to be president because I like to be the leader, be the person that people turn to if they need help or if they’re worried about something. I like to be that person that is there to help always.

What has being president taught you about your leadership style?

I’m a very type B person, except when it comes to LKS. I’m very type A. I’m like, ‘This is my checklist. I need you to do this, and I need you to do this.’ So, I’m very organized when it comes to delegating tasks, which is very strange because the rest of my life, even for school, I’m so all over the place.

Who inspires you as a leader?

Dean [Laura] Waite. … She’s just such a kind soul, and she’s literally there for anyone, like whoever needs her ever. And she has so much [Philadelphia College of Pharmacy] pride, which is so nice, and she just really brings the group together.

Who is your favorite U.S. president?

Honest Abe. 

What do you most value in your friends?

Honesty and loyalty. 

What is your most treasured possession?

A Coach bag that I bought from the outlet. It’s so cute.

What is something about you that might surprise other people?

I really like baseball. I live in New York, but I’m not a Yankees fan. I’m a Mets fan, unfortunately. I may get in trouble because we go to school in Philly, but I am a fan.

What do you think is your best trait?

Empathy.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Gymnastics or figure skating because that stuff is cool. I wish I could do that, but I cannot. I have no coordination. 

What is your biggest worry right now?

School … You have to use your time very wisely.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

My favorite hobby is to shop, which is horrible for my wallet, but I love it. I feel the serotonin I get from clicking that pay button. It’s just so good.

What is one word you hope people on campus would use to describe you?

Caring.

What’s on your bucket list to do in Philly?

My dad keeps telling me I need to go to this place, Angelo’s. It’s a pizza/cheesesteak place, and my dad is like, ‘Cat, you have to go to Angelo’s.’

What’s the best advice someone’s ever given you?

Never settle.