Dr. Natasha Edmondson was recently interviewed by TheCelebrity.Online Magazine and below is the Q&A session we had with her.

Dr. Natasha Edmondson As Cover Story – October 2023 Edition

How do you introduce yourself?

• Dr. Natasha L. Edmondson, PharmD, BCGP (she/her/hers)
• Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner (CPP)

DEIA advocate. Daughter and Friend… Sister? That last one remains a struggle because I am unsure if I should call myself a sister, as my sister is no longer physically here.

Childhood to Adulthood – How was your transition from childhood to adulthood, and what are the bad and good things you remember?

Childhood to adulthood had its ups and downs, as may be true for many people. I lived in a small, rural town. My family had limited resources; thus, I knew from an early age that I needed to study and work hard if I wanted more for myself and my family. I recall having birthday parties and a few enjoyable family trips. My mother was always around to remind us that we had each other, even if we did not have a lot of material things.

Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?

I have struggled with childhood sexual abuse, losing my father and only sibling (a younger sister from COVID-19) within two years of each other, racial trauma, and depression. These are hardships that I continue to struggle with, but with the help of prayer, therapy, my mother, and friends who genuinely care about me, I get through these hardships daily.

What do people usually not know about you?

I do not like crowds/parties and prefer to be alone most of the time. I get involved in activities and enjoy speaking at events, but I am happiest when I can do alone activities like reading, movies, etc.

What sets you apart from your competitors in the industry and life?

I have had family members tell me that I do not belong in a particular space, job, or school and that I should give up on my dreams. I have had so-called friends and co-workers treat me indifferently for being passionate about DEIA activities or ignore me for being an African American female. While this does not set me apart from my competitors necessarily (there are so many of us who have been treated the same way), what does is how I respond to this treatment. The negativity only makes me want to get more involved; it makes me want to work harder and do and be better. I choose to show them I am so much stronger than this treatment of me. I am a survivor.

What are your upcoming major events?

I have two upcoming presentations later this month:

• Appropriate use of Weight loss Medications as presented to Veterans Affairs Nurses
• DEIA Hiring Toolkit as presented at a Veterans Affairs Supervisors’ Training Meeting

In January 2024, I plan to facilitate another Unconscious Bias class.

What expert advice would you like to give?

Dream Big, then follow your dreams. Do not let past traumas or negative people deter you from being all you want or can be. Lastly, do not let yourself get in the way of making your dreams become a reality.

Your social media handles and website links?

• www.linkedin.com/in/dr-natasha-l-edmondson-0b9376144