Emerging Leaders Member Spotlight: Erin Skahill

Tell us about yourself (job, home town, any other fun facts).I was born in Iowa, and have lived in Davenport, Dubuque, and Des Moines, Iowa before moving to Indianapolis last summer. I graduated from Drake University last summer with my PharmD and Master of Public Administration. I am a current post-doctoral Visiting Scientist Fellow at Eli Lilly and Company in Global Public Policy. The fellowship gives Pharm.D., M.D., and relevant Ph.D. or master’s degree graduates exposure to the various careers available in pharmaceutical industry. Despite being from Iowa, I am an avid Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves fan. I love playing whatever intramural sport I can get my hands on and was even on a recreational bocce ball team last fall! What are you passionate about?I am passionate about people and being an advocate for patients. Throughout my education in pharmacy school, I always sought how to connect with patients on a deeper level. This eventually lead me to healthcare policy where I’ve had the opportunity to impact legislation to improve patient access to the resources they need. When and how did you first become involved with United Way?I first became involved with United Way as a student at Drake through Student United Way, planning Alternative Spring Break. Lilly’s partnership with United Way was evident from my first day on the job and I was ecstatic to continue with United Way’s mission. Why do you support United Way’s mission?I support United Way’s mission because everyone deserves a community where they can thrive. Education, financial stability, health, and basic needs are things that everyone in our community should have access to and I believe we all play a part in making that goal a reality. When did you become involved with Emerging Leaders?I became involved with Emerging Leaders last summer shortly after moving to the area. What interested you most about Emerging Leaders?It was important to me to be involved in the community and the Emerging Leaders program gave me the opportunity to not only invest in the community, but do so with other like-minded early career professionals in the area. What is your favorite memory or event with Emerging Leaders?I had the opportunity to attend the Red Carpet Gala annual fundraiser this February with some other Emerging Leaders. It was a fun way to watch the Oscars, give back to the community, and enjoy a night out with friends! What does it mean to you to Live United?It means thinking outside of myself to bring positive change to the community. It means being a part of a group effort to improve to strengthen our home and giving all the opportunity to succeed.