By ALISHA CALL, USD 470 – For Stephanie (Cabrera) Madrigal, the path to becoming a pharmacist started long before she ever wore a white coat. It began with a part-time job at the local Walgreens in Arkansas City—translating for customers, connecting with her community, and realizing she had a heart for helping others.
“Being bilingual, I started assisting patients in the pharmacy area, just explaining their prescriptions,” she said. “That experience sparked something. I saw how much of a difference it made for people to feel heard and understood.”
Stephanie graduated from Arkansas City High School in 2015, where she was involved in a wide range of activities, including soccer, tennis, band, flags, and KAY Club. She was instrumental in advocating for the creation of a girls’ soccer team at ACHS—an effort that paid off during her sophomore year. Her senior night brought things full circle when the team scored its first goal and won its first game.
Though the team didn’t always walk away with wins, the experience meant everything.
“Sports were such a big part of my high school life,” she said. “Even when our record wasn’t the best, we were building something together and had that close-knit family feel.”
Stephanie also made her mark on the tennis court, qualifying for the state tournament as a senior, and she held leadership roles that helped shape her confidence early on.
“I was introduced to leadership in high school, and that’s carried through every stage of my life,” she said. “From job interviews to managing a team—it all started at ACHS.”
After high school, Stephanie earned an associate degree in applied science from Cowley College before attending the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy on the Wichita campus. She graduated in 2021 with her doctorate in pharmacy and has been working for Walgreens ever since.
Today, she serves as pharmacy manager for the specialty division of Walgreens. Her job involves overseeing compliance, training, inventory, and counseling patients, many of whom face chronic or complex health conditions.
“Specialty pharmacy allows us to work with people who are often navigating tough diagnoses,” Stephanie said. “We help make their treatments more accessible and walk with them through what can be a very overwhelming time. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
The role came with a learning curve. Transitioning from a retail setting to a specialized one required not only new technical knowledge but also the ability to lead confidently.
“You’re expected to be the expert, and the turnaround is fast,” she said. “But learning how to manage those high-stakes conversations has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling parts of my career.”
Stephanie’s approach to her work is deeply rooted in her upbringing. As the oldest of four siblings and the daughter of parents who immigrated to the U.S. as young adults, she has always understood the value of hard work and opportunity.
“Growing up, I knew my parents made a lot of sacrifices so we could have better options,” she said. “That perspective helped me stay focused, especially in school. I wanted to make the most of every chance I had.” Continue story below ad.
Stephanie is now a mom herself, welcoming her daughter in 2023. Her family motivates her to keep growing both personally and professionally.
“I want to show her what’s possible,” she said. “Every generation is building on the last.”
Outside of work, Stephanie stays active by teaching group fitness classes at the YMCA and playing in a women’s soccer league. She’s also exploring new creative outlets, dreams of expanding her impact in ways that give her energy and balance.
Though she now lives in Wichita, Stephanie still feels deeply connected to Ark City. She visits often, cheers on her younger siblings at their games, and continues to appreciate the warmth and sense of community that shaped her early years.
“Ark City still has that small-town vibe,” she said. “That’s something I try to bring into my work every day—connection, kindness, and care.”
She also noted how fun it’s been to see so many classmates and friends from her small hometown go on to do such big things. Asked what she hopes students at ACHS today might take away from her journey, Stephanie doesn’t hesitate.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out right away,” she said. “But the more you explore, whether through a part-time job, a volunteer opportunity, or just asking questions, the more prepared you’ll be when the right path opens up. You never know what small moment could change everything.”
