Pharmacist Niki Patel, #1555, Harrisburg, North Carolina, organizes flu clinics and uses her expertise to serve the community.

In 2018, about a year after starting with Publix, Niki reached out to her husband’s employer to set up a flu shot clinic at their corporate offices — a service that was previously provided by a competitor. They liked the idea of working with the spouse of an employee, so Niki made sure to bring the Publix spirit — and some cookies — to the first clinic. Now they call her to set up every year.

“It’s nice to go there and represent Publix like that,” she said. “Everyone gets excited when we show up.”

She hopes more people will choose to receive their flu vaccines this year.

“I think the coronavirus made everyone realize how important it is to stay healthy and protect others,” Niki said. “We know getting vaccinated every year is important, so I think people will do more to make sure something as simple as a shot keeps them out of the hospital or others from getting sick.”

Niki also shares her expertise through her involvement with Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a Hindu organization focused on making the world better by caring for others. Niki regularly volunteers at BAPS health fairs, community clinics and walkathons.

Niki grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and worked for a competitor while attending pharmacy school. When she moved to the Charlotte area, she wasn’t able to transfer, so she applied to Publix. She quickly discovered our company shares her drive to serve and care for others.

“I started here and fell in love with it,” she said. “I really like how everyone at the company cares for each other, and I want to stay here for as long as I can.”