It is not often that you hear of siblings who are employed in identical careers; however, Colleton County can proudly boast that twin sisters, Dr. Chenise Pinckney Nu and Dr. Denise Pinckney Rhodes, have been blazing trails as pharmacists for other African-American women! Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Chenise and Denise are the lovely, spirited, erudite daughters of Samuel and Eartha Pinckney, they grew up in Neyles, South Carolina, and have been “joined at the hip” from the very beginning, even to now.
The twins are 1994 graduates of Walterboro High School, formerly located in Colleton County. They both graduated from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1998, each having received a Bachelor of Science degree. Chenise majored in Biology, and Denise majored in Chemistry. After this accomplishment in higher education, there was no stopping for these determined goal-setting sisters! They both enrolled in the School of Pharmacy at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, going right back where it all started for them. Both of them earned their Doctorate of Pharmacy degrees, Chenise in 2003 and Denise in 2004. What an outstanding achievement! Just when some may have thought they were finished with advanced schooling, they achieved yet another degree in 2015, a Master’s in Business Administration at South University in Savannah, Georgia. One can only imagine the pride beaming from their parents at those graduations!
I asked Chenise and Denise some specific questions concerning their journeys through pharmacy school and as pharmacists. I also inquired about their experiences in this field of medicine as women of color. This is what they each said to me in summary: Chenise: My twin sister, Dr. Denise A Rhodes, called me one day and said we should apply to Temple University School of Pharmacy in Philadelphia, PA. I thought that I could really make a huge impact in the lives of the community. The school was extremely supportive in my journey. Pharmacy school was an amazing experience, simply because I got to do it alongside my twin sister. My first few months as a pharmacist was an adjustment because I was judged by race, gender and age, but that was short-lived because I was great at my job. Twenty-one years later, and I am still doing what I love! I am currently employed as a Transitions of Care and Clinical Decision Unit pharmacist at Prisma Health-Midlands in Columbia, South Carolina. Denise: I have been a pharmacist for over 20 years until I was medically retired in 2019. Pharmacy school was challenging, but the school supported my entire journey to become the best. Throughout my career, I have achieved a few “firsts”: First African-American Pharmacy Manager in Beaufort County (2007) and in Hampton County (2011). These firsts came with much adversity and resistance, but I was great at the job and an excellent leader. Therefore, my work spoke for me! My career blended clinical expertise with a strong foundation in business, allowing me to approach healthcare solutions with a holistic and strategic mindset. Currently, I run my pharmacy consulting business as a nonprofit, so my services are free. Both of these twin sisters are members of Lambda Kappa Sigma Pharmacy Organization, which stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of women in pharmacy. One of the projects that this organization supports is Project HOPE. “For over 60 years, Project HOPE has championed global health, focusing on improving the lives of women and children through sustainable healthcare, training, and disease prevention” (LKS). They are also members of the
American Pharmacists Association. This organization inspires, innovates, and creates opportunities for members and pharmacists worldwide to optimize medication use and health for all (APHA). Further, Chenise and Denise are proud, actively involved members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Xi Omega Omega Chapter, where “Service and Sisterhood have been its cornerstone since 1908” (AKA). Not only are Chenise and Denise dedicated to their careers, but they are also dedicated to their families. Chenise is married to Heb Nu and is the mother of a daughter, Aryn Nu and a son, Samir Nu. They reside in Columbia, South Carolina. Denise is married to Matthew Rhodes and is the mother of a son, Dallas, and a daughter, Derriana. They are residents of Round O, SC. Dr. Nu and Dr. Rhodes, you have set impeccable examples by blazing trails for women of color and others to follow in your footsteps in pursuit of a career in pharmacy. Colleton County is proud of your many impressionable accomplishments, so continue aspiring to be the best!
