Oct. 9, 2025
by Molly Urnek

When Anila Jain, MD, ’81, was asked to speak at the 2025 USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy Fall Symposium, she easily obliged. A founding member of WLP and proud USF supporter, she prepared a speech about the roots of the organization, one she helped establish and grow with her late mother, Mona Jain, MD, PhD ’84.  

Little did she know, she’d be the star of a showstopping moment. 

In front of a sold-out crowd of nearly 1,000 people gathered for the annual symposium, WLP surprised Dr. Jain with the WLP Green and Gold Award. In celebration of WLP’s 20th anniversary, this one-time award recognized Jain’s leadership, steadfast dedication to USF and her belief in the mission of the organization. 

To the soundtrack of a standing ovation, Jain took to the podium — sans scripted remarks — to speak from the heart on a day that was also her late mother’s birthday. Reflecting on her and her family’s 40-year history with USF, she expressed immense gratitude for the people who have been part of her journey and fueled her passion for USF and WLP.  

“The greatest advice I ever received was from Frank Morsani, who said, ‘Don’t ever forget your university,’” Jain said. 

Her words echoed the spirit of WLP, which is celebrating two decades of empowering its members with a singular mission: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students across USF and the Tampa Bay community.  

Since 2005, WLP members have contributed nearly $5 million and countless hours of mentorship, helping numerous USF students and faculty achieve their goals and become the leaders of tomorrow. In the 2024-25 academic year alone, WLP awarded 221 scholarships, including 104 to first-generation college students. 

Rihana Aydin, a first-generation student and WLP Endowed Scholarship recipient, has experienced the transformative power of WLP. From easing the financial burden of graduate school to opening doors for mentorship and professional growth, WLP helped Aydin find her place at USF and pursue a PhD in public health epidemiology. 

“WLP’s encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams and the resources to make them a reality,” Aydin said. 

During the symposium, presented by Florida Blue for the 12th consecutive year, with support from premier sponsor Northern Trust, WLP recognized two women who have dedicated their lives to improving communities in Florida for current and future generations. 

2025 WLP Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Adelaide “Alex” Sink broke barriers as the second Democratic woman elected to statewide office in Florida, serving as the state’s chief financial officer and overseeing $74 billion in annual tax revenue. Beyond public service, she has empowered hundreds of women in politics through Ruth’s List Florida and continues to shape her community through leadership roles in education, philanthropy and civic engagement. 

“Don't let a day go by without expressing gratitude to an important person in your life,” Sink said. 

As president and CEO of The Spring of Tampa Bay since 2012, 2025 WLP Community Leadership Award recipient Mindy Murphy has led transformative efforts to protect and empower survivors of domestic violence across Hillsborough County and the state of Florida. Through advocacy, statewide legal oversight and deep community engagement, she has shaped policies, strengthened support systems and championed the well-being of women and children. 

“If you haven’t found friends who love and respect you, and will be there for you when you stumble, today is the day you can start building your crew,” Murphy said. 

After the presentation of awards, Academy-Award-winning actor Geena Davis took the stage for a Q&A session with WFLA news anchor Jennifer Leigh, ’02. Davis has made a lasting mark in Hollywood through her iconic, award-winning roles, and as an advocate for gender parity in film and television. As founder and chair of the Geena Davis Institute, which is also marking its 20th anniversary this year, she has worked tirelessly to improve representation and reduce stereotyping in media. 

In a room that filled faster than you can say “Beetlejuice,” Davis discussed how she went from recognizing a lack of female representation in her children’s TV shows to funding research that she would use to make a real difference in the industry.  

“The way we can fight for every sector of society is through showing it on screen,” Davis said. “If they can see it, they can be it.” 

Symposium attendees also engaged in a series of empowerment panel sessions. Topics ranged from representation in the arts and women’s health to financial well-being and the power of philanthropy, reflecting the depth and diversity of women’s leadership across Tampa Bay. 

“Philanthropy is about showing up, giving from the heart and creating a ripple effect that transforms,” said Colleen Chappell,’88, founder and chair of Chappell Roberts, during the Leading Ladies: Philanthropy in Motion panel.  

Guided by Executive Director Lauren Gstalder, the WLP team poured their hearts into creating an event that was as powerful as it was unforgettable. 

“The Fall Symposium is one of our most meaningful events, one where we can create a space where everyone feels seen, celebrated and empowered,” Gstalder said. “The energy in the room reminds us why WLP exists and how powerful our collective impact can be.” 

Together, Gstalder and her team orchestrated a day that honored the past, celebrated the present and inspired the future. For them and many WLP members, the milestone is a springboard. 

“USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy is all about elevating and celebrating our leaders of today and tomorrow, helping to change the world for the better,” wrote Anila Jain in her original script. “The best chapters are still ahead.” 

For more information about Women in Leadership & Philanthropy, go to usf.to/wlp.