USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy is the result of two dedicated leaders. In 2005, President Judy Genshaft and Mrs. Carol Morsani had the vision to create a program focused on fundraising and education for the purpose of enhancing the educational and career choices available for women students, faculty, and staff at the University of South Florida. The program's official launch was in May 2005, when community leaders from the Tampa Bay area gathered for a luncheon and leadership panel featuring some of Tampa Bay's brightest women. Included on this panel were Susan Martinez, AJ Jemison, Rhea Law, Sue Zelenko, and Judith Lisi. Since its inception, WLP has secured 31 Founding and/or Lifetime Members, which comes with a financial commitment of at least $10,000 and upwards of $100,000. Annual memberships are at its highest in program history and now include an Introductory Membership Level for women 35 and younger.  In 2007, President Genshaft asked USF alumna and philanthropist, Linda Simmons, to serve as the Chairperson of WLP. Carol Morsani currently serves as the Honorary Chair.

Vision
Women will be recognized as leaders, role models and philanthropists and will impact the university community, the state and the nation through their leadership and philanthropy.

Mission

• To empower USF women students and faculty to become leaders and philanthropists who will impact the University of South Florida and their communities through leadership and generosity.
• To encourage and support education, research and service focused on issues affecting women in our communities, state and world.

Goals

• To educate USF women about leadership & philanthropy through workshops, conferences, and forums.
• To empower and cultivate USF women as volunteers and philanthropic leaders within their communities and the university.
• To assist USF women in realizing their leadership potential and identifying their personal leadership style and role in philanthropy at any level for any cause.
• To recognize women as philanthropic leaders and role models through honors and awards programs.
• To create an endowed scholarship fund and endowed program fund to effectively invest in University of South Florida educational programs that will make a difference in the lives of students and women.

Judy Genshaft, USF President and founding member
Judy Genshaft, PhD, was appointed President of the University of South Florida in July 2000. Prior to coming to USF, President Genshaft shaped similar programs at State University of New York at Albany, Ohio State University. Her commitment to women's issues and education is evident in her personal role as a WLP Founding Member.

Carol Morsani, Honorary Chair and founding member
Carol Morsani is one of Tampa Bay's most beloved and well-known philanthropists and community leaders. Morsani and her husband, Frank, have made significant philanthropic contributions to USF, including a pledge to establish the Carol and Frank Morsani Surgery Center. Morsani hopes to increase the number of Bay-area businesswomen and community leaders involved in WLP. In addition to offering scholarships for USF students and grants for women faculty, Morsani hopes to create opportunities to enhance members' knowledge of philanthropy.

Linda Simmons, Chair and founding member
Linda O. Simmons, who serves as president and chief executive officer of R. R. Simmons Construction Corporation, is looking forward to an active and fulfilling tenure as the chair of WLP. Her primary goals for the program are to increase membership and grow the endowment.

To learn more about USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy and their inspiring work and accomplishments, visit their website.