Women in Leadership and Philanthropy choose dynamic group of CAS students as this year’s scholars

March is Women’s History Month

Women in Leadership & Philanthropy (WLP) at USF has been dedicated to making a difference in the lives of women throughout USF and the community for more than two decades.

Formed in 2005 under the leadership of USF President Emerita and Professor Judy Genshaft, longtime USF supporter Carol Morsani, and leading Tampa Bay philanthropists, business professionals and entrepreneurs, WLP has promoted the education and research endeavors of students and faculty at USF through scholarships and research awards.

The 2023-2024 scholars represent a dynamic group of students from the USF College of Arts and Sciences.

Shelby-Lynn Pitre, majoring in biomedical sciences with a double minor in psychology and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies (WGSS), said she chose to add those particular minors to her major to gain a better understanding of her patients and provide more personalized care in the future.

“I believe my psychology and WGSS training will help me to connect with my patients and meet their unique needs,” she explained. “These skills will help me to become a better medical provider.”

She said being named a WLP Scholar and earning the Women in Leadership & Philanthropy Endowed Scholarship goes beyond just earning a scholarship.

“Being a WLP Scholar opens the door a wonderful organization that allows scholars to connect with successful women in the Tampa Bay Area. I have had so many amazing opportunities through this organization and have met many women who are guiding me on my path to success. The advice gained at networking events is priceless, the donors are amazing women. I am honored to receive the title of a WLP Scholar, and I cannot wait to make the women supporting me proud.

Pitre, who is also a member of Triota Women’s and Gender Studies Honor Society and Honors Peer Sex Ed., said she aims to be a pediatric physical therapist and assist children healing from injury.

“My advice would be to never give up. I’ve had many, many hard days in college. Specifically in Organic Chemistry II, I shed many tears and was questioning my path,” she said. “However, after many long nights of studying, I made it through. One bad test does not define you, try not to let it discourage you and keep going!”

Reaghan Ard, double majoring in environmental science and policy and animal biology, is the recipient of the Dorothy Beach Endowed Scholarship.

“I first became passionate about the environment after spending three summers working at an alligator sanctuary, and now, since coming to college, that has grown and developed,” Ard said.

She chose her major because she knows she wants to work outdoors in a “hands-on” environment.

“As the Earth is currently in the Anthropocene, it is imperative that we maintain and improve the state of the Earth so that we, as a species, can continue to flourish as inhabitants of Earth living in conjunction with every other organism,” she explained.

Ard is active in the USF Judy Genshaft Honors College through the JGHC Student Council and Grand Challenge, as well as an active member of 3-D Hab Lab, which is an organization working towards habitat restoration in urban areas through 3-D modeling and printing—this semester they are working on implementing bird houses at USF.

“To me, being a WLP Scholar is a way to continue the legacy and goals of the strong female leaders before me through generosity and positive impact on others,” she said. “My message to other students is to remember the women who have paved the way for us now, and honor them in everything you do!”

Jenna Epright, who is majoring in political science with a minor in film and new media studies, is a recipient of the Berkman Family Scholarship.

“This scholarship allows me to continue my studies at USF and in the Judy Genshaft Honors College, letting me put my attention towards involvement on campus,” Epright said. “To be a WLP scholar means being part of an empowering community with people who are dedicated to helping every scholar grow.”

Epright, who is also part of the CAS Dean’s Student Leadership Society (DSLS), Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honors Society, and Pi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, said choosing to major in the field of political science is a path that would allow her to learn more about how the world functions through a political lens as she intends to pursue a law school path when she graduates.

“The first steps are always the most difficult, but with ambition and motivation, you can achieve your goals,” she said. “Do not let anyone discourage you along the way.”

This year’s CAS 2023-2024 WLP Scholars include:

Learn more about the WLP at USF and the scholarship opportunities available.