Faculty, students and alumni from the USF College of Public Health (COPH) were honored for their leadership, service and scholarship at the 2025 Florida Public Health Association (FPHA) Annual Educational Conference in Kissimmee in July.
The gathering brought together public health professionals from across Florida and beyond to explore this year’s theme, “Rebuilding and Reshaping: Innovation in Florida Public Health.” Over several days, attendees participated in keynote sessions, breakout discussions, poster presentations and networking opportunities.
Leadership and vision
Parnia Roghani-Shareef, MPH, CPH (Photo by Noel Singh-Dias)
The conference marked a new chapter for FPHA as COPH alumna Parnia Roghani-Shareef began her term as president. In her first message to members, Roghani-Shareef praised the strength and creativity of the FPHA community and outlined her vision for the year ahead.
“This is our opportunity to rebuild, reimagine and strengthen public health in Florida like never before,” she said.
Her priorities include growing membership, building FPHA’s long-term foundation and ensuring the organization reflects the voices of the state’s public health community.
Roghani-Shareef also played a key role in shaping this year’s conference, which drew praise for its dynamic program and collaborative spirit.
COPH faculty were also well represented in FPHA leadership. Dr. Jennifer Marshall, professor in the Department of Community Health Sciences, was elected FPHA Member at Large for 2025–2028.
Dr. Marissa Levine, retired professor and former director of the Center for Leadership in Public Health Practice, served as one of the conference’s keynote speakers, joining Rebecca Payne, Dr. Charlotte Hughes Huntley and Johnny Crowder in challenging attendees to embrace innovation and resilience in their work.
Celebrating students and scholars
Cathia Jean (middle) with Parnia Roghani and Allison Rapp. (Photo by Noel Singh-Dias)
Several COPH students were recognized for their contributions to public health.
Doctoral student Cathia Jean was awarded an FPHA Public Health Scholarship, which allowed her to attend her first public health conference.
“To say I was blown away is an understatement,” Jean said. “The sessions were packed with invaluable insights and the people I met were so open and generous with their experiences. I felt grateful to be there, to learn and to soak up every bit of knowledge shared.”
Jean said meeting national leaders, including Dean Sten Vermund, was a pivotal step in her career development.
Deepa Mathew Henriquez accepting the 2025 Robin Napier Memorial Scholarship. (Photo by Noel Singh-Dias)
Deepa Mathew Henriquez was named the 2025 recipient of the Robin Napier Memorial Scholarship. As a public health nutritionist supervisor and breastfeeding program coordinator for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, Henriquez has launched Central Florida’s first breast milk donor depot and expanded lactation support in emergency shelters.
She is also completing graduate coursework at the COPH while pursuing her Registered Dietitian and Certified Lactation Counselor credentials.
Meanwhile, MPH student Emily Walsh received the award for Wednesday’s Most Innovative Poster for her presentation, “Tampa Bay Youth Reproductive Wellbeing Needs Assessment.”
Honoring a legacy
Parnia Roghani, Dr. Deanna Wathington and Allison Rapp honoring the late Dr. Adewale Troutman. (Photo by Noel Singh-Dias)
A highlight of the conference was the Hall of Memory, where FPHA honored the late Dr. Adewale Troutman, former COPH professor known nationally for his leadership in advancing public health. The award was accepted on behalf of the Troutman family by Dr. Deanna Wathington, APHA president and COPH affiliate professor.
Building momentum
From alumni stepping into top leadership roles, to faculty shaping the statewide public health agenda, to students earning recognition for their research and service, the USF College of Public Health was at the heart of this year’s FPHA conference.
“The 2025 conference left us feeling hopeful and motivated,” Roghani-Shareef shared. “We’re excited to keep building on that energy as we continue our work to strengthen public health in Florida and beyond.”