Women in Leadership & Philanthropy

Uniting Women. Advancing Leadership. Amplifying Impact.

About Us

Carolyn McCusker ’92, Board Chair

Women in Leadership & Philanthropy (WILP) at the University of San Francisco is a dynamic network dedicated to empowering and uniting women through leadership, philanthropy, and meaningful engagement. As a driving force within the Office of Development, WILP fosters opportunities for connection, mentorship, and influence, enabling women to make a lasting impact on USF and beyond.

Our mission is to cultivate a vibrant community of women leaders who are committed to driving change, supporting one another, and giving back through their time, talent, and resources. We believe that by amplifying women’s voices and championing their contributions, we strengthen not only the USF community but also the broader world.

Rooted in the values of diversity, gender equity, and inclusion, WILP recognizes that true progress is achieved through collaboration, dialogue, and a commitment to justice. We strive to create pathways for women to thrive as leaders, change-makers, and philanthropists—ensuring that their impact is felt across industries, communities, and generations.

Women in Leadership & Philanthropy Advisory Board

Row one (left to right): Patricia Dassios ’02, MNA ’10, Liliana Blanco-Fernandez MSOD ’21, Eliane “Elle” Fersan ’23, Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga EdD ’17, Giselle Martin ’07, MPA ’10, EdD
Row two: Irena Matijas BS ’95, Joy McGowan ’03, Madeline Meininger BA ’15, Gwendolyn Wong MBA ’79, Silvana Bacigalupo Pardo de Wold MS ’21