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): Liliana Blanco-Fernandez MSOD ’21, Patricia Dassios ’02, MNA ’10, Susan Drucker-Hunsaker MA ’00, Michelle Hector EdD ’23, Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga EdD ’17
Row two: Shanon Lampkins-Jones, Giselle Martin ’07, MPA ’10, EdD, Joy McGowan ’03, Carolyn McCusker ’92, Madeline Meininger ’15
Row three: Bridget Mahoney MPA ’18, Janelle Nunez ’19, Polly Paulsen MPA ’97, Margaret Pierattini ’03, Gwendolyn Wong MBA ’79

Learn More about the WILP Board

The nomination/application process for new board members will open in March 2026. To learn more about what serving on the board entails, please view the WILP Board roles and expectations. Contact Molly Kastendieck, mkastendieck@usfca.edu, with questions.