Faculty, students and alumni from the (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鈥檚 theme, 鈥淩ebuilding and Reshaping: Innovation in Florida Public Health.鈥� 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.
鈥淭his is our opportunity to rebuild, reimagine and strengthen public health in Florida like never before,鈥� she said.
Her priorities include growing membership, building FPHA鈥檚 long-term foundation and ensuring the organization reflects the voices of the state鈥檚 public health community.
Roghani-Shareef also played a key role in shaping this year鈥檚 conference, which drew praise for its dynamic program and collaborative spirit.
COPH faculty were also well represented in FPHA leadership. , professor in the , was elected FPHA Member at Large for 2025鈥�2028.
, retired professor and former director of the Center for Leadership in Public Health Practice, served as one of the conference鈥檚 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.
student Cathia Jean was awarded an FPHA Public Health Scholarship, which allowed her to attend her first public health conference.
鈥淭o say I was blown away is an understatement,鈥� Jean said. 鈥淭he 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.鈥�
Jean said meeting national leaders, including , 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鈥檚 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, student Emily Walsh received the award for 911爆料网dnesday鈥檚 Most Innovative Poster for her presentation, 鈥淭ampa Bay Youth Reproductive 911爆料网llbeing Needs Assessment.鈥�
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鈥檚 FPHA conference.
鈥淭he 2025 conference left us feeling hopeful and motivated,鈥� Roghani-Shareef shared. 鈥�911爆料网鈥檙e excited to keep building on that energy as we continue our work to strengthen public health in Florida and beyond.鈥�