Student Spotlight: Gianna Phillips

Some students arrive at college with a clear vision of who they want to become. Gianna Phillips is one of them — and with support from the College Fund of Pinellas County, Inc., she's well on her way.

A Political Science major with minors in Biology and Legal Studies at Saint Leo University, Gianna is pursuing an ambitious path that bridges the worlds of science and law. Her goal? To become a biomedical patent attorney and eventually practice criminal law. It's a vision that requires dedication, resources, and belief from others, and that's exactly where the College Fund of Pinellas County comes in.

"The scholarship I receive from College Fund creates a way for me to continue my college education and pursue my goals and dreams in biology, medical services, and criminal law," Gianna shared.

And pursue she has. In just her undergraduate years, Gianna has built a remarkable record of leadership and involvement. She serves as a Supreme Court Justice in Saint Leo's Student Government Union, founded and serves as Vice President of the university's Model United Nations chapter, and is a proud member of Psi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science Honor Society. She's also part of the prestigious Honors Program and the competitive 3+3 Accelerated Law Program cohort of 2028 — a program that will allow her to earn both her undergraduate degree and law degree in just six years.

What makes Gianna's story especially meaningful to her is knowing where the support comes from. "The best thing about being a recipient of this scholarship is knowing that people who are local are giving local students a chance to shine and become the best versions of themselves."

That's exactly the mission of the College Fund of Pinellas County — to invest in the potential right here in our own community.

Students like Gianna are proof of what's possible when local donors choose to invest in local dreams.