For nearly two decades, the Central Florida Association of Physicians from the Indian Subcontinent (CAPI) has united more than 600 medical and dental professionals committed to advancing healthcare excellence, leadership, and community impact. Through education, philanthropy, and cultural connection, CAPI has contributed more than half a million dollars—and growing—toward strengthening Central Florida’s healthcare ecosystem while proudly elevating Indian culture and cross-cultural understanding.
Among CAPI’s most cherished and impactful traditions is the CAPI Women’s Leadership Forum—an annual gathering designed to honor, uplift, and empower women physicians. Timed intentionally around Mother’s Day, the forum has become a space for reflection, renewal, and connection, celebrating the extraordinary women who balance medicine, leadership, family, and service with grace and grit.
This is more than an event. It is a celebration of energy—the collective force of women in medicine who lead with compassion, resilience, and vision.
Leadership Rooted in Service
CAPI is led by an all-volunteer leadership team, with Presidents elected to a five-year progression that reflects extraordinary dedication—especially for physicians balancing demanding careers, family life, and community service. That depth of commitment is what makes the CAPI Women’s Leadership Forum so meaningful. Each year, the Forum is shaped by the vision, experience, and leadership style of the sitting President. No two gatherings are the same—each one uniquely reflecting the priorities and perspective of a woman who has devoted years to advancing CAPI and the broader healthcare community.
Over the years, the CAPI Women’s Leadership Forum has evolved into a signature, members-only experience—each year shaped by timely themes, meaningful dialogue, and leaders who bring authenticity to the stage. As part of CAPI’s ongoing commitment to nurture and support its entire membership, this signature experience has intentionally grown into a women-centric forum that celebrates leadership, wellness, and connection. CAPI’s female physicians are invited guests, and in the spirit of inclusivity and shared support, invitations are also extended to the spouses of male physicians. Designed exclusively for CAPI members and their spouses, the Forum creates a trusted space for connection, reflection, and leadership growth within our community. Let’s take a look at some of our past experiences.
2025 | Strong Women, Strong Families
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
CAPI President 2025: Dr. Neelima Katukuri
The 2025 Women’s Leadership Forum celebrated the power of Mom Docs—women physicians navigating demanding careers while nurturing families and communities. The day was filled with heartfelt insights and honest dialogue around balancing personal and professional life.
A major highlight was welcoming Nemours Children’s Hospital, where attendees learned about groundbreaking pediatric genomics research focused on uncovering genetic and epigenetic causes of congenital heart disease. CAPI proudly supported this work through a check presentation, reinforcing the belief that investing in women and science creates healthier futures for all.
- Dr. Preethi Gondi on balancing screen time with young children
- Dr. Swathy Kolli on emotional well-being for preteens and teens
- Dr. Beena Parikh on parenting from afar while nurturing personal well-being
“The Women’s Leadership Forum reminds us that our strength as physicians is amplified when we support one another—not just professionally, but personally.”— Dr. Neelima Katukuri, CAPI President 2025
2024 | Discovering Your True North: The Art of Self-Care
📍 The Conrad, Orlando👩⚕️ CAPI President 2024: Dr. Alka Arora
The 2024 Women’s Leadership Forum invited women physicians to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves as leaders and caregivers. Centered on self-awareness and authenticity, the experience created space for meaningful conversation around confidence, leadership presence, and the internal narratives that often shape women’s professional journeys.
“The Women’s Leadership Forum is a space where women physicians can step back, reflect, and reconnect with what grounds them. When we invest in ourselves, we strengthen our ability to lead—with intention, compassion, and confidence.”— Dr. Alka Arora, CAPI President 2024
2023 | Women Inspiring Women
Lake Nona Wave👩⚕️ CAPI President 2022: Dr. Sushma Nakka
The 2022 Women’s Leadership Forum, themed Women Inspiring Women, brought together women physicians for a dynamic and inspiring experience focused on leadership, resilience, and lifting one another through shared wisdom. Set in Lake Nona’s innovation district, the forum blended celebration, reflection, and meaningful dialogue around the impact women leaders have across healthcare, education, and community.
A powerful highlight of the day was welcoming Dr. Deborah German, MD, Vice President for Health Affairs and Founding Dean of the UCF College of Medicine, as Guest of Honor. Dr. German shared insights from her trailblazing career in academic medicine, including building a nationally recognized medical school, advancing inclusive medical education, and shaping the future of healthcare leadership.
“When women in medicine come together to share their stories, experiences, and leadership journeys, we don’t just inspire one another—we strengthen the future of healthcare.”— Dr. Sushma Nakka, CAPI President 2022
Looking Ahead: 2026 Women’s Leadership Forum (May 2026)
📍 Venue: To Be Announced👩⚕️ CAPI President 2026: Dr. Shveta Gupta
Nourish & Flourish will be a three-hour immersive wellness experience, blending grounding rituals, restorative practices, and meaningful connection. Rooted in CAPI’s mission, the forum reflects a deep commitment to supporting women who lead with compassion, purpose, and resilience.
“The Women’s Leadership Forum reflects CAPI’s belief that strong healthcare systems are built by women who are supported, energized, and connected. Nourish & Flourish is about creating space to renew ourselves—so we can continue leading with purpose.”—Dr. Shveta Gupta, CAPI President 2026
As CAPI looks to the future, the Women’s Leadership Forum remains a cornerstone of its mission—celebrating the voices, experiences, and impact of women in medicine while creating a space to recharge, reflect, and rise together.
