Category Archives: Philanthropic Women

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Jeri Brooks: From Saluki to strategy powerhouse

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Jeri Brooks headshotFor Jeri Brooks, Southern Illinois University was destiny. A Carbondale native, Brooks grew up immersed in the Saluki spirit—not just as a local but as part of a multi-generational legacy rooted in love, resilience, and community pride.

Her father, Thurman Lee Brooks, Sr., earned a basketball scholarship to SIU, and her mother, Betty Brooks McCollum, pursued her master’s degree there. Eventually, both Jeri and her brother followed in their parents’ footsteps, solidifying SIU as a cornerstone of their family history. When her father passed away, SIU extended a powerful gesture of support: eight semesters of complimentary tuition for both children.

“That gesture meant everything,” Brooks said. “SIU became more than just a university—it became part of our story.”

While at SIU, Brooks earned a Bachelor of Science in communications with a specialization in public relations. Her time on campus laid the foundation for a career defined by ethics, strategic vision, and the pursuit of economic empowerment.

One of her most transformative experiences was joining Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 1993.

“Meeting those 11 women who became lifelong friends changed everything,” she said. “And I was fortunate to share that journey with ‘The Originals,’ my closest friends from Carbondale.”

Brooks credits the Rev. Dr. Norman Greer as a formative influence during her time at SIU.

“He didn’t just teach theory—he brought real-world experience into the classroom,” she said. “That blend of knowledge gave me the confidence to step into any space with purpose.”

With over two decades of experience, she helps companies, political leaders, and communities build strategies that expand influence and create lasting economic mobility—because for her, freedom is not free without economic empowerment.

Known for her strategic thinking and high-impact execution, Brooks has been repeatedly recognized as a top-tier lobbyist, appearing on Capitol Insider’s Texas Lobby Power Rankings in 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025. She was also named a 2021 Top Lobbyist by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics.

Brooks is passionate about creating lasting change—not just through policy but through economic freedom. Her motto, “excellence is my minimum,” defines her professional ethos and personal mission.

Brooks is often recognized for breaking barriers—but she’s quick to challenge the celebration of being ‘the first.’

“We should not still be celebrating the first woman, the first Black woman, the first anything,” she said. “It’s time we elevate our expectations. Excellence should be the norm.”

Still, she acknowledges one meaningful moment: being the first Black woman honored in the Carbondale Community High School Hall of Achievement.

“But real progress is ensuring I’m far from the last,” she added.

Despite her success, Brooks never forgets where she came from. Her commitment to SIU runs deep. She has endowed a scholarship to support diversity initiatives under the university’s ADEI framework, and she continues to advocate for the university’s growth and future.

“SIU gave me more than an education—it broadened my world,” she said. “If my contribution can help restore its full potential, then giving back isn’t just meaningful—it’s necessary.”

Brooks encourages young women aspiring to enter the political and public affairs world to be strategic and assertive. Her advice is rooted in experience and unwavering determination:

  • Master the Game: Understand policy and power.
  • Own Your Power: Know your value.
  • Build Economic Freedom: It’s the key to true influence.
  • Create Community: Success is built with others.
  • Stay in the Fight: Resilience is non-negotiable.

Reflecting on Women’s History Month, Brooks honors the legacy of her grandmother and mother—the original entrepreneurs in her life. Her grandmother ran the family’s home-based auto repair business and raised six daughters with unshakable fortitude. Her mother turned their family’s pound cake recipe into a business and continues to thrive as a Mary Kay consultant.

“They didn’t wait for opportunity—they created it. That spirit of hustle and ownership laid the foundation for everything I am,” she said.

As for her legacy, Brooks hopes to inspire the next generation of women to embrace their power, lead with excellence, and build pathways to economic and social transformation.

Her advice to her college-aged self? “Take more risks. Trust your instincts. Be fearless—God has your back.”

Crowdfunding, Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Tison champions women’s empowerment through leadership and legacy

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For Gloria Tison, general counsel for Legence Bank and a member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, Women’s History Month is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action.

Tison, who also serves as co-chair of the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council (WLC), has built a career marked by resilience, advocacy, and a deep commitment to uplifting women. Her early experiences in the legal field underscore how far gender equality has come—and how far it still must go.

“When I started as an attorney, women in my office weren’t allowed to wear pants,” she said. “The first job I was offered came with an unusual request—they wanted to speak to my husband to verify the hours were acceptable. I turned it down. That was my first direct experience with gender discrimination, but it was far from my last.”

Tison recalls being routinely referred to as “the woman attorney” or “the blonde one”—a label she shared with another female colleague.

“No one would call and ask for ‘the brunette male attorney,’” she said.

Despite the challenges, Tison credits trailblazing women before her for helping to carve the path she followed.

“It takes confidence, perseverance, and determination,” she said. “Without those who paved the way, we would not have the opportunities we have today.”

At SIU, Tison channels her passion into the Women’s Leadership Council, a network of women who champion one another through mentorship, scholarships, and community support. The WLC funds student scholarships, microgrants for faculty, and community grants for women-led businesses.

“These grants do more than provide financial support—they send a powerful message: We believe in you,” Tison said. “That belief can be life changing.”

Tison sees the council’s work as a modern-day answer to the “boys’ clubs” that have historically excluded women from professional growth.

“WLC recognizes the power of women supporting women,” she said. “Through mentorship and networking, we create a space where women are empowered to lead.”

As SIU continues its mission to shape the next generation of leaders, Tison remains focused on creating a future where gender is no barrier to opportunity.

“Women’s History Month reminds us of the unique strengths women bring to the world and inspires us to keep pushing forward,” she said. “When we invest in our students, we invest in our future. Now, it’s up to us. Mentor, support, and uplift the women around you. Together, we can ensure the next generation has even greater opportunities than we did.”

For more information about the Women’s Leadership Council, visit siuf.org/wlc.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

SIU Alumna Ashley B. Gibson Establishes Scholarship to Support Women in Accountancy

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CARBONDALE — When Ashley B. Gibson, a 2009 graduate of Southern Illinois University’s College of Business and Analytics, first stepped onto campus, she had no idea how the experience would shape her career and inspire her to give back.

A seasoned leader with over 15 years of consulting experience, author, and public speaker, now she is making a lasting impact on the next generation of women in accounting through the Ashley B. Gibson Accounting Excellence Scholarship Fund.

Gibson, 37, grew up in Carterville and chose SIU for its strong academic reputation and proximity to home. At the time, her father was working overseas in Iraq, and staying close to her mother was a priority. While earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accountancy, Gibson found mentorship in Dr. Marcus Odom and was deeply involved in student organizations. Her leadership in the Accounting Society and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) opened doors to scholarships and national recognition, ultimately paving the way for her service on IMA’s Global Board of Directors.

“I remember when I received IMA’s highest scholarship. I was standing in Rehn Hall when I got the call,” Gibson said. “After I hung up, I slid down the wall, crying tears of joy and relief. It was the first external scholarship I had received, and it validated that people believed in me.”

During her time at SIU, Gibson was recognized as the Outstanding Senior in Accounting, Outstanding Senior in the College of Business, and one of the Top 25 Most Distinguished Seniors—an achievement she likens to winning the Triple Crown in terms of involvement at SIU.

“It was recognition that I’ll forever remember and reminded me of what all I accomplished during my time at SIU,” she said. “Those honors were not just a celebration of my hard work—they also highlighted the importance of having a strong support system and access to opportunities.”

Despite her professional success and accounting acumen, Gibson has dealt with challenges that many women face in the workplace, especially in leadership.

“When women, especially leaders in their field, are asked to perform remedial tasks such as getting coffee or taking notes, it’s because those asking don’t understand the implications it has,” she said. “While there are seats for women at the table, it’s sometimes a silent one, and I want to help change that.”

Her decision to establish the Ashley B. Gibson Accounting Excellence Scholarship Fund is rooted in a commitment to empowering women from Southern Illinois. With an initial pledge of $10,000, she aims to provide financial support and mentorship opportunities for aspiring female accountants.

“I always knew I wanted to create a scholarship for the School of Accountancy. I just wasn’t sure how or if I had enough to start one,” Gibson said. “Then I realized, why wait? Life is too short. I want to meet the recipients, follow their careers, and see the impact firsthand.”

For Gibson, giving back isn’t just about financial support—it’s about fostering a culture where women feel valued and encouraged to lead. She hopes her scholarship will inspire others to invest in SIU’s future and support the next generation of female accountants.

“The earlier I invest in future professionals, the greater the impact,” she said. “We need to break the stigma that philanthropy is something you do later in life. If you want to give back, start now.”

Gibson encourages other young alumni to consider how they can contribute, no matter their stage in life or career.

“If not now, when?” she said. “The SIU Foundation makes it easy to start the conversation. Just ask.”

Through her scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy, Gibson is determined to create lasting opportunities for women in accountancy. As she continues to rise in her own career, she remains committed to lifting others along the way.

“I hope this scholarship ignites a fire in other women to succeed,” she said. “This is my own version of the Butterfly Effect—one action leading to another, shaping the future for the women who follow.”

Higher Education, Illinois Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

SIU Foundation Women’s History Month Spotlight: Jennifer Franklin

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As part of Women’s History Month, the SIU Foundation is proud to spotlight alumna Jennifer Franklin, a dedicated advocate for education and a champion for transfer students. From her beginnings in East St. Louis to her current home in Chicago, Franklin’s journey reflects the transformative power of higher education and the impact of giving back.

She transferred to Southern Illinois University Carbondale after two years at a community college, seamlessly transitioning to university life.

“Everyone was so welcoming, and I knew that SIU was the right place for me,” Franklin said.

At SIU, she initially pursued a degree in information systems technologies, envisioning a future in database management. However, a single class altered the course of her career.

“The African American Experience in a Pluralistic Society class changed my life,” she said. By the end of the semester, she added a minor in Black American Studies (now Africana Studies) and set her sights on law school.

“I literally would not be a lawyer had I not taken that class,” she said.

Her passion for advocacy and justice was ignited at SIU, setting the foundation for a successful legal career.

A Global Perspective

One of Franklin’s most cherished memories at SIU was her study abroad experience in Ghana during the summer of 2004. Having just completed her bachelor’s degree, she took the opportunity to finalize her minor before beginning law school that fall.

A particularly memorable moment occurred while she was in Accra, Ghana, watching Barack Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention on television.

“I knew at the time that he would definitely be the next senator for Illinois, but I had no idea that I was watching the future first Black President of the United States while I was on the African continent. Even after all these years, it is still surreal when I think about it.”

Giving Back to SIU

For Franklin, giving back to SIU is more than a gesture—it’s a responsibility.

“SIU gave so much to me as a student. I am still benefiting from lessons I learned as a young woman on that campus,” she said. “Being an SIU alum is part of my identity, so giving back feels like a natural part of my existence.”

Her commitment to supporting students led her to establish the Franklin Perseverance Fund, which provides scholarships to transfer students in financial need, with a special focus on African American women.

Franklin believes strongly in the power of women investing in SIU’s future.

“The doors that we walk through today were opened by the women before us, and it is our duty to keep them open for future generations,” she said. “The biggest door is access to education. The impact of women being able to attain a college degree cannot be understated.”

She encourages women who have benefited from higher education to pay it forward, ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities to succeed.

Reflecting on her college years, Franklin shares one piece of advice she would give to her younger self: Do not let your fears hold you back. Feel your fears, but do not live in them. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is acting in spite of it.

With a career shaped by resilience, purpose, and generosity, Franklin exemplifies the spirit of SIU alumni making a difference. Her story serves as an inspiration to current and future Salukis, proving that lifting others while you climb is the true mark of success.

Donor Stories, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Dr. Dawn Korte, Ph.D. ’91

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Dawn Korte
Dr. Dawn Korte

For Dr. Dawn Korte, Southern Illinois University Carbondale was more than a steppingstone—it was the foundation for a career defined by leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to others. A proud graduate of SIU’s College of Health and Human Sciences with a major in paralegal studies, Korte has dedicated her career to fostering professional growth, advocating for women in leadership, and giving back to the institution that shaped her journey.

Raised in Carterville, Illinois, she initially enrolled at SIU to study piano performance, securing a scholarship that made her college education possible. However, a deep-rooted interest in the law led her to switch majors to paralegal studies—a decision that ultimately shaped her mindset.

“I had been interested in the law, so I changed my major and focused on law school after graduation,” she said. “That switch taught me to always keep an open mind, work hard, and accept ambiguity as a part of life.”

Korte credits her parents as her earliest role models, instilling in her the values of perseverance and dedication. At SIU, professors such as Dr. Steven Barwick and Dr. Albert Melone, along with lecturers Kenneth Hughes and Pamela Lacey, played instrumental roles in her academic development. One defining moment took place even before she was officially a Saluki—her scholarship audition in Shryock Auditorium.

“I was terrified, played way too fast, and made some mistakes,” she said. “When I finished, I thought I had blown my audition. But Professor Barwick stood up and said, ‘Welcome to SIUC—we will figure out the rest!’ That moment solidified SIU as my home.”

Leadership, Challenges, and Breaking Barriers

Throughout her career, Korte has been a strong advocate for people-focused leadership, emphasizing that the most valuable asset of any organization is its people.

“If people gave me their time and trusted me to lead them, I was going to create a place in which they could thrive,” she said. “I built relationships rooted in honesty and mutual respect, creating a strong foundation to weather professional storms.”

As a woman in the workplace, Korte faced challenges in establishing herself in executive leadership roles. She navigated these obstacles with a combination of preparation, networking, and relentless effort.

“I remained crystal clear on my goals, asked for honest feedback, and used it as fuel to improve,” she said. “I worked relentlessly to produce meaningful results that benefited both the organization and myself.”

Among her proudest achievements, Korte became the first in her family to earn a Ph.D. after completing her MBA, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and excellence.

The Power of Mentorship and Giving Back

Korte is passionate about mentoring young women and supporting SIU programs that foster female leadership. As a founding member of the Women’s Leadership Council, she recognizes the power of mentorship in shaping future generations.

“Women need to support other women because we understand the demands of life and work,” she said. “Every woman has a story that can inspire another if she shares it. The Women’s Leadership Council provides a space for those stories to thrive and motivate others.”

She believes philanthropy at SIU—through scholarships and mentorship—has a measurable impact.

“We track metrics to see our impact, but the true success is in the continuation of mentor-mentee relationships long after graduation,” she said. “The heartfelt thank-yous, the stories of students helping each other through challenges—these are the untold metrics that prove what we’re doing is working.”

As SIU continues to nurture future leaders, Korte hopes the work of the Women’s Leadership Council and other initiatives will instill confidence in young women.

“I hope we give them a light that shines in their soul through dark moments,” she said. “That light is the confidence that they can, and will, prevail.”

Women’s History Month holds special significance for Korte, serving as a time to honor those who paved the way. She draws inspiration from her mother, a dedicated nurse and community leader whose legacy of service continues to guide her.

“She made an indelible mark on the lives of her patients and those around her,” Korte said. “I work to have her spirit, values, and wisdom live on through me.”

Reflecting on her career, Korte hopes to leave a legacy of commitment rather than mere contributions.

“My dad always used to say that the difference between making a commitment and a contribution is like bacon and eggs—the chicken makes the contribution, but the pig makes a commitment,” she said. “That’s what I’ve tried to do in my personal and professional life—make a commitment to something bigger than myself.”

For Korte, giving back to SIU is a way to invest in the future and ensure that young Salukis—especially women—have the support and resources they need to succeed.

“SIUC helped chart a course for my life, and I will be forever grateful,” she said.

To learn more about the Women’s Leadership Council and how you can get involved, visit siuf.org/wlc.

Donor Stories, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Sims endows inclusive scholarship for SIU students

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By Jeff Wilson

Dr. Cynthia Sims has been on many sides of the college student experience, and one thing has remained a constant – the clear need for scholarship access for all students.

“When I was a college student, I really didn’t qualify for many scholarships,” she said. “I was a committed student. It made me feel a little less than. I didn’t feel that I fit in. I didn’t feel that I was valued as a student.”

Sims was born in raised in Chicago. She left home for the first time to attend the University Louisville. She earned master’s degrees from DePaul University and the University of Chicago. She received her Doctor of Education from Northern Illinois University.

“The first time I received a scholarship was when I went to graduate school at DePaul,” she said. “I jumped up and down. I was so excited. I felt like I belonged to the university immediately. They wanted me there. I felt valued.”

Her Saluki story begins when she was offered an assistant professor position at SIU. She recently retired from the College of DuPage where she served as associate vice president.

“I worked at SIU for 14 years, and I loved it,” she said. “I am still in contact with many of my students. They invite me to their weddings and baby showers.”

Dr. Sims was committed to student recruitment and retention. She started two mentoring programs for high school students in Southern Illinois. One was the SIUC Mentorship Academy, which included a “Take Your Mentee to Class Week,” allowing high school students to shadow SIU students for the day to learn about college life. Another program was the “Enhancing Minority College and Career Preparation Service-Learning Mentoring Program,” which included college tours to Historically Black Colleges and Universities with SIU student mentors.

She established the Dr. Cynthia Howard Sims Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship at Southern and wanted to ensure that it benefits students who may not otherwise feel supported.

“I decided to start a scholarship without a grade-point average attached or extracurricular requirements,” she said. “I feel that’s important because it’s inclusive. When they complete the essay application for my scholarship, students should be focusing on ways to express themselves and use other strengths to complement their academic strengths.”

For years, Sims has seen her mother give back to her community any way she can, and that serves as a major inspiration for her philanthropic outlook.

“My mother is big on giving back. She not only donates her time, but she’s always giving money to organizations and causes,” Sims said. “She probably doesn’t know that I have watched that for years. I like to do that, too, but I wanted to expand it with this scholarship. I wanted to impact more students with this scholarship. My mother modeled that for me, and I appreciate that.”

Encouraging other alumni – particularly Black alumni – to follow in her footsteps, Sims notes the impact that scholarships play on retention and graduation rates.

“I benefited so much from my education, and I want others to benefit as well. Too many stop because of lack of funding,” she said. “As a person of color, I have a responsibility to support other students of color. Call someone at the SIU Foundation. Ask someone at your college or within a specific program what they need. You just need to take the first step.”

To make a gift to the Dr. Cynthia Howard Sims Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Endowment Fund, visit siuf.org. To speak with someone at the SIU Foundation about endowing a scholarship, call 618-453-4900.

Donor Stories, Higher Education, Philanthropic Women

Clay creates legacy through service, $25K scholarship

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By Jeff Wilson

Raised by her grandparents in Chicago, Makela Clay was taught the value of giving at an early age.

“They instilled the idea in me that I am my brother’s keeper and that I should treat people the way I want to be treated,” she said. “I love supporting and helping others be their best selves.”

Makela Clay

Most recently, she pledged $25,000 to endow the Concrete Rose Scholarship.

“It is dedicated to current Salukis who look like me – women of color who come from Chicago,” she said. “Philanthropy is just an extension of who I am and how I move throughout my life. As Black alumni, it is important for us to sit at the table of support. It’s important for us to show current students that we’re here to support them, and they too can give back when they’re further along in their career.”

Clay, a 1999 graduate of the College of Liberal Arts, is now an executive assistant at TPG in San Francisco.

“I think back fondly on my time in Carbondale and go back often,” she said. “There were so many things that I was able to do at SIU that gave me the confidence to move forward. I can’t imagine my life today without those formative years that I spent gaining my degree.”

Makela Clay and friends

Much of her donation history before the scholarship came during the SIU Day of Giving, supporting causes that were important to her, including the Balancing Education, Experience, and Reality (B.E.E.R.) Scholarship.

“Being a donor back to SIU means a lot to me. SIU took a chance on a really shy kid from inner city Chicago and gave me an opportunity to better myself, gain an education and to go forth in the world,” Clay said. “I felt so supported by all the Salukis who came before me, everyone within the Saluki community who saw me as an individual and wanted to see me succeed, and I want to be able to pay that forward.”

She has been a member of the SIU Alumni Association Board of Directors since 2022.

“Through the board, I am continuing to spread the gospel of SIU and the good news, making sure other alumni are up to date and connected to the university.”

She hopes that gifts such as the Concrete Rose Scholarship can inspire others to give back to Southern and support the students who need it most.

“I hope that my legacy will encourage future generations of Salukis to do exactly what I did. Take it one step further and continue to carry the torch of supporting even more Salukis further down the road.”

To make a gift, visit siuf.org.

Donor Stories, Philanthropic Women

Daley makes $25K gift to support interior design students

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By Jeff Wilson

What began with an interest in a design education has come full circle for SIU alumna Jill Daley. With a $25,000 gift, she established the Jill Daley Design Scholarship in the School of Architecture.

Jill Daley
Jill Daley

A Crystal Lake native, Daley started her education at Harper College in Palatine and started researching design schools.

“SIU came up as one of the top 10 design schools in the country, and it had in-state tuition,” she said. “Truthfully, I’m not sure if I didn’t have the SIU option what I would have done, because I pretty much put myself through school.”

Daley graduated from SIU in 1979 with a degree in interior design. She credits her education for much of her initial success.

“I moved to Florida and had to take a licensure exam, which I passed on my first attempt, which is very unusual. I have known people who have had to take it 10 times,” she said. “We had a lot of bonding in our department. We had a lot of excellent teachers. I will always be thankful to SIU for providing me with the foundation of a great design education.”

During her career she has started two interior design firms, Office Dimensions and All Interiors, and written a book, “Design Secrets,” and she is working on a follow-up.

“There’s a lot that goes into this. People think interior design is just making places pretty … but it is a lot more complicated,” she said. “I wanted to educate people a little bit on all the different factors interior designers take into consideration. We want to live a healthy, long life. There are a lot of things we can do, even with our interiors, that can help that.”

While working in Florida, she helped start a scholarship for members of the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

“I saw how impactful it was on the lives of these kids,” Daley said. “Perhaps if it wasn’t for scholarship funds, they wouldn’t have been able to get a higher education.”

Once she reconnected with Southern, she decided making a similar impact at her alma mater made sense.

“I decided this was something I’d like to do because I’d like to enrich and enhance the experience of someone interested in interior design,” Daley said. “It’s good to leave a legacy, and I believe in the design field and SIU, so I wanted to get involved and see what I could do to help.

“(These students) are going to get some additional help to pursue their passion and their love, which is the most important ingredient to having a successful career. Every bit of support, I’m sure, would be appreciated by them and put to good use.”

To learn more about making a gift, visit siuf.org.

Higher Education, Philanthropic Women, SIU

Honoring Tammera Holmes by inspiring the next generation

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Make a gift here in memory of a visionary Saluki aviator

Tammera Holmes, a visionary leader and passionate advocate for female leadership and aviation, passed away on Dec. 1, 2024, leaving an enduring legacy.

Graduating from SIU’s Aviation Management program in 2000, she broke barriers and inspired countless young people to pursue their dreams in the aviation industry. She was the founder and CEO of Aerostar Avion Institute, an afterschool academic program established in 2008 to create awareness of aviation and aeronautical career opportunities among women, minorities and at-risk students.

“I grew up in a very impoverished household, a crime-ridden community just outside of the west side of Chicago. Survival just became a way of life. There were times when there wasn’t enough food to eat, and my safe haven was school,” Holmes said in a 2022 interview with the SIU Alumni Association.

Her mother knew she had to keep Tammera busy to keep her focused.

“She was looking for things for me to do. One Saturday morning she sent me out to go on a Young Eagles flight with the Chicago Tuskegee Airmen’s chapter,” Holmes said. “We were flying over Lake Michigan on the most beautiful day, and I knew that day that aviation had not just changed my life, but probably saved my life. I went on to pursue a degree in aviation at Southern Illinois University.”

After starting her career as an airport planner and consultant, she quickly realized there was no clear pathway for a woman to become a leader within her company

“I have dedicated my career to aviation and aerospace education and created access and opportunity for young people who look like me and come from where I come from … to really show them there is a path to the top for them,” Holmes said.

Beyond aviation, she sought to bridge the gap for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

“Being able to inspire young women to be not just a part of the future of this country, but a future of the leadership that’s going to lead American into the next generation of innovation, especially in STEM,” Holmes said. “I want to encourage young women to raise their hand and really step up and take charge of their future to volunteer for more opportunities to lead and to command the stage.

“My advice to women around the world is to show up authentically as yourself. So many times, I was told I was too loud. I was too aggressive. I was too demanding. But those are the exact same characteristics that men have when they show up to work, and they are rewarded for it. So don’t shrink back. Don’t just have a seat at the table, have ownership of the table. One of the things I love about aviation is that airplanes are not designed to go in reverse. The thrust is always moving you forward. As long as everything is in balance and you have the right power and the mechanisms to implement power, just keep pressing forward.”

Tammera Holmes School of Aviation DEI Faculty Endowment

To honor Tammera’s memory and continue her mission, the SIU Foundation has established the Tammera Holmes School of Aviation DEI Faculty Endowment.

This fund will support faculty diversity initiatives within the School of Aviation to help ensure that the educational environment reflects the diversity of the workforce and student body. The goal is to raise $100,000 to establish this faculty fellowship to create a legacy at SIU that reflects Tammera’s accomplishments in the industry.

This endowment will give the School of Aviation the opportunity to contribute to curriculum design, research priorities and mentorship strategies that foster an inclusive environment for our students, faculty and staff. The faculty fellow would be able to utilize funds to enhance DEI efforts in the School of Aviation or the aviation industry. The Tammera Holmes School of Aviation DEI Faculty Fellow would be available to a faculty member on a five-year term limit.

Join us in honoring Tammera’s legacy and shaping the future of aviation. Make a gift at siuf.org/tammera.

Tammera Holmes

Higher Education, Philanthropic Women

SIU Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Council offers microgrant for Saluki women

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There is still time to apply for the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council 2024-25 WLC Microgrant, a funding opportunity available exclusively to SIU women faculty, staff, and students.

The deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 9. Award finalists will be notified by Feb. 6. Interviews will be Feb. 24, and grants will be awarded on May 1. Fill out the application here: siuf.org/wlc/grant.php.

Since 2020, the WLC has united alumnae, parents, and friends dedicated to empowering women and advancing women-driven philanthropy at SIU. Council members contribute their time, energy, resources, and expertise serving on university boards and championing SIU in their home regions. Embodying a legacy of leadership, WLC collectively funds women’s initiatives and scholarships on campus.

This is an opportunity to put your vision into action with the support of a council committed to women’s empowerment.

Here are some important notes to consider when applying:

  • There is no guarantee that your application will move forward to the interview round.
  • You are encouraged to submit a focused and strategic application.
  • WLC is not a flow-through for other non-profit organizations. The goal is to impact student learning and experience, not fundraise for other philanthropies.
  • Prioritization is given to new projects to provide seed money. Funding is not prioritized for continuing initiatives unless there is a significant new component or a compelling reason to consider sustaining funding after the first year.
  • Please read the Grant Awards Application Instructions carefully as there are other parameters to consider when requesting funding.
  • Funding is typically not granted for giveaways, prizes, or food.
  • Funding is not allowed to be used as salaries or stipends.