By Jeff Wilson

Diane Compardo is passionate about supporting Salukis, and Saluki women especially. She will undoubtedly bring that passion to her keynote address during the upcoming Saluki Women’s Weekend.

Compardo is a 1991 alumna, member of the College of Business and Analytics Hall of Fame, president-elect of the SIU Foundation Board, and a member of the SIU Women’s Leadership Council. The council connects Saluki alumnae to current female students and offers guidance and mentorship as they study and prepare for life beyond college.

“It is important to make sure the next generation of women have access to essential resources and mentors,” Compardo said. “The Women’s Leadership Council is an exceptional network of women committed to supporting women.”

Diane, a CPA and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ is the founding partner of Compardo, Wienstroer, Conrad & Janes at Moneta, which is sponsoring the Women in Philanthropy Luncheon at noon Friday, Sept. 9, at the Dunn-Richmond Center. It will act as the opening event for the Saluki Women’s Weekend, which will be Friday, Sept. 9, and Saturday, Sept. 10.

“I’m passionate about philanthropic goals and giving back is an essential part of my life. Encouraging other women to explore what giving back means to them and creating a culture of women-driven philanthropy are things I am excited to pursue as a member of the Women’s Leadership Council,” Compardo said.

In recent years, Moneta has put an increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Moneta’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council was founded to support the company’s mission to “empower people to navigate life’s path and protect what they cherish.” The council aims to achieve this by continually striving for an equitable inclusive culture that encourages valuing, respecting, and celebrating the differences of Moneta’s employees, clients, and all whom it encounters.

“The goals of SIU’s Women’s Leadership Council and the Saluki Women’s Weekend align with what Moneta is doing internally,” Compardo said. “It takes organizations being intentional about values and empowerment to cultivate an inclusive and positive culture.”

The Saluki Women’s Weekend will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which put women on a more equal playing field in higher education.

“Attending SIU was one of the major turning points in my life,” Compardo said. “It was a springboard to a successful professional life.”

Through her keynote speech, mentorship opportunities and everyday leadership of her team, Compardo hopes to show young women that they can achieve professional and personal success and fulfillment.

“You don’t have to give up a career to create balance,” she said. “I’ve been doing it my whole adult life, by choosing my personal and professional journey based upon my values. Understanding what values you want to focus on at various times in your life allows for greater satisfaction and acceptance, even when work and life feel out-of-balance. I want to show them that they can do it, too.”

For more information about the Saluki Women’s Weekend, visit siuf.org/saluki-women.