By Ava Steffens
CARBONDALE, Ill. — On Tuesday, July 29, the Midland States Bank Foundation awarded a $7,500 grant to the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council to expand its vital work in mentorship and economic empowerment opportunities for SIU students and the broader university community. This partnership also proudly names Midland States Bank as our official Empowerment Conference Sponsor of the 4th Annual Saluki Women’s Weekend, which will take place Friday, Oct. 3.
“Midland States Bank’s support is critical as we champion the incredible potential within SIU’s female student population, which makes up over 50 percent of our students. Alongside our vast network of more than 108,000 female alumni, the WLC is committed to providing the mentorship and professional development opportunities needed to empower not only women, but all students at SIU, to drive economic growth and create meaningful impact,” said Sherrica Hunt, assistant vice chancellor for affinity philanthropy and strategic initiatives.
Gloria Tison, co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Council, said the funds will support the council’s mentorship program in addition to the Saluki Women’s Weekend conference, which promotes equity across a variety of professional fields.
“Receiving the grant was a wonderful surprise to all of us. We were so delighted to accept it and use it to help further our purpose,” said Tison.
The council primarily relies on the generosity of its supporters who graciously contribute their time, energy, resources and knowledge to its causes. Its goal is to provide a network for graduates, students, and friends of the university who are committed to women-driven philanthropy.
“It’s powerful to be around successful women,” Tison said. “To see that our community supports us and values the women of SIU goes a long way.”
Midland States Bank, headquartered in Effingham, Illinois, provided funding through its charitable arm, the Midland States Bank Foundation. Since its founding in 2011, the Foundation has awarded nearly $2 million to nonprofit organizations across Illinois and Missouri with a focus on education, work force development, financial empowerment, housing, small business development, and health and wellness.
“The Midland States Bank Foundation is a powerful way for us to give back to our communities,” said Jeffrey G. Ludwig, CEO of Midland States Bank. “The funds we set aside from the bank’s profits help us put our company’s culture in action to benefit the communities we serve.”
The grant to SIU’s Women’s Leadership Council reflects a strong alignment with the Foundation’s mission to empower individuals and support economic growth. The council’s focus on mentorship, leadership, and career readiness resonated with the Foundation’s core pillars – particularly in education, workforce development and financial empowerment.
Martesha Brown, Midland States Bank Market President for Rockford and Belvidere, and Dan Rice, Regional President for Midland States Bank, are both SIU alumni and proud to see the university’s programs advancing opportunities for the next generation.
“As an alum, I was thrilled to see SIU’s proposal come through during this grant cycle,” said Brown. “But what stood out most was how clearly the Women’s Leadership Council’s work aligns with our Foundation’s goals. It’s exactly the kind of initiative we’re here to support.”
“We’re committed to investing in organizations that make a measurable impact,” said Rice. “As someone whose career was shaped at SIU, it’s especially meaningful to support programs that create professional pathways for student success — particularly those that uplift women. I’ve had several inspiring female mentors in my life who benefited from initiatives like this, and I’m proud we can help continue that legacy.”
This year’s Saluki Women’s Weekend, themed “Leading Through Innovation,” will spotlight leadership in STEM, mentorship, and professional growth. The event will include keynote speakers, interactive discussions, and breakout sessions aimed at connecting and empowering women across a range of industries.
To learn more about Midland States Bank’s community impact, visit midlandsb.com/about-us.
To attend the 4th Annual Saluki Women’s Weekend conference on Friday, Oct. 3, visit siuf.org/salukiwomen.