By Ava Steffens
Diane Compardo, immediate past president of the SIU Foundation Board and a 1992 alumna, will sponsor the Women in Philanthropy Luncheon during the fourth annual Saluki Women’s Weekend through her firm, Moneta. Saluki Women’s Weekend will take place Friday, Oct. 3, in the Student Center Ballrooms.
She is also a member of the College of Business and Analytics Hall of Fame and 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.
Giving back to the SIU community is a key theme of Saluki Women’s Weekend and the Women in Empowerment Conference. Compardo highlights the event as a powerful celebration of SIU’s camaraderie and a way to encourage emerging female leaders.
“The luncheon is a great platform for women who are making a difference and who are passing it on and inspiring new generations,” said Compardo. “The most energizing part of the luncheon for me is when we recognize the young women that are out there and already starting to create a path for themselves.”
Compardo values giving back to her alma mater, emphasizing her deep connection with the Saluki community. She recalls that her time at SIU changed the trajectory of her career.
“Through my own experiences, I’ve seen how powerful it can be to pay it forward to the next generation,” she said. The luncheon connects attendees with SIU alumnae, fostering personal and professional growth. It offers role models a chance to lead by example. Mentorship and networking are key aspects of the presentation, highlighting opportunities for today’s leaders to empower emerging professionals.
“It is such a great community to come together with, united by our shared bond with SIU. The conversations and friendships that form through this event are truly wonderful.” she said.
Compardo emphasizes that the conference focuses on building lasting relationships and fostering encouragement, not just recognition. She believes in leading by example and inspiring others to pay their success forward.
“I’ve always been a big believer in giving back because it creates a cycle of opportunity where today’s leaders empower the next generation of change-makers,” Compardo said. “Philanthropy can be for anyone, no matter the size of the gift, and it is gratifying to witness the effect your impact makes.”
Her professional work reflects those values as well. Moneta is one of the nation’s leading independent wealth management and financial planning firms, recognized for its legacy of innovation, service and client loyalty. Leading the largest women-founded team at Moneta, Diane has been intentional in championing women while fostering a culture of equal representation and opportunity for all, redefining what leadership looks like in a historically male-dominated industry.
The 2025 Saluki Women’s Weekend will take place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3–4. The Women in Empowerment Conference is on Friday in the SIU Student Center Ballrooms. On Saturday, the Women’s Leadership Council Mentorship Brunch will be in the SIU Student Center, followed by the Saluki Women Tailgate Experience on Saluki Row. For a full schedule, visit siuf.org/salukiwomen.