{"id":3364,"date":"2023-10-13T01:52:09","date_gmt":"2023-10-13T01:52:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/?p=3364"},"modified":"2023-10-13T02:33:04","modified_gmt":"2023-10-13T02:33:04","slug":"saluki-womens-weekend-empowering-today-inspiring-tomorrow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/?p=3364","title":{"rendered":"Saluki Women\u2019s Weekend: Empowering Today, Inspiring Tomorrow"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rDOVKQ_Loz8?si=MxLnj3C0RsE0CdOF\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><strong>By Jeff Wilson<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The second annual Saluki Women\u2019s Weekend provided a forum for women to celebrate sisterhood and find empowerment through philanthropy. More than 100 women took part of the events hosted between Wednesday, Oct. 4, and Saturday, Oct. 7.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-large wp-image-3367\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sherrica-hunt-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"474\" height=\"316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sherrica-hunt-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sherrica-hunt-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sherrica-hunt-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sherrica-hunt-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/sherrica-hunt.jpeg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>\u201cYour resources, time, and talent \u2013 all of those things really come together to make an impact at SIU,\u201d said Sherrica Hunt, assistant vice chancellor for anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, to dozens of women on Friday, Oct. 6, at Student Center Ballrooms.<\/p>\n<p>Chancellor Austin Lane started the event by touting SIU\u2019s enrollment numbers, pointing out a rare twist.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3369\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3164-copy.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3164-copy.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3164-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3164-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3164-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3164-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>\u201cFifty-two percent of our students are female. I have never worked at an institution with more female students than male students,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen people tell you that women are running things, they\u2019re right.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Saluki Women\u2019s Weekend was presented by Compardo, Wienstroer, Conrad &amp; Janes at Moneta Group and the SIU Credit Union. It featured breakouts sessions, sponsored by SIH; a networking breakfast, sponsored by Legence Bank; and a mentorship brunch, sponsored by Dawn Korte, Ph.D. There was also a Saluki Women Vendors Fair, featuring 20 local artisans and female entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n<p>Three women were honored during Friday\u2019s event:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Woman of the Year<\/strong> \u2013 Shari Rhode, who was a member of the SIU School of Law\u2019s inaugural class and has more than 50 years of experience as an attorney.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trailblazer Award<\/strong> \u2013 Lynn Lindberg, who was honored for her efforts as executive director of the SIU Research Park, forging pathways for women at the university and in the community.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Emerging Leader<\/strong> \u2013 Lauren Lurkins, who operates Lurkins Strategies, LLC, which affects environmental policy and supports academic research projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3370\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3869-copy.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3869-copy.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3869-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3869-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3869-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3869-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m sure there was someone more deserving, but I appreciate the fact that you found that I was,\u201d Rhode said. \u201cPay it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Friday was filled with educational and inspirational presentations from women who have led the way, as leaders in higher education, philanthropy, and service.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-3371 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3243-copy-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"474\" height=\"316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3243-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3243-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3243-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3243-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3243-copy.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" \/>\u201cToday is about shaping our future,\u201d said Diane Compardo, president of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors. \u201cWomen in leadership isn\u2019t a trend, but a transformative force.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Compardo shared many of the initiatives the SIU Foundation has been involved with recently, including raising funds for Saluki Cares during the COVID-19 pandemic; a $1 million grant to accelerate the fermentation science program at McLafferty Annex; support for the Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars program; faculty grants for podcasting, robotics, and more; the new entrance sign at Touch of Nature Environmental Center; and the planned Welcome Center to be built on campus.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSouthern embraced me and allowed me to grow at a pivotal moment in my life,\u201d she said. \u201cI invite everyone to make a lasting impact on the university.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3372\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3262-copy.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3262-copy.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3262-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3262-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3262-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3262-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Dr. Sheryl Tucker, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, gave the keynote address. Tucker, who has three sisters, expressed how the bond of sisterhood stretches beyond family.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnyone who has ever been a mentor knows you get more out of it than the mentee,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s women empowering women. You should want your inspiration to lead to impact.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Tucker established the mantra, \u201cLink, learn, lead to leave a legacy,\u201d as a way to empower female students.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wanted my legacy to be about the people. I want other young girls to understand what a college education can look like,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>She also pointed out that events such as the Saluki Women\u2019s Weekend are the model for engaging with young women to ensure they can clearly see their potential.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe only way to effect change is to have a seat at the table. You have a seat at the table here today,\u201d she said. \u201cBe part of the conversation. Have input. You have to be willing to participate.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>It was a sentiment that was echoed throughout the weekend, including during a video message from Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLearn, inspire, and encourage one another,\u201d she said. \u201cOur potential is limitless as long as we keep working together.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-large wp-image-3373\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3614-copy-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"474\" height=\"316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3614-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3614-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3614-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3614-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3614-copy.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Tami Kupec, who has more than 15 years of fundraising experience, spoke during the Women\u2019s Philanthropy Luncheon, focusing on the value and impact of women in philanthropy. Most recently, Kupec was executive director of development with Watoto Child Care Ministries in Uganda. During her trips to the African nation, Watoto worked to build an educational building and mentor the women and children in the village.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI wanted to experience a deeper level of contribution,\u201d she said. \u201cI fell in love with the women and children of the village and the holistic work that Watoto was doing to raise the future leaders of Uganda.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-3374\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3566-copy-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"474\" height=\"316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3566-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3566-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3566-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3566-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3566-copy.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Kupec was introduced by Stellah Nakiranda, a young lady whom she met and mentored through her work in Uganda and who recently enrolled at SIU.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNever in a million years did I think I\u2019d be in the U.S. on this stage speaking in front of you wonderful women,\u201d Nakiranda said. \u201cI have known Tami for 10 years. She\u2019s challenged me to have my own dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Kupec defined the six Ts of philanthropy \u2013 time, talent, treasures, ties, testimony, and trust \u2013 explaining that giving in any way makes a major impact on the lives of others.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3375\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3596-copy.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3596-copy.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3596-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3596-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3596-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3596-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>\u201cRight here at SIU, there\u2019s an incredible opportunity with the Women\u2019s Leadership Council,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are encouraging women to reach their full potential and walking alongside young women, giving them a hand up. It is a circle of women passionately focused on the needs of young women.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>An inspiring event<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-large wp-image-3376\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_2887-copy-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"474\" height=\"316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_2887-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_2887-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_2887-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_2887-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_2887-copy.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Saluki Women\u2019s Weekend began Wednesday, Oct. 4, with Jill Wine-Banks presenting the Hiram H. Lesar Distinguished Lecture at the SIU School of Law. During her presentation, \u201cBreaking Barriers for Equality, But Still Dancing Backwards in High Heels: How Women\u2019s Success Benefits All,\u201d she discussed her pioneering career, which included working as the only female prosecutor during the Watergate trial, and the issues still facing women today.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-large wp-image-3377\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3026-copy-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"474\" height=\"316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3026-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3026-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3026-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3026-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3026-copy.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On the evening of Thursday, Oct. 5, the Women\u2019s Leadership Council Board of Directors hosted a wine and cheese reception at the McLafferty Annex, which included a presentation by Susan Lighty and Marta Albiol Tapia detailing diversity initiatives in the Fermentation Science Institute.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3378\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3948-copy.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3948-copy.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3948-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3948-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3948-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3948-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Mentors and mentees gathered on Saturday, Oct. 7, for a Mentorship Brunch, and the Women\u2019s Leadership Council Board held an official meeting later that day.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3380\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3064-copy.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3064-copy.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3064-copy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3064-copy-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3064-copy-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/IMG_3064-copy-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe future is in our hands,\u201d said Dr. Dawn Korte, co-chair of the Women\u2019s Leadership Council and member of SIU Foundation Board of Directors. \u201cIt\u2019s that empowerment that we can all share that resides deep within us.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Supporting sponsors of the event were Walmart Carbondale Supercenter #196, Walmart Anna Supercenter #233, Holiday Inn Carbondale, First-Mid Bank, and Dr. Kelly Higgins.<\/p>\n<p>For more information about the Women\u2019s Leadership Council, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/siuf.org\/wlc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">siuf.org\/wlc<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Jeff Wilson The second annual Saluki Women\u2019s Weekend provided a forum for women to celebrate sisterhood and find empowerment through philanthropy. More than 100 women took part of the events hosted between Wednesday, Oct. 4, and Saturday, Oct. 7. \u201cYour resources, time, and talent \u2013 all of those things really come together to make &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/?p=3364\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Saluki Women\u2019s Weekend: Empowering Today, Inspiring Tomorrow<\/span> <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4,11,2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3364","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-higher-education","category-illinois-higher-education","category-philanthropic-women","category-siu"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3364","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3364"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3364\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3381,"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3364\/revisions\/3381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3364"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3364"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}