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For Gloria Tison, general counsel for Legence Bank and a member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, Women\u2019s History Month is more than a celebration\u2014it\u2019s a call to action.<\/p>\nFor Gloria Tison, general counsel for Legence Bank and a member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, Women\u2019s History Month is more than a celebration\u2014it\u2019s a call to action.<\/p>\n
Tison, who also serves as co-chair of the SIU Foundation Women\u2019s 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\u2014and how far it still must go.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I started as an attorney, women in my office weren\u2019t allowed to wear pants,\u201d she said. \u201cThe first job I was offered came with an unusual request\u2014they 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tison recalls being routinely referred to as \u201cthe woman attorney\u201d or \u201cthe blonde one\u201d\u2014a label she shared with another female colleague.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one would call and ask for \u2018the brunette male attorney,\u2019\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges, Tison credits trailblazing women before her for helping to carve the path she followed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt takes confidence, perseverance, and determination,\u201d she said. \u201cWithout those who paved the way, we would not have the opportunities we have today.\u201d<\/p>\n
At SIU, Tison channels her passion into the Women\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese grants do more than provide financial support\u2014they send a powerful message: We believe in you,\u201d Tison said. \u201cThat belief can be life changing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tison sees the council\u2019s work as a modern-day answer to the \u201cboys\u2019 clubs\u201d that have historically excluded women from professional growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWLC recognizes the power of women supporting women,\u201d she said. \u201cThrough mentorship and networking, we create a space where women are empowered to lead.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWomen\u2019s History Month reminds us of the unique strengths women bring to the world and inspires us to keep pushing forward,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen we invest in our students, we invest in our future. Now, it\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information about the Women\u2019s Leadership Council, visit siuf.org\/wlc<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" For Gloria Tison, general counsel for Legence Bank and a member of the SIU Foundation Board of Directors, Women\u2019s History Month is more than a celebration\u2014it\u2019s a call to action. Tison, who also serves as co-chair of the SIU Foundation Women\u2019s Leadership Council (WLC), has built a career marked by resilience, advocacy, and a deep … Continue reading Tison champions women\u2019s empowerment through leadership and legacy<\/span>