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REGISTER HERE<\/a><\/p>\n The SIU Foundation Women\u2019s Leadership Council will host the 4th Annual Saluki Women\u2019s Weekend on Oct. 3\u20134, celebrating the strength, leadership and innovation of Saluki women through networking, mentorship, panels, breakout sessions and special recognitions.<\/p>\n The centerpiece of the weekend is the Women in Empowerment Conference on Friday, Oct. 3, at the SIU Student Center Ballrooms. Sponsored by Midland States Bank, the conference begins with breakfast and networking, followed by breakout sessions and panels featuring alumnae leaders in engineering, business and social innovation. A vendor fair will also be held throughout the morning. The Women in Philanthropy Luncheon and Saluki Women\u2019s Awards will take place in the afternoon.<\/p>\n Friday evening concludes with the Saluki Women Networking Social at Becker Pavilion, which will include the Saluki Sisterhood Walk around Campus Lake.<\/p>\n Saturday highlights include the Women in Leadership Mentorship Breakfast at the Student Center and the Saluki Women\u2019s Tailgate Experience at Saluki Row.<\/p>\n The Women\u2019s Leadership Council Mentor Program is a cornerstone of the weekend. Its vision is to connect students with successful women mentors to align classroom learning with real-life experiences, develop leadership skills, expand professional networks and explore career pathways after college. The program\u2019s goals include:<\/p>\n \u201cWomen are amazing, women are innovative, and women are passionate,\u201d said Sherrica Hunt, assistant vice chancellor for development and alumni relations, anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion, and corporate partnerships at the SIU Foundation.<\/p>\n Melissa Hahn, a Women\u2019s Leadership Council board member, said she has enjoyed watching connections form between students, recent graduates and experienced alumnae. \u201cIt has been so neat seeing some of the students and recent graduates connect with the more seasoned alumni,\u201d Hahn said.<\/p>\n\n