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By Britni Bateman<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n CARBONDALE, Ill. \u2014 More than 275 attendees gathered Oct. 3\u20134 for the 4th Annual Saluki Women\u2019s Weekend, a free conference hosted by the SIU Foundation Women\u2019s Leadership Council (WLC). Each year, attendance has grown as the event continues to unite Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumnae, students, faculty, staff, and community leaders to connect, learn, and celebrate the power of women in leadership.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Women Leading Through Innovation<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The weekend began Friday morning with the Women in Empowerment Conference, sponsored by Midland States Bank, at the SIU Student Center Ballrooms. Attendees gathered for a networking breakfast and vendor fair sponsored by the SIU Alumni Association\u2019s Saluki Market, which featured local businesses, artisans, and organizations led by Saluki women.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n WLC Co-Chairs Gloria Tison and Mary Anderson opened the conference, welcoming guests and celebrating the growth of the Women\u2019s Leadership Council. Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation, followed with remarks highlighting the university\u2019s commitment to fostering women-driven philanthropy and leadership. SIU Chancellor Dr. Austin Lane and SIU System First Lady Laura Mahony also addressed the crowd, recognizing the vital role women play in advancing SIU\u2019s mission of innovation and inclusion.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Resilience and Leadership in Engineering<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The first panel discussion, <\/span>\u201cResilience & Leadership: Women Engineers Breaking Barriers and Amplifying Tomorrow\u2019s Voices,\u201d<\/span><\/i> brought together seven distinguished SIU alumnae who have excelled in engineering and technology fields often underrepresented by women.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Moderated by Nadia Lafontant, a senior computer science major and president of SIU\u2019s National Society of Black Engineers, the discussion featured:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Panelists shared stories of overcoming gender bias, leading global teams, and the importance of mentoring young women in STEM. Their stories underscored a shared message: that resilience, authenticity, and collaboration remain critical for women striving to lead in technical fields.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Inspiration Through Experience<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Breakout sessions offered attendees a chance to dive deeper into personal and professional growth. Britni Bateman, SIU Foundation chief marketing officer, led <\/span>\u201cYour Name is Your Brand: Owning Your Story, Shaping Your Future,\u201d<\/span><\/i> which helped participants articulate their professional identity and align their values with their work. Dr. Christian Gillespie presented <\/span>\u201cLeading with Purpose: Innovation that Honors Your Roots,\u201d<\/span><\/i> encouraging women to leverage their backgrounds and experiences to lead authentically. Sophia Westrich closed the session series with <\/span>\u201cHow to Build Influence Beyond Your Organization,\u201d<\/span><\/i> guiding women on expanding their impact and voice in broader professional circles.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The second panel, <\/span>\u201cPioneering Progress: Changemakers in Work and Society,\u201d<\/span><\/i> moderated by Amber Koteras, co-founder of the WLC Student RSO and first-year law student at American University, featured leaders driving systemic change:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Together, they explored how leadership rooted in empathy and social innovation can create inclusive workplaces and transform communities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Celebrating Women in Philanthropy and Mentorship<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Women in Philanthropy Luncheon, sponsored by Moneta and SIU Credit Union, celebrated the generosity, mentorship, and collaboration that define the mission of the SIU Foundation Women\u2019s Leadership Council (WLC).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Tami Hansbrough, WLC philanthropy chair, opened the luncheon with updates on the council\u2019s ongoing initiatives and their growing impact on campus. She highlighted how WLC members continue to create opportunities for Saluki women through scholarships, mentoring, and philanthropy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A highlight of the luncheon was the EmpowerHER Grant presentation, made possible through Legence Bank, which recognizes and funds women-led businesses that strengthen communities and inspire innovation across Southern Illinois. The 2024 recipients, Lynne Weeks and Chasity Mays, shared how their grants helped advance women\u2019s leadership and local empowerment efforts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Legence Bank then announced the 2025 EmpowerHER Grant recipients, honoring two outstanding women entrepreneurs:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These EmpowerHER recipients exemplify the innovation, education, and community engagement that continue to define Saluki Women\u2019s Weekend.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The luncheon also spotlighted the WLC Mentor Program, which connects students with accomplished women leaders to provide professional guidance and personal growth opportunities. Dr. Dawn Korte, mentorship chair, led a reflective conversation about the transformative power of mentorship before presenting this year\u2019s Mentee Scholarships to four outstanding students:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Each recipient represents the promise of the next generation of Saluki women \u2014 leaders, scholars, and changemakers who embody the WLC\u2019s mission to inspire, empower, and give back.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Honoring Women of Excellence\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The afternoon concluded with two major recognitions: the Saluki Women in Engineering Excellence Awards and the Women of the Year Awards, both celebrating Saluki women whose achievements embody the values of leadership, innovation, and service.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Saluki Women in Engineering Excellence Awards\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Presented by Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase, these awards honored Saluki engineers whose accomplishments continue to inspire women in STEM:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These women represent generations of Saluki engineers shaping industries, advancing technology, and mentoring future innovators.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Women of the Year Awards\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Presented by Midland States Bank, the 2025 honorees were:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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