Saluki Women's Weekend | SIU Foundation | SIU

Register for the 5th Annual Saluki Women's Weekend:

Become a sponsor of Saluki Women’s Weekend and help inspire the next generation of Saluki leaders. Your support creates opportunities for women to connect, grow and lead while making a lasting impact on students and alumni.

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2026 Saluki Women's Weekend 

Celebrating 5 Years of Impact – Cultivate. Connect. Lead.

This year, we are proud to celebrate Women in Agriculture in recognition of the “International Year of the Woman Farmer.”

Location: Tedrick Welcome Center

Dates and Agenda

Thursday, September 10

Women’s Leadership Council Welcome Reception at Hangar 9 
Engage • Reflect • Reconnect

• "Cowgirl Chic" theme—honoring the strength, resilience, and trailblazing spirit of women in agriculture and beyond
• Networking, refreshments, and photo opportunities
• Interactive line dancing experience with special guest Cowboy Kyle of Urban Cowboy Line Dancing Nashville

Friday, September 11

Women’s Empowerment Conference

• Keynote speakers and interactive panel discussions
• Women of Excellence in Agriculture Awards
• Leadership and professional development sessions

Farm-to-Table Philanthropy & Saluki Woman of the Year Awards Luncheon

• EmpowerHer Grant and Mentee Scholarship announcements
• Saluki Woman of the Year Awards celebration

• Connect with alumni, students, and community leaders as we celebrate five years of impact

Saturday, September 12

Women’s Leadership Council Board Meeting (Invite Only)

Mentorship Brunch

• Intentional conversations connecting students, alumni, and community leaders through mentorship and leadership development

Meet the Speakers: (TBA)

Thank You to Our Sponsors

The Saluki Women’s Weekend would not be possible without the incredible support of our generous sponsors. Their commitment to empowering women and advancing leadership opportunities across generations is helping shape a stronger, more connected Saluki community.

Premier Sponsors

Moneta

SIU Credit Union

Gold Sponsor

River Radio

Silver Sponsor

TJ's Fine Jewelry and Repair

Maroon Sponsors

Midland States Bank

Alderwoman Lakeisha Purchase

Welcome Reception Sponsors

Melissa Hahn

Midland States Bank

Mentorship Brunch Sponsors

Southern Illinois Healthcare

Dawn Korte, PhD

EmpowerHER Grant and the Women's Leadership Council (WLC) Mentee Scholarships Sponsor

Legence Bank

Community Partner Sponsor

St. Nicholas Brewing Company

In-Kind Sponsors

Hangar 9

WSIU Public Broadcasting

Thanks to your generosity, Saluki Women’s Weekend remains accessible, impactful, and inspiring.