Saluki Women's Weekend | SIU Foundation | SIU

Captain Erin Jackson is a 2002 graduate of the SIU Aviation Management and Flight Department. She served as a non-tenure track faculty member for SIU Aviation for six years while starting her family. She began her airline career in 2011 as a First Officer for PSA Airlines, a regional wholly-owned carrier under AAG. In 2018, she started working for American Airlines. Last summer, she upgraded to Captain on the Boeing 737 and is currently based out of Chicago O’Hare. Erin also serves as the communications director for a non-profit organization called The International Society of Women Airline Pilots. She lives in a suburb of Chicago with her husband, Rob Lustman, a United Airlines 737 Captain (also an SIU Aviation grad), their five children, and their dog, Jett.

Elizabeth Kepuraitis is the retired President of F&B MFG Co., a $30 million company based in Phoenix, Arizona. F&B is a premier manufacturer of high-precision aircraft engine sub-assemblies, serving the global aerospace industry, including clients such as Rolls Royce, GE Aircraft Engines, Pratt & Whitney, WSK Poland, and the U.S. Military. Kepuraitis also worked for Deloitte & Touche in Chicago. She was inducted into the SIU College of Business and Analytics (CoBA) Hall of Fame in 2008 and served on the CoBA Dean’s External Advisory Board for 15 years. Kepuraitis currently serves on various boards, including the SIU Foundation Women’s Leadership Council. She earned her BA in Accountancy from SIU.

Amy Rutledge is an Assistant Professor in the School of Aviation at Southern Illinois University. An experienced educator committed to cultivating the next generation of women aviation professionals, her journey in aviation began in the Marine Corps as an air traffic controller and on-the-job training instructor, where she developed a love for teaching. Amy earned her bachelor's degree in Aeronautics and a master's degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She believes that education has the power to create a positive generational impact on students. Motivated by her personal experiences, Amy is dedicated to supporting women in aviation higher education, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to succeed in this dynamic field. She volunteers as a mentor with the Women's Leadership Council under the SIU Foundation and serves as the advisor for the Women in Aviation student organization.

Bisola Saliu is a flight instructor with the School of Aviation at Southern Illinois University (SIU). She graduated in May 2024 with a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management and Flight and is currently pursuing her Master's in Aviation Management. Bisola is actively involved in several aviation organizations, including Women in Aviation, Sisters of the Skies, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, and Women in Corporate Aviation.

As an advocate for women in aviation, particularly women of color, Bisola is passionate about mentoring and empowering other female aviators to pursue their goals. She is also a proud mentee of the Women's Leadership Council, where she continues to grow as a leader in her field.

Julie Savage Penkava is a 2000 graduate of the Aviation Flight and Management program at SIUC. She lives in Cary, IL, with her husband Jamie and their four children: Matthew, Emily, Elizabeth, and Sophia. Currently, Julie is based out of Chicago O'Hare for United Airlines, serving as a Captain and Check Airman on the Boeing 737. During her time at SIU, Julie was part of the award-winning Flying Salukis and earned the title of Top Female Pilot in both the region and the nation. After graduation, Julie interned for both American and United Airlines and flew for several airlines before landing her dream job at United Airlines. Along the way, she has been fortunate to serve on the board of directors for EAA and Wings Over the Rockies Air Museum, and she has helped organize the annual SIU/United Aviation Career Day—a trip she attended at 14 years old, which inspired her in many ways. Julie credits the instructors, coaches, and alumni of SIU Aviation for helping her reach higher than she ever thought possible. She feels incredibly lucky to live her childhood dream and will never forget all the people who helped along the way.

Dr. Sheryl Ann Tucker joined Southern Illinois University (SIU) as Provost, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Professor of Chemistry in June 2023. As Chief Academic Officer, she is responsible for setting the overall academic priorities for the University and sees the role of the Provost’s Office as facilitating the success of SIU's students, faculty, staff and alums.

As a former National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellow, Dr. Tucker earned her doctorate in chemistry from the University of North Texas, followed by her postdoctoral studies in analytical chemistry at Duke University. As a molecular spectroscopist with interest in chemical separations, she has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles in journals including Science, and garnered significant funding from federal and foundation sources while mentoring 50 undergraduate and graduate student researchers, over 70% from underrepresented groups. With her long-held beliefs about the pivotal role education plays in society, Dr. Tucker is enthusiastic about developing students as people, scholars and professionals.

Prior to joining SIU, Dr. Tucker served as Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate College for the Oklahoma State University (OSU) System graduate campuses – main campus in Stillwater, OSU – Tulsa branch campus and the Center for Health Sciences; she also served as the OSU Interim Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer. Prior to joining OSU, Dr. Tucker was an NSF Program Director for the Graduate Research Fellowship Program, Graduate School Associate Dean and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Missouri – Columbia (MU).

For more than 15 years, Dr. Tucker was a noted leader in graduate education and was recently honored by the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools receiving the 2023 Award for Contributions to Graduate Education in the Southern Region. She also served as an elected member of the Council of Graduate Schools National Board of Directors.

During her professorial and administrative careers, Dr. Tucker has received numerous awards and honors, especially those related to inclusive excellence: White House Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, NSF Director’s Award for Collaborative Integration, Girl Scouts of the USA Quality Recognition Award for her “Magic of Chemistry” program, American Chemical Society Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences, Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Society Distinguished Lecturer, MU Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative Inclusive Excellence Award and MU Graduate Faculty Mentor Award. She also served on the Oklahoma EPSCoR Advisory Committee through appointment by the State Board of Regents.

She and her husband David Beech have a daughter, Tucker Airabella Beech, and two Sheltie dogs, Sunny Beech and Stormy Beech, and reside in Carterville, IL.

Dr. Susan Wegmann is the Executive Director of Extended Campus/SIUC Global Campus, overseeing SIU’s 20 sites nationwide and collaborating with SIU Academic Affairs to enhance online recruitment, course quality, and program development. With over 25 years of college-level teaching experience, she has instructed more than 4,500 students. Susan has held various roles in higher education, including tenured faculty, Dean of a College of Education, Director of Programs and Research at an international reading center, and Associate Dean of Digital Learning and Innovation. She has a peer-reviewed chapter on microcredentialing publishing soon, and AI usage and research have become her passion of late.

Gloria Tison works as General Counsel at Legence Bank.  She currently serves on numerous non-profit boards ranging in focus from young entrepreneurs, to education, healthcare, and survivors of domestic violence. She also speaks to groups about charitable giving through estate planning. 

Dr. Kelly Higgins graduated from SIU in 1996 and from the SIU School of Medicine in 2001. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Tennessee at Memphis in 2004 and has practiced Primary Care Outpatient Medicine in Memphis, Tennessee; Springfield, Illinois; and Carbondale. She has previously served as Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at the SIU School of Medicine in Carbondale and has been an Assistant Adjunct Instructor for the School of Medicine as well. She is currently employed at the SIU Student Health Service.

About Dr. Erhime Badejo:

My life's journey, despite its hurdles, stands as my greatest triumph. From humble beginnings as a nursing assistant, I surged through nursing and nurse practitioner schools. A leap of faith led me to become an emergency medicine physician with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, serving as an Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the SIU Family Medicine Residency Program and earning a master's degree from Harvard Extension School. With four degrees, I champion the empowerment of young minds, especially girls in STEM, fostering a legacy of resilience and personal transformation.

Tina Porter is the Founder and Owner of Inspire Hope Counseling Ministry Center, LLC, a Christian Faith-based Private Practice/Ministry as well as the Founder & President of The AP3 Hope Foundation, Inc. where Tina incorporates in affiliation with her private practice/ministry special charitable grief counseling programming, and immediate grief/crisis response, aid to assist with funeral and burial expenses as donated funds allow us to support parents who have lost a child or an adult child within the past 12 months as well as provide Annual AP3 Legacy Scholarships to student-athletes at Marion Highschool in Marion, IL.

Tina Porter is also an Ordained Pastor/Minister alongside her husband both serving as associate pastors and leaders at Purpose House Church, a church of more than 2,500 active members and has served and continues to serve about 10,400 or more through online live service streaming, through social media, and active ministries. Tina has served as a Pastor/Minister for more than 20 years in many capacities of ministry.

Tina Porter earned a Master of Arts Degree in Human Services Counseling: Crisis Response & Trauma from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. Tina completed Regional & National Clinical Certification Training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) & Trauma-focused therapies. Tina has completed extensive clinical training in Grief, Trauma, and Mental Health Counseling. Tina is a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) having worked in the mental health field for 28 years. Tina integrates psychological therapy and the Christian Faith serving as a Christian Counselor/Therapist,  Minister, Pastoral Counselor, and Spiritual Leader providing pastoral counseling and mental health care counseling at her church, for the church as a whole throughout the region, for professionals, ministers, church leaders, pastors, and the community, providing individual, marital/couples, family and group counseling.

Tina serves medical professionals, first responders, firefighters, police, state troopers, emergency medical technicians, etc. who typically deal with secondary and vicarious trauma. Tina is a sought-after speaker who speaks on grief, trauma, mental health, self-care, wellness, and balancing mind, body, and spirit. Tina Porter has recently written and published her first book, “Pain to Purpose: Counselor & Mom Finds Hope and Purpose, The “Big 3” Revealed.”

Tina has supervised and overseen trauma, crisis, and grief-based programs at various agencies. Tina has served in administrative and organizational management positions at human services and behavioral health organizations.  Tina Porter has worked as a mental health counselor, grief & trauma-focused psychotherapist for various clinical mental health, healthcare agencies, and a Christian mental health clinical group private practice throughout her career.

A Hospice Agency previously employed Tina as a Hospice Medical Social Worker/Grief Counselor & Bereavement Coordinator, where she worked closely with Chaplains and Medical Professionals for 7 years. It was there that Tina discovered her passion for helping the grieving and the traumatized, which expanded her desire to serve the grief-stricken, those in crisis, and trauma survivors in various roles at other organizations. This passion led Tina to further her education, obtaining a specialized Master’s Degree in Crisis Response & Trauma Counseling, with hopes and dreams of one day establishing a faith-based trauma, crisis, and grief counseling center.

That dream became a reality on May 1, 2022, with the establishment of Inspire Hope Counseling Ministry Center, LLC, serving many people in the Southern Illinois Region and virtually across the nation. The center was established 3½ years after the tragic loss of Tina Porter’s son in 2018, which inspired and motivated her. Additionally, Tina responded to local parents who also lost a child in 2021 through the charitable service program of the AP3 Hope Foundation, Inc., established in 2019 in honor and memory of her son, Aaron Joseph Porter Jr. “AP3”.

Tina Porter’s mantra is “Inspiring Hope” to one person at a time on their life journey as an Agent of Hope & Change.

About Audrey Gulley:

I am a senior at SIU studying psychology with minors in pre-law and paralegal studies. After I receive my bachelor's degree, I plan to attend law school here at SIU. I am dedicated to the betterment of the world around me and aim to help others do the same.

I am involved in several organizations on campus, including serving as a student board member of the Women's Leadership Council, the Vice President of the student branch of the Women's Leadership Council, and the Executive Vice President of the Undergraduate Student Government.

Amber Koteras is a Pre-Law student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, majoring in Psychology with minors in Legal Studies, Social Justice, and Public & Nonprofit Administration. Her academic journey is fueled by a deep commitment to promoting holistic well-being in both personal and community contexts. Amber will graduate from SIU in December and plans to pursue her JD in the Fall of 2025.

During her time at SIU, Amber has been actively involved in several campus organizations, including the Emerging Salukis, Student Alumni Council, and Women's Civic Institute. Currently, she serves on the Women's Leadership Council Board and is the founding president of the Student Women's Leadership Council. Amber is a volunteer with Partners in Reading and has supported Gumdrops in Carterville since her freshman year. Additionally, she acts as an ambassador for Robbie's Hope, an organization dedicated to suicide prevention. Amber strives to empower other women and help them become the best version of themselves.

Pam is a Metropolis native who earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from SIU Carbondale in 1967. She then earned a master’s degree in mathematics at Vanderbilt University. Pam Pfeffer began serving on the SIU Foundation Board in 1995 and has served two terms as board president. She is an emeritus member of the SIU Foundation Board and a recipient of SIU's highest honors: the Distinguished Service Award and an honorary degree. She is also a board member and mentor with the SIU Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Council.

Andrea Aggertt grew up on a family farm near Effingham, Illinois. She received her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Upon graduation, she went to work for a Midwest-based architecture-engineering firm in Bloomington, Illinois, where she led multi-million-dollar projects in various sectors throughout the Midwest. In 2019, Andrea accepted the position of Architect of the Illinois State Capitol. She is tasked with developing and executing a long-range plan for the complex to oversee repair, rehabilitation, construction, and renovation projects. Mrs. Aggertt is currently overseeing the largest renovation to the Illinois statehouse to date.

Andrea lives in Springfield with her husband, 13-year-old son, and 6-year-old daughter. She enjoys playing golf, working on puzzles, reading, watching her kids play sports, and being engaged in the community in her spare time.

She is active in the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects, is the Standards Advisor for the Lambda Rho Chapter of Delta Zeta in Normal, Illinois, the President of her subdivision HOA and a member of the Architectural Control Committee, oversees the Long Bridge Golf Course Ladies League, sits on the 3rd Street Rail Corridor Redevelopment Committee, and volunteers at her kids’ schools.

Dr. Deborah Barnett proudly serves as the first Executive Director for SI Now, a regional economic development organization serving the 17 southernmost counties in Illinois, including 16 within Illinois' Delta Regional Authority footprint.

Dr. Barnett earned both her doctoral and master's degrees in Workforce Development from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and holds a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Prior to joining SI Now, Dr. Barnett served for 14 years at SIU Carbondale in student affairs, academic affairs, and as the director of business incubator programs at SIU’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, where she grew the incubator to capacity with a waitlist for the first time in its 30-year history. In addition to her work in higher education, she has ten years of experience as a small business owner and has held roles in workforce training, elementary education, and ministry-related service.

Dr. Barnett is a graduate of DRA's 2020 Delta Leadership Institute class and furthered her delta leadership training in June 2022 through the Authentic Leadership executive education program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. It was there that she discovered her True North, which led to her work at Southern Illinois Now.

Dr. Barnett has served on a number of teams to advance economic development and regional growth initiatives. As a lifelong resident of southern Illinois, she is passionate about contributing to collaborative efforts to advance the region she serves.

Toni Perkins, CPA, earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from SIU Carbondale and then went on to obtain her master’s degree in business administration/accounting from the University of Phoenix. Toni has been a licensed CPA for 12 years.

After spending 5 years in public accounting, Toni found a home in the banking industry. Toni is a seasoned financial professional with a wealth of experience spanning various sectors. Since 2007, Toni has been a Business Banking Relationship Manager at US Bank, leveraging her extensive expertise to foster strong client relationships and drive business growth. Along the way, Toni spent 6 years contributing to the academic community as a term faculty member at John A. Logan College, sharing her knowledge and mentoring future professionals.

Toni has a passion for serving her community, especially in areas that benefit the youth of our region. She is the current vice-chair for the Marion Chamber of Commerce, treasurer for the Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation, newly appointed treasurer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Illinois, and serves with the youth ministry at Cornerstone Church in Marion, IL.

Emma Teague, MS-HRD, PHR, is the Senior Human Resources Manager - Talent Management at Piper Aircraft, Inc. She holds an M.S. in Human Resources Development from Villanova University and a B.A. in Human Resources Management from Trinity International University. She also holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification through the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).

Emma serves as the Piper Aircraft Liaison and HR connection with various universities and colleges, both internationally and nationally, including Universiti Brunei Darussalam in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei's capital, Southern Illinois University, Purdue University, and the University of North Dakota.

She is a member of the Treasure Coast Human Resource Association and serves as a Board Member of the Indian River County United Against Poverty Community Advisory Board. Emma is also the recipient of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce's 2020 Leadership Indian River County Award.

At Piper, Emma performs a variety of HR duties, including overseeing administration, coordination, and delivery of HR services. She works to develop an employee-centric culture that emphasizes quality, continuous improvement, high performance, and engagement. Additionally, she serves as a liaison between employees and the company, providing feedback and recommendations to continuously improve HR programs.

Emma develops, initiates, and maintains workforce retention, career progression, and succession planning initiatives. She manages the maintenance and execution of performance management programs and policy platforms, including job descriptions, performance standards, and evaluation instruments.

She designs leadership training programs, builds succession plans, and creates internal growth processes. She oversees leadership visibility, communications, and rewards and recognition programs. Emma is instrumental in defining tools and resources for recruitment, benefits administration, training and development, leadership development, employee relations, engagement, coaching, and educational skills development. She is also well-versed in labor relations, compensation administration, HRIS/HRMS systems, FLSA, EEO/AAP, FMLA, ADA, OSHA, and federal and state laws.

On a personal level, Emma is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and serves as a certified life coach, dedicated to inspiring and educating individuals both personally and professionally through life skills, educational goals, and job readiness programs.

As a retired Executive HR Advisor for SAP, Dawn Korte works directly with senior leadership teams to facilitate organizational transformation through people, processes, and technology. With over 25 years of expertise in operations, finance, and human resources across numerous industries, she has partnered in the design and implementation of several enterprise-wide talent and performance management programs, leadership development systems, HR technology, learning and development curricula, and culture initiatives. Dawn also served as faculty for 25 years at the university level, most notably as an Assistant Adjunct Professor at Saint Louis University in the College of Public Health and Social Justice.

Dawn serves as Co-Chair and mentor for the SIU Women in Leadership Council. She received a PhD from Saint Louis University, an MBA from Lindenwood University, and a BS from Southern Illinois University.

Mary Anderson, CEO of The Rachael Academy of Education, holds a Master's in Social Work (MSW) and is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). She graduated from Southern Illinois University (SIU) with a master’s degree in social work and a minor in psychology. With approximately 6-7 years of experience in the field, Mary has focused her professional efforts on mental health and working with children and young adults. Her primary goal is to help those in need and support local communities.

In addition to her role at The Rachael Academy, Mary serves as a board member and mentor for the SIU Women in Leadership Council.

Carla Childs is a staunch advocate for female empowerment and upholding women to a higher standard. Recently, her focus has shifted towards promoting etiquette as a foundational aspect of one's lifestyle, emphasizing the intricacies and nuances of proper etiquette. She firmly believes that the principles of etiquette should be accessible to all women, regardless of their background or ethnicity. Carla asserts that every woman should have the opportunity to learn and embody the qualities of a lady, as etiquette is a universal tool that transcends barriers and empowers women to navigate social interactions with grace and poise. She owns and operates Naomi Ariel Catering, located in Carbondale.

Carla earned her bachelor's degree in Sociology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2013 and completed her master's in Education in 2015. She resides in Carbondale and is the mother of six children.

Lakeisha Purchase, the trailblazing Alderwoman for Springfield's Ward 5, holds the distinction of being the first woman to secure this esteemed position. With a resolute dedication to fostering positive change, she has left an indelible mark not only in the realm of government but also in private sector housing rehabilitation and historic preservation efforts. Lakeisha's unwavering commitment to community and public service has solidified her reputation as a transformative leader.

Raised in the industrious town of Maywood, Illinois, Lakeisha draws inspiration from her hardworking parents. Her father, a letter carrier and President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 1870, and her mother, a stalwart advocate in the medical field, instilled in her the values of diligence and compassion from an early age.

Breaking barriers as the first in her family to pursue higher education, Lakeisha earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Communications from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. During her tenure at the university, she distinguished herself as a Paul Simon Institute Ambassador, showcasing her aptitude for leadership and civic engagement. Lakeisha further honed her skills through hands-on legislative experience gained during internships at the District Office of Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford and in Springfield, where she completed the prestigious Vince Demuzio internship program.

Lakeisha's trajectory in public service soared as she was elected Springfield Capital Township Trustee, marking the end of a four-decade-long absence of Democrats in the role. Her electoral triumphs in both 2017 and 2021, as the top vote-getter, underscore her unwavering dedication to constituent outreach, community engagement, and public service.

Beyond her legislative duties, Lakeisha excels as a Contract Lobbyist for her consulting firm and as the Owner and Proprietor of a residential real estate development and management company. Her extensive involvement extends to numerous boards and commissions, including positions with the Enos Park, Vinegar Hill, and Lincoln Park Neighborhood Associations, the Oak Ridge Cemetery Foundation, Compass for Kids, Medics First, Springfield Jaycees, Faith Coalition for the Common Good, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Citizens Club of Springfield Board of Directors.

Outside the realm of politics, Lakeisha indulges her passion for interior design and hands-on DIY projects, preserving the historic charm of her home with meticulous care. Her adventurous spirit finds expression in exploring new locales and savoring diverse culinary experiences. Complementing her active lifestyle with regular exercise, Lakeisha cherishes moments spent with her beloved feline companion, Tiger.

Lakeisha Purchase epitomizes the essence of leadership and service, leaving an enduring legacy of empowerment and progress in her wake.

Melissa Hahn is a former award-winning journalist and current award-winning PR and marketing official with state government. She worked for 12 different media outlets, including one statewide radio network, and her stories were heard or seen on several national radio and television networks. She has served as a communications expert in six state government offices, and one statewide trade association.