Saluki Women's Weekend | SIU Foundation | SIU

Dr. Chanty R. Clay: Managing Director, Wells Fargo 

Dr. Chanty R. Clay is a dynamic and purposeful executive with a distinguished career in financial services, human resources, and strategic consulting. With over two decades of leadership experience spanning corporate, nonprofit, and military sectors, she specializes in driving organizational transformation, talent development, and business growth.

As a Managing Director at Wells Fargo, Dr. Clay has led the development of strategic frameworks that have significantly enhanced client engagement, resulting in billions of dollars in increased assets and improved customer experience. She has been instrumental in shaping retention programs, leading enterprise-wide philanthropic initiatives, and advising on key risk and policy strategies that have strengthened the company's market position.

Her leadership in human capital strategy and organizational development has enabled businesses to attract, retain, and develop top-tier talent while aligning workforce initiatives with corporate objectives. A former senior HR executive and talent strategist, she has successfully implemented performance calibration models, enterprise-wide onboarding programs, and industry-leading consulting frameworks that have driven measurable business results.

Dr. Clay’s military background in the United States Air Force further enhances her expertise in leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and strategic planning. As a published author and a recognized industry thought leader, she continues to influence best practices in corporate leadership, employee engagement, and community impact.

Honored with multiple awards, including the Sister in Service Champion for Women Veterans Award, she is a committed mentor and advocate for diversity in leadership. She actively contributes to initiatives that support women in wealth, veterans in corporate leadership, and community-driven philanthropy.

Dr. Clay holds a Ph.D. in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University and has been featured in U.S. Veterans Magazine as a Women Corporate Female Leader. With a proven record of delivering high-impact strategies, she remains a transformative force in corporate leadership, strategic consulting, and human capital innovation.

Jamie Hunsaker-Gibbs: Section Manager of Human Resources, AISIN Electronics Illinois 

Growing up in the small town of Hurst-Bush, Jamie Hunsaker-Gibbs was resolute in her aspiration to attend college and pursue a degree. After completing high school, she enrolled at John A. Logan College, where she earned her associate degree while also obtaining her cosmetology license, graduating with honors in 2003. Early in her career, Jamie recognized her desire for further education and subsequently enrolled at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. With a strong determination to earn her degree in Workforce Education, Training, and Development, with an emphasis on Human Resources, she balanced her studies with full-time work as a cosmetologist at a local salon. On some days, Jamie attended classes from 8 AM to 4 PM and quickly transitioned into professional attire for work by changing in the Salukis campus bathrooms, a routine she maintained for two years until her graduation in 2009. Although this endeavor made her somewhat fatigued, she persevered, driven by her ultimate goal of graduating with her degree. She recognized that this challenging condition was merely temporary and that the eventual outcome would be worth the effort. Additionally, during her time at SIUC, she participated in the Disney College Program, serving as a Fairy Godmother in Training at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in 2007.

Upon graduating, Jamie continued her work at the local salon until she secured a position as a recruiter for a nationwide staffing agency. Her exceptional performance as a top recruiter earned her numerous awards. Committed to giving back to her community, Jamie focused on staffing local companies and was offered a Human Resources position at AISIN Electronics Illinois in 2012. Once again, she excelled in her role, successfully implementing several initiatives at the corporate level. By 2015, she was promoted to Assistant Manager of Human Resources, where she led a team of three HR representatives and one HR clerk. In 2023, Jamie ascended to the role of Section Manager of Human Resources, where she continued to mentor and motivate her team, fostering an environment conducive to growth and achievement. Additionally, she took on responsibilities in safety and translation. In addition to her job responsibilities, Jamie was a 2023 Nominee for the Young Leadership Award held by the Marion Chamber of Commerce.  She was also a recipient of the 2024 Torch Award for Ethics through the Better Business Bureau.

Although Jamie's journey may appear straightforward, it was marked by numerous challenges and valuable learning experiences. Her primary goal is to ensure her team's successful development, empowering them to become future leaders. She achieves this by establishing clear direction, promoting collaboration, and nurturing a positive and trusting work environment. Jamie firmly believes that leaders must exemplify positivity, engage in open and honest communication, and actively listen to their team members, as they often have valuable insights for improvement. She asserts, “If my team isn’t growing, then I am not fulfilling my role as a leader. My success is intrinsically linked to the success of my team, and I owe my achievements to their efforts.”

Outside of her professional life, Jamie cherishes time spent with her husband and three children. Their family activities include paranormal hunting, cruising in their Bronco, exploring small-town restaurants, and camping, though their primary focus is quality family time. Jamie has also contributed a story to one of Troy Taylor’s *Morbid Curious* books (issue #7). Friends describe her as a “go-getter,” someone who eagerly embraces new challenges and curates an impressive bucket list. As Jamie puts it, “Don’t tell me I can’t do something; I will find a way to make it happen.” Her creative ideas and innovative mindset add to her vibrant personality.

In the words of Jamie, “Do not allow the negative mindset of others to deter you from your true success. Sometimes, you must act as your own mentor to achieve your goals. Ultimately, you have one life to live, so live it on your terms and leave a positive legacy for others to remember you by. They may forget the clothes you wore, the occasional bad day you had, or even the unpopular decisions you made, but they will always remember how you treated them and the genuine personality you exhibited.” Let your light shine by being a great leader and inspiring others. 

Kara Wright: Managing Director, Envisioning Equity

Kara Wright is the Founder and Managing Director of Envisioning Equity, a global boutique consulting firm. With over 25 years of experience, she has advised a wide range of organizations—including American Express, Abbott Laboratories, Builders Vision, American Heart Association-National Office, and a host of other companies, foundations, nonprofits, and higher education institutions—guiding them through complex transitions and helping to embed equity-centered strategies through a lens of care.

Kara is also an active multifamily real estate investor, bringing the same equity-centered approach to capital raising and portfolio development, creating win-win opportunities that generate lasting value for both investors and communities.

A committed civic leader, Kara most recently served on the national board of 826 National, the country’s largest youth writing network, as well as its Chicago chapter, 826CHI. She also lends her time and expertise to several organizations focused on gender equity and entrepreneurship.

She lives in Chicago with her family, where she balances her work with a love for travel, community and a passion for finding as many outdoor activities as she can. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and a Master of Arts in Communication from DePaul University, and studied Spanish in Tepotzlán, Mexico.

Whether in boardrooms, neighborhoods, or investor rooms, Kara remains grounded in a simple but powerful belief: that alignment, access, and accountability are the foundations of enduring impact.

Britni Bateman: Your Name is Your Brand: Owning Your Story, Shaping Your Future

Britni Bateman serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations and Chief Marketing Officer for the SIU Foundation, where she leads strategic communications and marketing efforts that spotlight the transformative power of education and philanthropy. A proud 2010 alumna of SIU’s communication design program, Britni is passionate about storytelling that inspires action and builds meaningful connections.

Before stepping into her leadership role at SIU, Britni spent over a decade as a branding consultant, helping individuals and businesses develop authentic, values-based brands. Through one-on-one coaching and creative strategy, she guided clients in aligning their personal and professional identities with their goals.

Britni believes that owning your story is the first step to shaping your future. She is a strong advocate for personal branding and will present “Your Name is Your Brand: Owning Your Story, Shaping Your Future” during the 4th annual Saluki Women’s Weekend—a breakout session designed to help attendees define who they are and lead with intention.

She lives in Marion, Illinois, with her husband, William, and their three dogs.

Dr. Christian Gillespie: Leading with Purpose: Innovation that Honors Your Roots

Dr. Christian Hope Gillespie is a powerful voice in mental health, faith, culture, and leadership. A licensed Clinical Psychologist and proud double alumna of SIUC, Dr. Gillespie earned both her Master’s and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. Her groundbreaking dissertation explored the lived experiences of Black women, using their personal narratives about their hair as a creative lens to examine body image, cultural identity, self-concept, and the effects of prejudice and discrimination. It was a bold move that reflected a lifelong commitment to elevating voices too often muted and finding beauty, truth, and healing in the overlooked.

With PSYPACT certification, Dr. Gillespie provides virtual therapy across 42 states, expanding access to culturally competent care for underserved and underrepresented communities. In 2020, she founded Hope and Harmony Wellness Group, PLLC, a thriving private practice rooted in equity, faith, and the celebration of identity. Her clinical specialties include trauma, anxiety, depression, racial identity, grief, Christian counseling, healthy relationships, boundaries, and holistic empowerment.

In 2024, she launched The Love is Grace Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to mental health services for low-income and underserved populations. She is also the visionary behind Stir Up the Gifts, a creative initiative designed to give youth and young adults a platform to express themselves through music, poetry, and performance. This unique space fosters spiritual growth, emotional healing, community engagement, and positive expression.

Dr. Gillespie is more than a clinician. She is a dynamic speaker, poet, trainer, consultant, coach, and expert witness whose influence spans boardrooms, sanctuaries, classrooms, and community events. Alongside her husband, Sorrell Gillespie, she serves as Youth Co-Pastor at March of Faith Community Church in Carbondale, mentoring the next generation of purpose-driven leaders.

At her core, Dr. Gillespie is a creative visionary who believes that innovation does not require you to abandon your history, but to honor your roots while building boldly and intentionally forward. She continues striving to not only stir up ideas, but movements, reminding us all of the power in our stories, the strength in our identity, and the brilliance born from both.

Sophia Westrich: How to Build Influence Beyond Your Organization

Sophia Westrich is the co-founder of Advance Women, a fast-growing organization championing equity and opportunity for women in every field. A former 2x Division I All-American in Track & Field and SIU alumna, Sophia earned her B.S. in Mathematics before launching a successful career scaling high-growth AdTech startups. She has served as VP of Operations and Sales Ops at venture-backed firms, helping drive revenues from zero to mid-eight figures, lead acquisitions, and turn companies profitable. In 2024, she co-founded Advance Women, which—by mid-2025—had raised over $50K and built a 500+ member community, hosting events across New York, Miami, and Cannes, FR. A courageous leader shaped by experience in male-dominated spaces, she’s committed to creating workplaces where women can thrive. Sophia also leads strategy and operations at Decide Technologies, advises startups, and mentors future entrepreneurs—all while raising her four-year-old son and advancing a vision of leadership rooted in impact, equity, and speed.

Nadia Lafontant: Senior, Computer Science and Math Minor, Current President- National Society of Black Engineers

Nadia Lafontant is a senior here at Southern Illinois University studying Computer Science and minoring in Math. She is on track to attend graduate school to pursue her Master’s in Computer Engineering after concluding her undergraduate studies. She is the motivated founder and CEO of the imminent startup company, “GlobeTrail” and a Generative AI intern at Caterpillar. On campus, Nadia is the President of the National Society of Black Engineers and the Volunteer Chair for the Society of Women Engineers. She has led and encouraged many initiatives aimed at supporting underrepresented students and overall populations in STEM.

Christy Crites: Vice President, Crawford, Murphy & Tilly

Christy Crites graduated with a BS in mechanical engineering in 1992 and an MS in Civil Engineering in 1996.  She has worked at Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. since that time and lives in Springfield, IL.  Her foremost goal at this stage in life is to find ways to give back to her community and alma mater.  She is currently a member of the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics Advisory Board and the College of Civil Engineering Advisory Board.

Dr. Janet K. Tinoco: Founder, Runways to Space

Dr. Janet K. Tinoco is CEO/owner of Runways To Space LLC and Professor Emeritus at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), O’Maley College of Business in Daytona Beach, FL. Her expertise is in technical and strategic management, innovation, and business policy, particularly with respect to defense and space systems. She has 40 years of industry and academic experience in the US, Europe, and the Middle East. After graduating with her engineering degree in electrical systems and sciences from SIUC, Dr. Tinoco became a systems integration engineer and technical manager for Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman before leaving to pursue her PhD in strategy. Since her time at ERAU, she has been involved in space research, focusing her efforts on spaceports, as well as space debris mitigation from a business perspective. Dr. Tinoco has received several research and industry awards, most notably the Lockheed Martin Fire Control Division’s “top 100” for her engineering contributions. She has published in numerous academic journals, co-authored research reports for industry and government agencies, and is the lead author on an introductory book on spaceports.

Dr. Tinoco is a senior member of AIAA, a member of the ASTM International Committee for Spaceport Standards, and a member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Commission on Space Policy, Law, and Economics.

Nina Hickland: Global Network Delivery Operations Leader, Google

Nina Hickland is a Global Network Delivery Operations Leader at Google, where she drives complex, high-impact initiatives that connect engineering, operations, and strategic planning. With more than 15 years of combined experience in the tech and defense industries, she has built her career on improving operational performance, delivering innovative solutions, and guiding cross-functional teams to achieve and exceed business goals.

Before joining Google, Nina held leadership roles at Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and United Technologies Aerospace. She managed mission-critical defense technology programs where precision, security, and reliability were essential. Her work included overseeing a large-scale manufacturing portfolio of infrared countermeasure systems, leading system-level development for NATO consortium programs, and managing engineering for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. These experiences gave her a foundation of operational discipline and strategic agility that shapes her leadership in the fast-moving world of global infrastructure operations today.

Her expertise covers infrastructure operations, large-scale program delivery, and technology adoption strategies, giving her a clear view of how to align technical execution with organizational vision. She is passionate about helping more women advance in engineering and leadership roles and actively mentoring emerging talent.

Nina holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. She also earned a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and has traveled to more than 20 countries, bringing that global perspective into her leadership style. She thrives at the intersection of technology, people, and process, where innovation has the power to scale.

Taylor Krout: Roadway Project Manager, American Structurepoint

Taylor Krout is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Indiana with over seven years of experience in the transportation industry. As a Roadway Project Manager, she leads complex civil engineering projects from concept to completion, ensuring efficient design, stakeholder coordination, and timely delivery. Some of her more notable projects include the Reimagine Pleasant Street corridor in Noblesville, Indiana, a new roundabout interchange in New Braunfels, Texas, and the Dan Jones Road Corridor in Avon, Indiana.

A proud 2018 graduate of Southern Illinois University, Taylor combines technical expertise with a passion for community engagement. She is an active member of WTS Indianapolis, where she advocates for the advancement of women in transportation and contributes to professional development initiatives across the region. She served on the Board of Directors from 2020 to 2024 and currently serves on the Advisory Board.

With a strong foundation in roadway design and project leadership, Taylor continues to drive innovation and excellence in Indiana’s transportation network.