Saluki Women’s Weekend
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 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
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 | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Women’s Empowerment Conference
Registration | 8 a.m.
Morning Session | 9 – 11 a.m.
Seeds of Security: Women, Food, and the Future
Moderator: Dr. Kristina Boone, Dean, SIU College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences
Panelists:
- Emily Sharkey, SIU Alumna, Farmer, and Head Producer of A Shot of Ag and SharkFarmer Media
- Karen Schieler, SIU Alumna and Manager of Compeer Giving, Compeer Financial
- Michelle Aycock, Owner of AyCorp Companies, AyCorp Media, Delta South Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility, and Bernie Farmers
- Haley Bode, SIU Student, Agricultural Systems and Education, Union County Farm Bureau Agriculture in the Classroom Coordinator
Farm-to-Table Philanthropy & Saluki Woman of the Year Awards Luncheon | 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- EmpowerHer Grant and Mentee Scholarship announcements
- Saluki Woman of the Year Awards celebration
Afternoon Session | 1:30 – 3:15 p.m.
- Personality and Color Assessment, led by Alex Russell, US Soybean Seedcare Product Manager, Syngenta, SIU Alumna
- A session led by Camelle Logan, Chief AI Accessibility Officer for SMART AI Communities
- 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) | 9 a.m.
Mentorship Brunch | 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Intentional conversations connecting students, alumni, and community leaders through mentorship and leadership development
