Senior female student leaders select Jane DiFolco Parker as recipient of 2020 Woman of Empowerment Award

The Woman of Empowerment Award was created to honor a female administrator, staff or faculty member who has dedicated her time serving Auburn University and empowering others to do the same. The Woman of Empowerment recipient is a woman who has shown authentic leadership, honor and integrity through her role at Auburn. She believes in honoring great women and challenging them to use their platform for a greater purpose than themselves. The first annual recipient of this award is Jane Difolco Parker, vice president for Development and president of the Auburn University Foundation.

This award has been selected by a group of Auburn's undergraduate senior female leaders. The recipient's name will be displayed on a plaque hanging in Cater Hall.

Parker bears responsibilities beyond what is required of her title, dedicating copious amounts of time to advocating for and mentoring the men and women she encounters in her role at Auburn and in the greater community. Parker cherishes her time interacting with students and works to cater to the entire student body.

“Anytime I had the privilege of working an event as a War Eagle Girl, I would always check to see if Mrs. Parker’s name tag was out on the table," said Mary Braden Hendon, a member of the Class of 2020. "I felt as if she knew me and cared about me from the way she worked for and cared about every student at Auburn. It is clear that Mrs. Parker is constantly working for the students and the future of Auburn through the Auburn University Foundation. Mrs. Parker exemplifies the Auburn Creed through her work and every interaction. She’s an inspirer, encourager and an incredible example of what an Auburn woman is.” 

“I find it fitting that Jane is recognized as the first recipient of the Woman of Empowerment Award,” said Jason Peevy, associate vice president for Development Communications, Marketing and Campaign Strategy. “It recognizes Jane’s unusually nuance view of high-performing cultures, which she instilled in the Development Office at Auburn.”

Peevy worked alongside Parker for more than a decade at Emory University and Auburn.

“Jane is a pro’s pro, and she empowers people through her high standards," Peevy said. "She expects everyone to give full measure every day and is accepting of no less. Her teams reward her with their loyalty, productivity and innovation. Her genuine interest in improving both performance and job satisfaction for every member of her team—regardless of title or rank—empower us all to always be on our game for Auburn University, the Auburn community and the entire Auburn Family.”

Parker led "Because This is Auburn—A Campaign for Auburn University'' which made Auburn the first university in Alabama to raise more than $1 billion in a fundraising campaign. Parker’s leadership in this accomplishment is reflective of how she believes in hard work, holds the respect and confidence of those in which she leads and remains true to her purpose and values. She commits to excellence as she works to advance the mission of the Auburn University Foundation, and she understands that students are the heartbeat of the institution. 

“Jane DiFolco Parker empowers people on Auburn’s campus and beyond," said Tara Jones, associate vice president for Constituent Development. "When she began serving in the role of vice president of the Office of Development in 2012, she elevated the level of professionalism and raised the expectation of collaborative team work for our employees. Beyond the employees in our office, Jane has mentored women on campus, giving each professional advice and encouragement. Jane has devoted copious amounts of time advocating for our donors, leading the Office of Development and creating collegial relationships across campus.”