Indiana launches Sister Society of the Global Women’s Leadership Network

November 12, 2024 | 0 Comments |

On Oct. 29, more than 130 credit union women gathered to kick off the Indiana Sister Society of the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) Sister Society in Indiana. The daylong meeting featured speakers on a variety of motivational and leadership topics, as well as opening speaker Eleni Giakoumopoulos, GWLN Director at the Worldwide Foundation. Giakoumopoulos presented “Changing the World through Credit Unions,” and she shared the aggressive goal that was announced at the World Credit Union conference over the summer to grow the reach of credit unions from 400 million to 1 billion people worldwide with at least 50% of those members being women. 

Attendees also heard from Jill Nowacki, President/CEO of Humanidei, who  presented the “Wheel of Life Workshop.” Andrea Butcher, Executive Director of Next Gen Talent and AE Consulting, presented “The Power in the Pivot as a Female Leader: Embracing Chaos to Get to Clarity.” The day concluded with a networking exercise where participants discussed topics related to women in leadership and the credit union business.

As part of the kickoff, attendees supported Indianapolis Dress for Success by donating items valued at approximately $5,000.

Plans for the meeting came together quickly and were announced at the League Convention Oct. 2-4. The goal was to have 100 women attend the kickoff meeting. Organizers were thrilled to have met and exceeded the goal. The event was sponsored by the Indiana Credit Union League’s Servicecorp and organized by a seven-member co-leader team: Nina Baker, ProFed FCU; Katherine Beauchamp, Hoosier Hills CU; Karen Madry, Afena FCU; Kay Neidlinger, Indiana Credit Union League; Cari Palmer, Energy Plus CU; Amy Sink, Interra CU; and Christina Zazzetti, Hoosier Hills CU.

Of the 128 credit unions in Indiana, 71 are led by women. There were 34 credit unions represented at the event, as well as representatives from the League, Servicecorp, and other credit union system partners.

Plans for 2025 activities and events are underway.

Indiana attendees at Kickoff Meeting 10-29-24



Phoenix Sister Society Fall Meeting

November 08, 2024 | 0 Comments |
We had the honor of gathering almost 40 incredible women for our fall in-person event. Based on our elemental theme of water, Sarah Porter who is the Director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Morrison Institute was our guest speaker. She enlightened us on the state of Arizona's water and its critical importance to our future. 

Through the metaphor of a river and how it twits, turns, and flows we explored our personal journeys and the paths that shape who we are and what more we can accomplish. We also highlighted WOCCU President and CEO, Elissa McCarter LaBoarde's aggressive vision to grow the reach of credit unions from 400 million to 1 billion people, with at least 50% of those being women and that the WOCCU board endorsed the goal along with a target of ensuring 50% of credit union leaders are women as well. An inspiring reminder that women belong in the credit union movement.




SF Bay Area Sister Society event

November 08, 2024 | 0 Comments |
We held a CEO panel on Thursday, November 7th and the panelists all were asked questions related to their respective journeys to become CEOs. We had over 50 credit union attendees in person at Monterra Credit Union for a 2 1/2-hour event that also included lunch.


Southern Arizona Sister Society Empower & Uplift Networking Event 11/6/24

November 06, 2024 | 0 Comments |
The group of 40 attendees welcomed guest speaker Diana Charbonneau on the topic of advocating for ourselves and articulating our value. The group also heard from Brittany Smith, with Youth on their Own, who shared how her non-profit organization provides resources and support for youth facing homelessness. Attendees brought boxes of tampons to donate and tables competed to speed-pack gift bags to stock up YOTO's onsite Mini Mall hygiene products.


Canada Sister Society Meeting

October 16, 2024 | 0 Comments |

Canada Sister Society Meeting - 2024-9-24 Recap

Sister Society Chapter: Canada

meeting_location of Meeting: Virtual

Meeting Topic: Making Our Voices Heard: Amplifying Women's Visibility and Representation in the Workplace.

Speakers: anelists are Mirren Harris, VP, Education and Professional Development, CCUA; Victoria Mainprize, Director, Policy, Legal & Compliance and Asst. Company Secretary, CCUA and Carissa Wall, VP, Administration, Access Credit Union

Number of Attendees: 62

Meeting Minutes: Click Here To Download



Central Texas Sister Society Meet-Up 2024-9-17 Recap

September 20, 2024 | 0 Comments |
Meeting Location: Slow Rise Slice House
Sponsor of Meeting: CMC Flex
Meeting Topic: Imposter Syndrome
Speakers: Shelli McCoy, CRO First Central Credit Union and Omar Ramirez, E-Services Mgr First Central Credit Union


MALAWI SISTER SOCIETY ANNUAL CONFERENCE FROM 27TH TO 29TH SEPTEMBER 2024 AT BLUE WATERS LAKE RESORT IN SALIMA

September 19, 2024 | 0 Comments |
Malawi Sister Society will hold its 11th Annual conference at the above venue under theme Breaking Barriers;Women Redefinning Leadership.
Our Guest Speaker is Speaker of Malawi National Assembly, RT. Honorable Madame Catherine Gotani Hara. Other Speakers include Mr Fumbani Nyangulu,MUSCCO CEO, Ms. Triza Magreta,Mudi CEO, Mr Ian Mwalungira, MPSacco CEO, Mr MacMillan Nankhonya, Fincoop CEO and Ms. Zione Mugala,Mzuni Sacco BoD VC.
Our audience will comprise of She4She's, He4She's from within and outside the movement.
Inspire.Connect.Empower!


SC Sister Society launch party grows GWLN's impact across the globe

August 21, 2024 | 0 Comments |
On August 8, the South Carolina Sister Society of the Global Women's Leadership Network (GWLN) officially debuted, marking the network's growth to more than 160 Sister Societies across six continents. Nearly 60 credit union women and their allies gathered in the Upstate at Spero Financial's headquarters on August 8, 2024, for the launch party, which featured pink champagne, delectable bites, and thought-provoking conversation. Most notably, the newly established South Carolina Sister Society uplifted a local non-profit by donating a $4,000 check from the proceeds of the launch party.

To read a recap and view photos, please click here. 




GWLN San Francisco Bay Area Sister Society: Resolving Conflict with Confidence

July 18, 2024 | 0 Comments |

GWLN San Francisco Bay Area Sister Society: Resolving Conflict with Confidence - 2024-7-18 Recap

Sister Society Chapter: Bay Area Sister Society

meeting_location of Meeting: Virtual

Meeting Topic: Navigating Difficult Discussions & Resolving Conflict

Speakers: Lecia Roundtree

Number of Attendees: 8

Community Charity Supported: GWLN

Dollars or Resources Donated: 50



Arizona Sister Society *Virtual Event*

June 07, 2024 | 0 Comments |
Sister Societies: Phoenix & Southern Arizona joint session
Location: Virtual/Teams
Meeting Topic: Breath of Balance
Speaker: Col Trena Savageau, USAF
Summary: The team provided an overview of the GWLN mission and activities, heard an inspirational message of Col Savageau's career as a female fighter pilot, and participated in breakout groups to discuss methods to be ready for change, elevate development, advocate for oneself.
Attendees: 57


Central Texas Sister Society Meet-Up

May 21, 2024 | 0 Comments |

Central Texas Sister Society Meet-Up - 2024-5-20 Recap

Sister Society Chapter: Central TX Sister Society

meeting_location of Meeting: Slow Rise Slice House on the Brazos, 1620 N M.L.K. Blvd., Waco TX 76704

Sponsor of Meeting: Open Lending

Meeting Topic: Life: And 2 women that influenced the way I think in a great way!

Speakers: Phil Dysinger, CEO Heart O' Texas FCU

Number of Attendees: 12



North Texas Sister Society Panel Discussion

April 23, 2024 | 1 Comments |

Join us for an engaging and inspiring event hosted by the North Texas GWLN Sister Society. We will delve into the strategies and initiatives CEOs of leading credit unions implement to promote and support women's leadership development within their organizations.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from CEOs who champion gender diversity and inclusivity. Through panel discussions, our esteemed speakers will share their insights, experiences, and best practices for cultivating an environment where women can thrive and excel in leadership role.



GWLN San Francisco Bay Area Sister Society Intersectionality: What is it? What does it look like?

April 18, 2024 | 0 Comments |

GWLN San Francisco Bay Area Sister Society Intersectionality: What is it? What does it look like? - 2024-4-18 Recap

Sister Society Chapter: Bay Area Sister Society

meeting_location of Meeting: Virtual

Sponsor of Meeting: San Mateo Credit Union

Meeting Topic: Intersectionality

Speakers: Thalia Moshtag

Number of Attendees: 21

Community Charity Supported: GWLN

Dollars or Resources Donated: $50



Tennessee Sister Society Launch Event

March 26, 2024 | 0 Comments |

Tennessee Sister Society Launch Event - 2024-3-21 Recap

Sister Society Chapter: Tennessee

meeting_location of Meeting: Thistle Farms in Nashville, TN

Sponsor of Meeting: Strategic Resource Management

Meeting Topic: 1st TN Sister Society Launch

Speakers: Eleni Giakoumopoulos, TN SS Leadership Team and Survivor/Graduate from Thistle Farms program

Number of Attendees: 65

Community Charity Supported: Thistle Farms

Dollars or Resources Donated: $1,025

Meeting Minutes: Click Here To Download



Tennessee Sister Society Launch Event

March 26, 2024 | 0 Comments |

Tennessee Sister Society Launch Event - 2024-3-21 Recap

Sister Society Chapter: Tennessee

meeting_location of Meeting: Thistle Farms in Nashville, TN

Sponsor of Meeting: Strategic Resource Management

Meeting Topic: 1st TN Sister Society Launch

Speakers: Eleni Giakoumopoulos, TN SS Leadership Team and Survivor/Graduate from Thistle Farms program

Number of Attendees: 65

Community Charity Supported: Thistle Farms

Dollars or Resources Donated: $1,025

Meeting Minutes: Click Here To Download



Florida Sister Society Recap, March 12, 2024

March 15, 2024 | 0 Comments |
PSCU hosted our sold out event. It's the first time we didn't have to send out a 2nd mailing for attendance.  There were about 70 people in attendance.  Kicked off with a panel discussion led by one of our co-leaders, Karen Koundourakis and was comprised of Linh Dang, CEO at Florida Central CU, Tammy O'Hara, Executive Benefits Consultant, Lynn Heckler, Chief Culture Officer at PSCU and Terry Adams, HR at Suncoast.  The audience particpation during the session was excellent.  Topics included mentoring, networking, GWLN membership and more.  The group enjoyed a wonderful lunch and networking.  After lunch we had each of our sponsors (a lot of them!) give 2 minutes about their companies.  We then reconvened to hear Mary Wood, recently retired CEO at Florida West Coast CU, share Herstory of starting as a part time teller and how it evolved to a 40+ year career in the industry.  She share personal highs and lows in her life as well which made a big impact on many of the attendees.  Maureen Bock with LSCU shared information about the upcoming INSPIRE conference in Tampa which will be the AL, FL & GA sister societies (and possibly Carolinas).  The day ended with door prizes.  The attendees brought donations for a local Tampa non-profit called The Spring which helps domestic abuse victims (women and children).  In addition, our sister society presented a $2500 check to the entity.  We received a lot of positive feedback as attendees left.  


Illinois Sister Society Meeting (virtual)

March 08, 2024 | 0 Comments |

Illinois Sister Society Meeting (virtual) - 2024-3-8 Recap

Sister Society Chapter: Illinois Sister Society

meeting_location of Meeting: Virtual

Sponsor of Meeting: Illinois Credit Union Foundation & FHLB Chicago

Meeting Topic: International Women's Day & 1to1Woman Mentoring Program

Speakers: Shellee Mitchell, Audra Pettus, Darlyne Keller, Tena Lozano, Jasmine Taylor-Newton

Number of Attendees: 51



Illinois Sister Society Meeting (virtual)

March 08, 2024 | 0 Comments |

Illinois Sister Society Meeting (virtual) - 2024-3-8 Recap

Sister Society Chapter: Illinois Sister Society

meeting_location of Meeting: Virtual



GoWest Sister Societies Collaborate on a Virtual Event on February 15!

January 29, 2024 | 0 Comments |

Join Sister Society leaders from across the GoWest region for an inspiring discussion on leadership. Meet a new friend, potential mentor, or mentee, and learn about how to get involved in upcoming local GWLN events in your region.

Follow this link to register: https://gowest.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pdOirrT8oGtVVC_iB4L9Mdgw_roEbWjq3#/registration. 



2023 Executive Readiness Summit

December 04, 2023 | 1 Comments |
50 Credit Union Women Walk into a Room


2023 Executive Readiness Summt

December 04, 2023 | 1 Comments |

2023 Executive Readiness Summt - 2023-11-8 Recap

Sister Society Chapter: GWLN

meeting_location of Meeting: Richland, Washington, US

Sponsor of Meeting: HAPO Community Credit Union, Co-op Solutions, PSCU, eLeadership Academy, TruStage

Meeting Topic: Women Steer Your Ship Toward Leadership

Number of Attendees: 50+



2023 Executive Readiness Summit

December 04, 2023 | 0 Comments |
50 Credit Union Women Walk into a Room


Bay Area GWLN Sister Society - Session # 3 Tying it all together - Making Change an Action

October 12, 2023 | 0 Comments |

Bay Area GWLN Sister Society - Session # 3 Tying it all together - Making Change an Action - 2023-10-11 Recap

Sister Society Chapter: Bay Area Sister Society

meeting_location of Meeting: San Mateo Credit Union 350 Convention Way Redwood City, CA 94603

Sponsor of Meeting: San Mateo Credit Union

Meeting Topic: Developing a Mindset for Change

Speakers: Celeste Jonson

Number of Attendees: 32

Community Charity Supported: GWLN

Dollars or Resources Donated: $1



Malawi Sister Society-Chapter 1 Career Talk

October 02, 2023 | 0 Comments |
on 29th September, Malawi Sister Society- Chapter 1 held a career talk to girls at Malawi Defence Secondary School in Form 3 and 4. Three women with careers in Marketing, Administration and Finance addressed the girls by encouraged them to work hard and study hard in order to realize their dream. They were told to be careful with the peer pressure that can lead them into making wrong decisions. We also gave out prizes (SACCO souvenirs) to those who answered the questions correct after presentations. We also encouraged them to start saving with the SACCOs because that's the only way they can grow with good financial decisions and safe way of keeping their pocket money instead of keeping them in their suitcases. 40 girls attended the function.


Malawi Sister Society Annual Conference

October 02, 2023 | 0 Comments |
Malawi Sister Society convened our annual conference on 23rd September, 2023 in Salima District under the theme Empowered Woman:Breaking Barriers.

Our Guest Speaker Towera Jalakasi, the founder of Khathikhathi brand under Naturals Limited, inspired the ladies with her career journey as a successful entrepreneur. She encouraged ladies to support one another in developing our career journeys. She also emphasized that women have potential in growing our businesses and upgrading ourselves despite challenges along the way. Women need to be consistent in what we do, to be committed, get connected and network, learn from others and improve on our shortcomings. Women should also accept to start small and build on it to greatness.
Other speakers also told their life journeys and how to balance up work/Life. Ladies also discussed how to sustain the Sister Society and make it strong. Women agreed to strengthen the Chapter Sister Societies so that we have a strong Malawi Sister Society by effectively communicating and sensitizing other women to come on board.

The conference was attended by 66 women and 6 men.