About 80 people (75 She4She’s and 5 He4She’s) from 18 Saccos, CDF Canada, 1 self sponsored member as well as from Apex, attended our 11^th Annual Conference under the theme; Breaking Barriers; Women redefining Leadership. Our Guest Speaker, Speaker of Malawi National Assembly, RT Honorable Madame Catherine Gotani Hara tackled the theme from her own experience on how she beats barriers in her own career journey, challenges met and over come, motivations, as well as her support system.

The attendees also learnt from Ms. Triza Magreta, Ms Zione Magulu, Mr Macmillan Nankhonya and also Mr Ian Mwalungira who also opened our eyes to how one balances career and family, ensure you are that redefined  woman, and also what to do when you are given a space!  Our Apex, Mr Fumbani Nyangulu, also encouraged the attendees to keep finding space at the corporate table!

The aim for the conference was to encourage one another to grab opportunities, embrace challenges and over come them and based on the mini survey administered, at the end of the conference, it shows that the aim was achieved as a good part of the feedback, was positive and promising.

Plans for 2024, will be handled before 2024 ends and thereafter, concentrate on plans for 2025!

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2024 Conference was proudly sponsored by all the 18 Saccos  whose representatives attended the conference but we also got extra donations from Chapters 1 & 2, Malawi Police Sacco, Msilikali Sacco, United Civil Servant Sacco, SunBird Sacco, Chilungamo Sacco, MUDI Sacco, Malawi Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives(MUSCCO) as well as Malawi Sister Society Members.

 

INSPIRE. CONNECT. EMPOWER

Last week, 78 professionals came together for the Pathways to Empowerment virtual summit, hosted by GoWest Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) Sister Societies. The event provided a space to connect, learn, and grow through meaningful conversations and shared experiences.

The summit included breakout sessions led by inspiring women from across the credit union industry, covering topics like:

• Data & IT
• Fraud
• Lending & Collections
• HR
• Digital Experience

Each session gave attendees a chance to hear real stories, learn practical strategies, and gain fresh perspectives from leaders who are making an impact in their fields.

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us and made this event a success. It’s a reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together to support and inspire one another.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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. 

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

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.

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.