Sister Society: Southern Arizona
Meeting Location: Pima Federal Credit Union, Tucson, Arizona
Meeting/Luncheon Sponsor: Velera
Meeting Theme: Building Healthy Habits
Speakers: Dr. Alexandra Porter (Habit Stacking & the Lymphatic System), Paloma Santiago & Micaela Barber (Junior Achievement's Mission)
Number of Attendees: 35

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.

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.