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

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.