Second Indiana Sister Society Conference Unites Credit Union Women for Leadership, Learning, and Giving Back

On Oct. 30, about 130 credit union women—and three men—gathered for the second-ever conference of the Indiana Sister Society of the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) Sister Society in Indiana. The daylong meeting featured relevant messages, opportunities to connect with other credit union women, a chance to support those in need, and a lot of fun. 

Attendees began the day with conversation topics on their tables, providing them with subjects to discuss throughout the day. Sponsor organizations each welcomed the group, discussing their businesses and their connections to credit unions. Information from the International Global Women’s Leadership Network was shared, including an upbeat video message from Eleni Giakoumopoulos, GWLN Director at the Worldwide Foundation, who personally welcomed everyone to the GWLN community, and a moving video from the United Nations about Gender Equality.

Jama Ross of Blessings in a Backpack gave the morning keynote titled “You’re Not an Imposter: You’re Actually Pretty Amazing.” Closing keynoter, Michelle Baker, Chief People Officer at FORUM CU, presented “Your Influence Brand: Positioning Yourself as a Go-To Leader at Your Credit Union.” Both keynotes offered numerous valuable takeaways. Between these two dynamic speakers, attendees enjoyed lunch together and participated in a Chair Yoga session presented by an area YMCA leader.  

The day concluded with a fun networking exercise where participants played “Human BINGO,” meeting and learning facts about one another.

As part of their participation, attendees supported Blessings in a Backpack by donating items valued at approximately $4,200 for the organization’s Brave Bags, which are provided to children and teens in traumatic situations.

The event was sponsored by the Indiana Credit Union League’s Servicecorp, TruStage, and Velera. A seven-member co-leader team organized it: 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 127 credit unions in Indiana, 57 are led by women. There were 32 credit unions represented at the event, as well as representatives from the League, Servicecorp, sponsor organizations, and other credit union system partners.

This was the final event of the Sister Society’s 2025 schedule. Two webinars were also presented earlier in the year. Plans for 2026 activities and events are underway.