GWLN Scholarship Program

 

Congratulations to the GWLN 2024 Scholarship Winners:

Gugu Vilakati (Eswatini)
Grace Akinyi Ogolla Watsiera (Kenya)
Raquel Mascariña (Philippines) 
Michelle Carrera (USA)

Read here

Scholarship Program Overview

As part of our mission to empower women in leadership in credit unions worldwide, GWLN offers an annual scholarship program to female leaders from the global credit union industry. Learning opportunities are made available to scholars through in person and virtual events so they can diversity skill sets, engage with other credit union professionals on a global scale and become better prepared to lead financial cooperatives in the future. 

Scholarships are made possible through funding from GWLN memberships and industry champion sponsorships. In 2023 this included the generous support of Co-op Solutions, TruStage, Origence, PSCU and the Susan Adams Scholarship Fund which was established in honor of former Entrust Financial Credit Union CEO Susan Adams supported by One AZ Credit Union. These annual awards recognize individuals who have demonstrated leadership and exemplify a commitment to improving lives through financial cooperatives.

Since 2009, GWLN has awarded 100 scholarships to women from 30 countries.

 

GWLN 2024 Scholarship

The GWLN 2024 scholarship awards up to four (4) winners the opportunity to attend the World Credit Union Conference (WCUC). The GWLN 2024 scholarship includes airfare, hotel and registration fees for 2024 WCUC.

The World Credit Union Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, July 21-24, 2024 represents the world’s largest gathering of credit union and financial cooperative leaders and industry professionals. Scholarship recipients will connect with the pulse of our global movement during five (5) full days of learning, networking and exchange.

Scholars will participate in all GWLN events, connect with scholarship supporters, GWLN members and Sister Society leaders, and engage with conference attendees throughout WCUC. Focusing on professional development, scholars engage in interactive dialogue sessions, expand their knowledge and grow professional relationships.

In 2024, GWLN will be co-hosting a joint forum with WYCUP to celebrate our 15-year anniversary bringing together leaders from around the world (women and emerging), as well as additional breakout learning and networking sessions during the WCUC 2024!

Scholarship Recipient Responsibilities

  • GWLN scholars are required to attend all GWLN-specific events during 2024 WCUC (Reception, Forum, Breakout Sessions).
  • GWLN scholars are strongly encouraged to document international engagement in social media, actively engage during GWLN events and become active participants in GWLN activities throughout the year.
  • Scholars are strongly encouraged to attend Sister Society meetings, in person in their home country or virtually, connecting with other Sister Societies sharing experience and showcasing progress.
  • The ability to obtain and receive a visa in a timely manner may be a requirement of your experience. Please plan ahead. If you are selected to attend and you are unable to obtain your visa you may be unable to attend an in person event as a GWLN Scholar.
  • Scholarship recipients and their sponsoring organizations will sign a commitment letter recognizing these responsibilities. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the scholarship.
 

2025 Scholarship

Announcements for the 2025 Scholarship cycle will be made in the fall of 2024.