CUNA News
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • Topics
    • Community Service
    • Compliance
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Credit Union System
    • Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Lending
    • Marketing
    • Operations
    • Policy & Issues
    • Sales & Service
    • Technology
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • COVID-19
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Jobs
  • Contact

News

Home » 80 credit union leaders attend Kansas-Missouri Sister Society Launch Party
CU System

80 credit union leaders attend Kansas-Missouri Sister Society Launch Party

April 18, 2022
SisterSoc
The Kansas-Missouri Sister Society launches in partnership with the Heartland Credit Union Association, Global Women's Leadership Network, and Sister Societies around the globe. It strives to tackle the industry’s gender gap by providing women with the tools and resources they need to advance their career. (HCUA photo)

More than 80 credit union leaders launched the Kansas-Missouri Sister Society this month, in conjunction with the Heartland Credit Union Association’s (HCUA) SHIFT conference held in the Kansas City area.

The Kansas-Missouri Sister Society, in partnership with HCUA, the Global Women's Leadership Network (GWLN) and Sister Societies around the globe, strives to tackle the industry’s gender gap by providing women with the tools and resources they need to advance their career.

During the evening reception, GWLN Program Director Lena Giakoumopoulos shared the power, purpose and impact of the Global Women’s Leadership Network. Credit union leaders networked over pink cocktails and pink-inspired desserts.

To encourage a year of wellness, each attendee was encouraged to think of a wellness word for the year. Attendees chose words like “be,” “grit,” “patience” and “simplicity” and wrote their word on sheets of paper decorated with inspirational stickers.

In addition, the local chapter of Dress for Success was chosen as the Kansas-Missouri Sister Society charity of choice. Attendees were encouraged to donate women’s clothing and accessories or make monetary donations. About 100 items were donated and $350 in gift cards and cash were collected during the event.

Starting a Kansas-Missouri Sister Society was the idea of Nicole El-Chami, AVP of electronic services at Credit Union of America, Wichita, Kan. In 2021, El-Chami, along with a group of women credit union leaders, approached HCUA about creating a local chapter.

“I saw the power of the Global Women’s Leadership Network, and the impact it had on local regions,” said El-Chami. “Bringing that inspiration and collaboration to Kansas and Missouri credit union professionals will empower us individually and present opportunities for us to lift each other up.”

Today, the Kansas-Missouri Sister Society is led by a committee of 10 leaders from Kansas and Missouri credit unions and two HCUA staff liaisons. The mission is to inspire women to lead through professional development, mentorship, and networking.

“When Nicole contacted us about starting a Sister Society, we hit the ground running,” says Andrea Robinson Fuentes, executive director of external affairs and philanthropy for HCUA and one of the staff liaisons. “I was so proud to see how many of our credit unions embraced the Sister Society. The committee is amazing, and we have a great year planned with more events.”

In addition to the April 5 launch party, this local chapter will host three more events throughout 2022 focused on whole-person wellness and resilience.

Credit Union Magazine: Winter 2022

Winter 2022

Credit Union Magazine’s Winter 2022 issue highlights data-driven marketing, the board’s role in cybersecurity, elder abuse scams, credit unions’ auto lending advantage, and more.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • Reps introduce bipartisan Credit Union Board Modernization Act

  • CDFI Fund announces CUNA-sought delay to consider application changes

  • CUNA makes recommendations for CFPB personal data rights rulemaking

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

How do you feel about the economy in 2023?

View Results
More

Champion for the Credit Union Movement

Credit Union National Association is the most influential financial services trade association and the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America's credit unions. We work tirelessly to protect your best interests in Washington and all 50 states. We fuel your professional growth at every level and champion the credit union story at every turn.

More CUNA

  • Membership
  • Contact Us
  • Careers

Resources for

  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Providers

Our Affiliates

  • American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL)
  • Credit Union Awareness
  • Credit Union House
  • CUNA Strategic Services
  • National Credit Union Foundation
GET CUNA UPDATES
© 2023 Credit Union National Association | ADA Compliance Notice & Legal
Email Us