More than 50 credit union women from four countries and 15 U.S. states engaged with thought leaders, industry experts and one another to learn more about the “coach approach” to leadership, leading in a hybrid world, DEI challenges around the globe and succession to credit union boards at last week's Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) 2022 Executive Readiness Summit, held in Raleigh, N.C.

World Council of Credit Unions’ (WOCCU) President/CEO Elissa McCarter LaBorde greeted attendees in a video message by telling them that women in the global credit union movement need to be at the forefront of driving positive change.

“This is ultimately why we’re here. We need to be able to advance financial access and financial inclusion, and better products and services to our members—including men and women and young people who are going to drive change for the next generation,” said McCarter LaBorde.  

Sponsored by CO-OP Solutions, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, eLeadership Academy™, PSCU and new partner HerCSuite, the Summit was held in person for the first time since 2019, and co-hosted by Civic Federal Credit Union and Local Government Federal Credit Union.

“It was truly a privilege to host this group of women from near and far; this summit is a great opportunity to gather with women across the globe and learn from one another. Kudos to GWLN for producing another meaningful event,” said Ashley Ruffin, chief administrative officer of the host credit unions.

With eight sessions held over two days, presenters focused on helping attendees reclaim their personal power to grow as leaders, learn how to better “coach” their teams and prepare themselves to assume board director seats at credit unions and other organizations. Speakers included:

• Deb Fine, managing vice president of learning and development, PSCU.
• Helen Ceike Ojeda, CPC senior organizational effectiveness and learning consultant, UC Irvine Health.
• Sandra McDowell, CEO and founder, eLeadership Academy™.
• Sarah Szilagyi, SVP, experience operations, Co-op Solutions.
• Gisele Gomes, DEI executive, GiseleGomes.co, Sicredi Pioneira.
• Naomi Kent, HerCsuite™ advisor and speaker, board director.

Once again, the Executive Readiness Summit offered a dynamic, experiential and inspirational workshop for credit union women in mid- to high-tiered positions.

“With attendees joining us for the first time, as well as repeat attendees and speakers from Brazil, Canada, the UK and the US, this year’s event provided the opportunity for all participants to engage, learn and network with other women in credit unions on a much greater scale,” said Lena Giakoumopoulos, GWLN Program Director. “Through the interactive workshop sessions, practical exercises and resources, participants are able to grow their professional toolkit to enhance their existing roles and prepare for the future.”

GWLN aims to provide tools and resources for more women to grow personally and professionally, advancing to leadership positions in credit unions across the globe. GWLN membership is open to all women and men in the credit union industry.

To learn more, visit GWLN, donate or connect on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.