WASHINGTON—The World Council of Credit Unions’ Global Women’s Leadership Network celebrated its 10th anniversary during CUNA’s GAC here while also focusing on goals for the next decade.
During a breakfast event sponsored by PSCU and Mitchell, Stankovic Associates, GWLN also recognized one of the group’s emerging leaders.
Since 2009, GWLN said it has worked to provide a suite of programming that has provided hundreds of women with “tangible skills, tools and resources to help them grow as credit union leaders.”
The Global Women’s Leadership network has now grown to 26 countries through its network of 109 Sister Society chapters. This year’s GWLN Breakfast at GAC was the largest to date, with more than 350 people in attendance.
“And we’re starting early—empowering girls so they can become empowered women who will make an impact for years to come,” said Eleni Giakoumopoulos, GWLN program director. “Hope Welsh, daughter of our Great Britain Sister Society leader Beth, came into the world only last year, but she’s already a part of the GWLN family. It’s smart for our communities, our credit unions and our families when we invest in women. We will continue with that effort in this new decade.”
Emerging Leader Award
During the event GWLN leaders announced Mai-Linh Hoang, vice president of marketing for Collins Community Credit Union in Dubuque, Iowa, was named the recipient of the 2019 Emerging Leader Award.
The annual award recognizes young women active within the field, making a significant impact on the industry and advancing the values of GWLN’s mission.
Hoang was one of the co-leaders who started GWLN’s Iowa Sister Society in 2017.
“I truly had no idea how far-reaching my work could be when we started this journey nearly three years ago. GWLN introduced me to a sisterhood that I never knew I needed,” said Hoang in a video message played to the breakfast meeting. “Now, my goal is to pave the way for future women and girls across the globe. As they navigate their future careers, I envision a world where they will have the access, resources and tools they need to reach their dreams.”
Collins Community Credit Union CEO Stephanie Rupert accepted the award on Hoang's behalf.