HENDERSON, Nev.–Sue Mitchell, the first and only chair of the Global Women’s Leadership Network, which has taken root around the world since being created in 2009, has announced plans to step down from the organization in early March, with a new chair to be named.
“For more than ten years, GWLN has known that bridging the gaps in society requires cooperatives to unite around the world,” said Mitchell. “I thank Brian Branch, president and CEO of World Council, for asking me in 2009 to become the chair to help World Council build GWLN by working with volunteers worldwide. I am very proud of the work we have done and what we have created. There is no better time to strengthen our path forward. I will be passing the baton and World Council will be naming a new chair on March 3, 2021 at the GWLN breakfast during GAC.”
According to GWLN, its mission is to provide women with opportunities to make a measurable difference in the lives of each other, their credit unions and their communities.
Mitchell said the success of the organization proves it is living up to its mission. GWLN has 130 local Sister Societies on six continents, with more than 4,500 women and men engaged from 85 countries. It has awarded 84 scholarships to women worldwide with empowerment grants that started business development centers in Asia, entrepreneurial enterprises in North Macedonia, feeding families in Kenya, and in the U.S., financial counseling for pregnant high school girls wanting to graduate and apply for college.
‘HE for SHE’
In addition, Mitchell, who leads Mitchell Stankovic Associates, said the “HE for SHE” movement illustrates GWLN’s inclusion encouraging men to join the effort as members and wear pink ties to demonstrate visible commitment and growing scale of GWLN.
“In fact, GWLN pink items have become a major connector as a ‘sea of pink’ cloaks credit union events around the world,” the organization said. “All of this could not happen without incredible fundraising by GWLN credit union and credit union service organization (CUSO) volunteers who commit their time, talent and treasure to advancing women. Digital strategies have fast forwarded communications and governments are taking note, recognizing the economic impact on women. GWLN has never been stronger.”
‘Dedication & Support’
Added WOCCU’s Branch, “We thank Sue for her dedication and support over the last 12 years. I have witnessed her impact from villages to continents around the world. Thousands of women and men are connecting through GWLN to make a difference. Together, we demonstrate the cooperative principles that World Council founders believed in over 50 years ago – people helping people.”
Mitchell urged everyone to continue to push for progress as the pandemic has disproportionately impacted women.
“Rest assured that passing the baton does not mean standing down. In fact, I will be standing up as a member of the Credit Union DEI Collective Governing Board and I will remain on the Worldwide Foundation Board as we focus on bridging the gap for all people,” Mitchell said.