NAPERVILLE, Ill.–The Illinois CU League has held its first-ever Women’s Leadership Conference.
Held at the picturesque grounds of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Ill., the ICUL said the event was a one-day, dynamic and interactive opportunity for all women in the state’s credit union movement.
“The impetus of this inaugural event was to help women focus on developing and enhancing their leadership skills, as well as provide a networking opportunity for attendees to provide advice to each other on ways to achieve their goals and empower other women,” the league said.
The agenda featured presenters with a wide variety of backgrounds, including credit unions, state politics, an entrepreneurial woman-owned business, and retired Army Colonel Jill Morgenthaler. Specific topics discussed included “Do’s and Don’ts of Success,” Engaging Your Female (Credit Union) Member,” “The Power of Women in Politics,” “Building Your Network,” “Thoughtful Leadership,” and “Leadership in a Man’s World.”
The Illinois league said that “pent-up demand” for such an event was evident not only by a sold-out crowd of nearly 80 participants, but also through the positive feedback shared by participants.
“I was delighted to kick-off the first of what I hope are many more women's leadership conferences put on by our league,” said Tom Kane, president/CEO of the Illinois Credit Union System. “Personally, I benefited from a couple of terrific women leaders in my career and have been able to use what they taught me about leading people. Ultimately, our hope is that our conference attendees gained insights they will be able to use at their credit unions for years to come.”