Press
Georgia Credit Union Sister Society hosts inaugural event
GWLN Welcomes Georgia, Bringing Number of Sister Societies to 150 on six continents
DULUTH, GA (June 10, 2022) — With a sound meter buzzing that reflected a welcomed eagerness to reconnect face-to-face, more than 60 credit union leaders were on hand for the inaugural meeting of the Georgia Sister Society. In partnership with the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions’ Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) and Sister Societies around the globe, the Georgia Sister Society strives to tackle the industry’s gender gap by providing women with the tools and resources they need to advance their career.
The Georgia Sister Society is a group of Georgia credit union women who are at all stages of their professional journey. A vehicle to advance credit union women in leadership and support outreach to women, the Georgia Sister Society is designed to provide a platform to convene credit union women, discuss issues, exchange ideas, engage in professional development and network with neighboring credit union leaders.
“Assembling credit union women leaders to provide a forum to extend professional development and networking has been a long-held passion of mine,” said Debbie Smith, president and CEO (aka Head Coach) of Georgia United Credit Union. “My co-leaders and I embrace the power of being intentional in efforts to pave the way for emerging, diverse women leaders and we are thrilled with the local response to the kickoff of the group.”
“Intentionality is our energy source and is the way forward for credit unions,” explained co-lead Renee Sattiewhite, president and CEO of the African American Credit Union Coalition. “Establishing the Georgia Sister Society is another step to accelerate efforts and win in terms of talent.”
Speakers at the recent launch event included GWLN Program Director Lena Giakoumopoulos who shared the power, purpose and impact of the worldwide organization and Louis Grilli, senior innovation strategist at PSCU, who educated attendees on opportunities and risks associated with cryptocurrency as credit union members’ demands accelerate and credit unions assess their role in this new financial movement. Day Matthews, chief legal officer & general counsel at Local Government Federal Credit Union and recent award recipient of the GWLN 2022 Emerging Leaders Award, closed out the program with an inspirational challenge for attendees to dig deeper to overcome obstacles women face.
To celebrate the Georgia Sister Society launch, a financial donation was made to local chapter of Dress for Success.
Join the Georgia Sister Society
Ready to connect? Contact Merry Pateuk, Senior Vice President, Industry Engagement at PSCU mpateuk@pscu.com or Carolina King, Chief People Officer at Georgia United Credit Union carolina.king@gucu.org for communications regarding upcoming Georgia Sister Society events, networking opportunities, discussions and more.
Co-Leaders pictured from left to right: Amy Fuller, SVP, Strategic Development, Cornerstone League, Debbie Smith, President & CEO, Georgia United Credit Union, Merry Pateuk, SVP, Industry Engagement PSCU, Renee Sattiewhite, President & CEO, AACUC, Laura King, EVP & COO, Georgia United Credit Union (not pictured).