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Global Women’s Leadership Network awards four scholarships

Scholars to attend WCUC for learning opportunities in 2024

MADISON, WI (January 22, 2024) — Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) awarded four scholarships to credit union industry women, providing them with opportunities for professional development and skill diversification at the largest gathering of credit union professionals at the World Credit Union Conference (WCUC), along with several virtual events throughout the year.

The 2024 GWLN Scholarship recipients are:

  • Gugu Vilakati (Eswatini)
  • Grace Akinyi Ogolla Watsiera (Kenya)
  • Raquel Mascariña (Philippines)
  • Michelle Carrera (USA)

Scholars will receive the complimentary registration to the World Credit Union Conference (WCUC) in Boston, USA from July 21-24, co-hosted by World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and America’s Credit Unions, as well as travel, hotel accommodation and a stipend.

“We’re very excited to be able to continue our tradition of annual scholarships this year with the support of our industry partners and membership base. These four scholars were selected from a record number of 86 applicants from 23 countries on six continents where GWLN is present,” said Lena Giakoumopoulos, GWLN Director. “There were a large number of well qualified individuals, and it was a challenge to select these four women who will build their skillsets, help grow our program and engage with more women for a greater impact throughout the global credit union system.”

Since 2009, GWLN has awarded more than 100 scholarships to women from over 30 countries.

Scholarships are made possible through funding from GWLN memberships and industry champion sponsorships. In 2023, sponsors included PSCU/Co-op Solutions, TruStage, Origence and the Susan Adams Scholarship Fund which was established in honor of former Entrust Financial Credit Union CEO Susan Adams supported by One AZ Credit Union.

2023 Scholars attending WCUC 2023 in Vancouver, CA

2023 Virtual Scholars

About Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU)

The Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, as the strategic partner of the World Council, bridges gaps impacting credit unions' ability to grow and advance financial inclusion worldwide. Our commitment to provide global credit union journeys augments our shared vision with World Council's of realizing a vibrant and growing global credit union movement. Worldwide Foundation's philanthropy advances World Council's technical capacity to strengthen credit union systems that advance financial inclusion to underserved communities. Learn more at www.DoGlobalGood.org 

  • WFCU fundraises primarily to support work focused on:
    • Bridging the Inclusion Gap – expanding and sustaining credit unions, providing access to financial services to underserved communities, globally.
    • Empowering women – the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) aims to provide women with the opportunity and resources to make a measurable difference in the lives of each other, in the lives of credit union members and in their communities.
    • Disaster relief (Project Storm Break) – including providing over $1.7M to support credit unions and members in Ukraine, and significant efforts to support rebuilding and recovery efforts in Turkey following a catastrophic earthquake in February 2023.
    • Leadership development (WYCUP) – the World Council's Young Credit Union Professionals (WYCUP) program is a platform for young credit union professionals and their advocates to connect to the world, engage professional journeys with global perspective and inspire a force for positive change through financial cooperatives in communities everywhere.
 

About Global Women’s Leadership Network

Global Women’s Leadership Network connects, inspires, and empowers women with the opportunities and resources to make a measurable difference …  in the lives of each other, in the lives of credit union members and in their communities. To learn more about GWLN, visit CUWomen.org.

Contacts

Rachel Miller
E-mail: rmiller@woccu.org
Phone: 608-395-2036

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