GWLN embraces journey for a new decade at GAC
2019 emerging leader award recipient recognized for launching Sister Society
MADISON, WI (February 26, 2020) — Members and supporters of World Council of Credit Unions’ Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) embraced the challenge of a new decade and recognized one of the group’s emerging leaders at a Wednesday breakfast celebration held in conjunction with Credit Union National Association’s (CUNA) Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C.
Sponsored by PSCU and Mitchell, Stankovic and Associates, the event highlighted the successes for GWLN in the last decade, and the opportunities and challenges of the next 10 years.
Since 2009, GWLN has provided 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 reach of the program has also spread to 26 countries through our network of 109 Sister Society chapters.
“And we’re starting early—empowering girls so they can become empowered women who will make an impact for years to come. 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,“ said Eleni Giakoumopoulos, GWLN Program Director.
Emerging Leader Award
GWLN leaders also announced Mai-Linh Hoang, Vice President of Marketing for Collins Community Credit Union in Dubuque, Iowa, as 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. 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,” said Hoang in a video message played during the celebration.
Collins Community Credit Union CEO Stephanie Rupert accepted the award on Hoang’s behalf.
This year’s GWLN Breakfast at GAC was the largest to date, with more than 350 people in attendance.
Mai-Linh Hoang received GWLN’s 2019 Emerging Leader Award.
About World Council of Credit Unions
World Council of Credit Unions is the global trade association and development platform for credit unions. World Council promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. World Council advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.
World Council has implemented 300+ technical assistance programs in 90 countries. Worldwide, 82,758 credit unions in 97 countries serve 404 million people. Learn more about World Council's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.
