Global Women’s Leadership Network Awards Four Scholarships

Scholars to attend WCUC for learning opportunities in 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.