Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN), an initiative of the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU), convened credit union leaders and global development experts for its annual GWLN Luncheon during America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference.
Highlighting this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” the program underscored how investing in women’s leadership strengthens institutions, expands opportunity and fuels long-term impact across the global credit union movement.
The luncheon opened with welcome remarks from Marlene Juarez, GWLN Advisory Committee member and vice president of professional services and training at Origence, followed by remarks from Paul Treinen, president and CEO of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU).
During the program, WFCU expressed appreciation to Velera, the event’s Gold Sponsor, for its continued commitment to advancing women’s leadership across the movement.
“The advancement of women strengthens culture and talent retention,” said Cheryl Middleton Jones, EVP and chief people officer at Velera. “When we invest in women’s development, we show our people that equity isn’t just a value, it’s a practice. That builds trust and trust is the core of a strong culture.”
Eleni Giakoumopoulos, GWLN Director, shared updates on the Network’s 2025 impact, the continued growth of Sister Societies worldwide and upcoming 2026 scholarship opportunities, while emphasizing that significant work remains to achieve gender equity.
“We need deeds, not words. We need systems, not slogans. According to a recent World Bank report, global GDP would increase by up to 20% if 3.9 billion women had equal access to jobs,” Giakoumopoulos said. “Take a moment to reflect on what you are giving so this year we can gainmore women into leadership within the financial cooperative space.”
The featured fireside chat, “Women, Transformation and Financial Inclusion,” brought together Angelina Tracy, WOCCU vice president of strategic rowth and partnerships, and Sophie Sirtaine, Global Director of Financial Services and CEO of CGAP at the World Bank Group. The discussion explored how women leaders drive institutional change and expand access to responsible financial services worldwide.
“If you want to advise governments or be effective in deepening and developing the financial sector, you need to understand reality – you can’t do it from a textbook,” Sirtaine said. “Working closely with clients instills values around productivity, responsiveness, value for money and accountability – principles that are essential for strong institutions.”
The annual GWLN Luncheon remains a cornerstone event for the Network, bringing together leaders and allies committed to advancing women and strengthening the global credit union community through collaboration and shared purpose.