Reflecting on My First GWLN EmpowHER Hour: Connection, Growth, and Credit Union Sisterhood
Established in 2009 by the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) was created to connect and empower women throughout the credit union movement. I attended my very first Monthly GWLN EmpowHER Hour session this month. Going into an interactive virtual space with leaders from across the credit union movement can feel a bit daunting, but leaving it? I felt incredibly energized, inspired, and deeply connected.
Hosted by GWLN’s learning partner, the eLeadership Academy, this exclusive space is designed specifically for credit union women and allies to learn, share, and lift each other up. Since the sessions are intentionally interactive and not recorded to maintain a safe, open environment, I wanted to capture my thoughts and takeaways while they are still fresh.
Here is my take on what made this first meeting so impactful:
1. Real Insights from Inspiring Women
It is one thing to read leadership advice in a book, but it is another entirely to hear it directly from women navigating the same unique spaces, challenges, and opportunities within credit unions. Hearing firsthand experiences and lessons learned from seasoned leaders provided practical wisdom that I can immediately apply to my own career journey.
2. Time with an Executive Coach
One of the most valuable aspects of the hour was the opportunity to explore real-world professional challenges and opportunities with an executive coach. Having a structured, supportive environment to break down professional growth strategies felt like a luxury—yet it’s built right into this monthly community.
3. High-Impact Breakout Networking
The breakout rooms allowed for genuine, small-group networking with a fantastic mix of credit union professionals and allies. We swapped stories, discussed our personal takeaways from the session, and built micro-connections that make the larger credit union network feel a lot closer and more accessible.
Final Thoughts: Why I'm Locking in the Next Session
In the credit union world, collaboration is our superpower, and the Global Women’s Leadership Network embodies that perfectly. This wasn't just a webinar where you sit back and passively listen; it was a collaborative, engaging hour of active development and community building.
If you are a GWLN member and haven't jumped into an EmpowHER Hour yet, I highly recommend making the time for the next one.
Have you attended an EmpowHER Hour session before, or are you planning to join the next one? Let’s connect and keep the conversation going.
Janeah Lucero