Global Women’s Leadership Network Announces 2026 Scholarships for Upcoming World Credit Union Conference in Sydney

By W.B. King

With the New Year comes the announcement of the Global Women’s Leadership Network Scholarship program. “As part of our mission to empower women in leadership in credit unions worldwide, the Global Women's Leadership Network (GWLN) offers an annual scholarship program to female leaders from the global credit union industry,” organizers stated. “Learning opportunities are made available to scholars through in-person and virtual events so they can diversify skill sets, engage with other credit union professionals on a global scale and become better prepared to lead financial cooperatives in the future.”

Attendees at the 2025 World Credit Union Conference in Stockholm. Photo credit: Global Women's Leadership Network.

Recognizing individuals who have demonstrated leadership and exemplify a commitment to improving lives in their communities through the work of their credit unions/financial cooperatives, the annual scholarships have been supported by numerous credit unions and fintechs, including One AZ Credit Union, Origence, TruStage and Velera.

Expanding Leadership Capacity

Five scholarship winners will be given the opportunity to attend the World Council of Credit Unions largest credit union event, the World Credit Union Conference (WCUC) that takes place July 19-22, 2026, in Sydney, Australia at the International Convention Centre (ICC Sydney). Scholarships include full conference registration, roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations.

Upon winning a spot in 2025, Michelle Carrera, senior consultant with the Indiana Credit Union League, shared her experience with Finopotamus. “The application process involved responding to a series of highly detailed and thorough questions about the credit union movement, diversity, and the pivotal role of women within these areas. I recall completing the application within a relatively brief timeframe, since I felt as if the questions resonated deeply with my experience as a Guatemalan American credit union professional,” she continued. “Particularly the emphasis of the impactful contributions of women that have historically shaped - and will continue to influence - the success of the global credit union movement.”

Event organizers also noted that recipients will take part in GWLN activities, meet with supporters and “sister society” leaders and engage with the broader WCUC delegation. “Their learning journey will include interactive sessions, peer exchanges and participation in the 2026 GWLN Lunch & Learn breakout event.”

According to the organization, since launching in 2009, the GWLN Scholarship has supported 108 women from 34 countries, expanding leadership capacity and global engagement. Scholarship applications are currently being accepted. For more information, visit cuwomen.org.