A Kenyan woman, Grace Akinyi Ogolla Watsiera, has been awarded a scholarship by the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) to attend the World Credit Union Conference (WCUC) in the USA. The scholarship offers a unique opportunity for professional development and skill diversification.
Scholarship Recipients
The 2024 GWLN Scholarship recipients include:
- Grace Akinyi Ogolla Watsiera (Kenya)
- Gugu Vilakati (Eswatini)
- Raquel Mascariña (Philippines)
- Michelle Carrera (USA)
World Credit Union Conference Details
- Hosts: World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and America’s Credit Unions
- Date: July 21-24, 2024
- Location: Boston, USA
- Format: In-person conference with virtual events throughout the year
Selection Process
The scholarship recipients were selected from a record 86 applicants representing 23 countries on six continents where GWLN is present. The selection process aimed to identify individuals who would contribute to skill-building, program growth, and engage with more women for a greater impact within the global credit union system.
Sponsorship and Support
GWLN Director Lena Giakoumopoulos expressed the challenge of selecting the scholars from a large pool of well-qualified individuals. The scholarships are made possible through funding from GWLN memberships and industry champion sponsorships. Sponsors for 2023 included PSCU/Co-op Solutions, TruStage, Origence, and the Susan Adams Scholarship Fund, established in honor of former Entrust Financial Credit Union CEO Susan Adams and supported by One AZ Credit Union.
Global Impact of GWLN
Since 2009, GWLN has awarded over 100 scholarships to women from more than 30 countries. The organization’s mission is to connect, inspire, and empower women, providing them with opportunities and resources to make a measurable difference in the lives of each other, credit union members, and their communities.