Sicredi Women and Youth Summit 2025 Highlights Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Cooperation in Brazil

Tony (left foreground) and Charity Abraham (glasses) at the Sicredi Women and Youth Summit Gisele Gomes (far left) leads a panel discussion The Summit entrepreneur fair Thomas Belekevich and other attendees enjoying the Summit

Several representatives from World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) shared insights into the global credit union movement's achievements and the challenges that lie ahead on day one of the Sicredi Women and Youth Summit 2025 in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. 

The three-day event brings key leaders and members together from dozens of credit unions affiliated with Sicredi, WOCCU's direct member organization in Brazil. 

Monday's opening ceremony featured a flag parade representing the eight participating countries, symbolizing the unity and diversity of the cooperative movement. A craft fair also showcased at the event also featured the work of credit union members, some of whom had their businesses recognized on the Summit stage.

WOCCU and WFCU in focus

After the opening ceremony, WOCCU and WFCU representatives presented the organization's most relevant projects and shared key trends in credit union development around the world—with a special focus on initiatives led by women and youth.

WFCU Board President Bill Cheney took to the main stage to speak about the great work the organization does and emphasized that credit unions must continue to work toward making the world a better place. 

In the Summit’s first panel discussion, Gisele Gomes, Brazilian National Coordinator for WFCU's Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN), led a conversation with outgoing WOCCU Board Fellows' Charity Abraham (Ghana) and Tony (Indonesia). The discussion highlighted the cultural differences between their countries and Brazil, while also showcasing a shared commitment to cooperative values such as mutual aid.

“Our guests are real examples of the global movement encouraging youth and women to take part in cooperative decision-making. The results are already visible,” said Gomes.

Thomas Belekevich, WOCCU Director of Member Services, moderated the second panel of the day, which focused on the role of young people in the credit union space who participate in WYCUP, a program that recognizes and develops young leaders in the global credit union movement. 

2025 WYCUP Scholarship recipients including Áine Thompson (Ireland), Caitlyn Harrington (Canada), Gloria San Gil (Australia), Hazelmae Overturf (USA) and Brazilian Milena Parreira all journeyed to Foz do Iguaçu to share their personal journeys with Thom. 

Targeting credit union professionals up to 40 years old, the WYCUP Scholarship program values those who drive social impact and innovation in their communities.

Member entrepreneur fair

Along with the presentations and panel discussions, the Summit also featured a space where Sicredi credit union member business owners could display and sell their products. 

"Sicredi never ceases to inspire. Hosting an entrepreneur fair to feature small business owners is a great way for Summit attendees to meet local producers and hear stories about how the credit unions played a major role in their success," said Belekevich. 

The Sicredi Women and Youth Summit runs through Wednesday, April 16.