Young Leaders Empower Future of Credit Unions at WYCUP Virtual Global Summit
Global gathering highlights diversity, inclusion and innovation in financial services
December 13, 2024
MADISON, Wis.—The World Young Credit Union Professionals (WYCUP) network on Thursday hosted its 2024 Virtual Global Emerging Leaders Summit, drawing 160 registered participants from over 30 credit unions and organizations in 21 countries.
Attendees represented countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Jamaica, Kenya and the United States, spanning diverse age groups, genders and job roles to showcase the broad and inclusive reach of the credit union movement and highlight the power of international collaboration.
“This event is a testament to the incredible potential of young leaders in the credit union industry,” said Tyler Valentine, President and CEO of StagePoint Credit Union and Board Member of the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, who hosted the event. “By connecting globally, we build a future that is equitable and resilient.”
Inspirational sessions and diverse voices
Keynote speaker Dr. Brandi Stankovic, Principal at Strategic Advisor Solutions and an organizational change expert, urged attendees to lead with authenticity and passion. Throughout her address, Dr. Stankovic emphasized the importance of confidence, self-awareness and the power of intention in leadership. She encouraged the audience to check in with themselves, recognize their strengths and take action to create meaningful change.
“Leadership isn’t about titles or accolades; it’s about creating opportunities for others to thrive,” said Dr. Stankovic. “It’s about taking action, speaking up, using your voice, and standing up to make a difference. When you speak your truth, you build confidence and take action. Leadership is about ensuring that you can make a difference today, and help others rise because when one rises, we all rise.”
The Summit also featured several other speakers who relayed inspiring messages for the leaders of tomorrow.
Francieli Müller Prado, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion specialist at Sicredi Foundation, showcased youth-led projects that stress the value of cooperativism. She highlighted how empowering young voices is crucial for shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Dr. Archana Krishnan, Business Intelligence Architect and DEI advocate at Stride Credit Union, inspired attendees by redefining young leadership. She emphasized that young leaders should build on their experiences rather than be constrained by their age, with inclusivity and open communication playing a vital role in shaping the future of leadership in credit unions.
In a session on international advocacy, Erin O’Hern, International Advocacy and Regulatory Counsel at World Council of Credit Unions, encouraged participants to champion credit union interests globally.
“It is really important to be in front of those international standard-setting bodies to remind them that credit unions are here [and about] the role we play within the community,” shared O’Hern.
Cortney Arnold, Community Development Director at Filene Research Institute, led a workshop on “Innovation in Credit Unions,” focusing on how adapting to emerging technologies and trends is essential for credit unions to remain relevant to future generations. She underscored the need for innovation not only in product development but also in nurturing meaningful relationships, emphasizing the role of human connections in driving transformative change.
WYCUP’s global impact
The Summit sparked meaningful discussions on advocacy, innovation and diversity, in line with WYCUP’s mission to develop the next generation of credit union leaders. Participants engaged in sessions that encouraged the sharing of ideas and collaboration on global strategies to strengthen the credit union movement.
The event highlighted WYCUP’s global impact, as leaders from diverse backgrounds came together to explore solutions to common challenges and drive positive change within the credit union sector.
This event was made possible by the generous support of sponsors: TruStage, Velera and Sicredi, who have been instrumental in advancing WYCUP’s mission this year.
For more information about WYCUP, visit www.wycup.org.
NOTE: Click on photos to view/download in high resolution.