Inspire. Connect. Empower!

Dakota credit union professionals can now join a local “Sister Society” with the Global Women’s Leadership Network! An amazing opportunity for EVERYONE! 

by Shawn Marie Brummer

Dakota Credit Union Association is pleased to announce that a local “Sister Society” of the Global Women’s Leadership Network is now being formed in the Dakotas.  Thanks to the efforts of Nanci Wilson from University Federal Credit Union (Grand Forks, ND) along with Jaymason Bramblee from Oahe Federal Credit Union (Pierre, SD), the first meeting of the Dakotas Sister Society is scheduled for April 28th at 2:00 p.m. (CT) via Zoom.

The Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) is an initiative of Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, the fundraising and engagement arm of World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU).  GWLN is one of the original diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives established in 2009 by WOCCU to provide women in the industry the opportunity to network and make a measurable difference in the lives of each other, in the lives of members, and within their communities.  Today, more than 4,500 individuals from 86 countries representing diverse groups of women from all walks of life, expertise, and professional standing have joined the movement.

“I was sitting in my office one day, when I received a message from a friend who was attending a Sister Society planning meeting,” says Wilson. “Since North and South Dakota did not have a chapter, he told them he knew just the person to contact.  I instantly said yes, but I also knew that saying yes meant that I needed to find a South Dakota counterpart.  I knew Jaymason Bramblee from Oahe Federal Credit Union as I was her Crasher mentor for the 2020 Summit.  I knew that her perspective and positive energy would bring something special to the table.”

She continues, “After an initial meeting with Lena [Elini Giakoumopoulos] at the Global Women's Leadership Network, I knew that we were being surrounded by some amazing people wanting to bridge the gender gap and bring a culture of empowerment.  But what I truly love most about the creation of the Dakotas Sister Society is that it is for anyone within your credit union!  From the front line to CEOs, and regardless of gender, we want everyone to join knowing that they bring a special component to this amazing group.  If you want to inspire, connect, empower, you belong here!” she added. 

Eleni Giakoumopoulos – Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) Program Director, Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, WOCCU.  With more than 20 years of international experience working in 15 countries in western, central and eastern Europe, her background includes managing cross-border cooperation programs through consultancy work, membership recruitment for a national trade association, content development for print and digital media and directing career services in an educational organization.  Prior to joining World Council as the Corporate Communications Manager in 2017, she was part of the board communications team at an international finance institution, supporting economic development and regional cooperation.  Since 2018, she has been responsible for directing the professional development programming and expanding GWLN Sister Societies. growing membership in the U.S. and internationally.  Giakoumopoulos holds a master’s degree in global marketing from the University of Liverpool.
 
Crystal Wambeke – Keynote Speaker will present “How to Tuck & Roll & Come Out Swinging!”  Being in business, growing your career, achieving goals, and accomplishing the things you want for yourself is a fantastic challenge.  Dreams and goals are yours to achieve, but often starting is the hardest part.  Perfecting the pivot, rolling with the tides, and knowing when to activate your backup plans are part of the journey.  Crystal has learned many lessons in her business journey, and she is going to share the best ones she has picked up along the way.  Pandemics, recessions, employee turnovers, and tech disruptions will happen, and they will happen to you.  Being a boss, an introverted entrepreneur, and a female in a male dominated world has given her some unique perspective on fear, challenges, goals, and success.  Join us in this session and find out how to tuck and roll and come out swinging!
 
Plan now to join us on Wednesday, April 28th for the first meeting of the Dakotas Sister Society!  To register, simply RSVP to Nanci Wilson by April 26th and be sure to follow us on Facebook.  The group plans to reconnect quarterly following the initial meeting.