Women’s Leadership Conference encourages, motivates

The Cornerstone Credit Union League created the Women's Leadership Conference to foster excellence in rising and accomplished women leaders across the credit union movement. During the conference women from across the League’s tristate region, took part in this unique women-centric program, gathering ideas, insights, and strategies from industry experts and looking at ways to achieve long-term personal growth, balance, and professional development.

Cornerstone’s President/CEO Caroline Willard delivered opening remarks. “I believe that women bring special and different traits to leadership. We need to have a diversity of thought and inclusion in our organizations. We are at a tipping point, and we can hold up those who are doing it well.” She added, “If we build a new partnership with men based on equality, we will be able to move our movement forward together.”

Eleni Giakoumopoulos, program director, Global Women’s Leadership Network at the World Council of Credit Unions, discussed “Achieving Greater Gender Balance among Leadership Positions.” During her presentation, she described the Global Gender Gap Index. “Despite positive trends overall and in most of the underlying factors, the economic opportunity gender gap remains the dimension that will require the longest time to close completely. Based on today’s status and the trend observed over the past 12 years, it will now take 202 years to close the gap.”

A key message delivered during the conference was the importance of building a network. Participants had the opportunity to exchange business cards and build new relationships during a networking break, reception, and luncheon.

"Starting with Why and Ending with Why Not?" was an informative session with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas' Meredith Black, first vice president and chief operating officer, telling participants about her journey working at the Fed. She encouraged women to choose a great company to work for that is progressive. She added, “Everyone has the potential to be leaders. Own our own careers. Always ask for help and help others and ask why about everything; that’s the way we learn.”

Tamra Gaines, Cornerstone’s Experiences & Events VP, encouraged women to develop Lean In Circles made up of small groups, girlfriends, or co-workers that can be held anywhere. “With a Lean In Circle, you can dig a little deeper and formalize opportunities for learning and discussion.” 

One of the conference highlights was a personalized leadership profile, sponsored by CUNA Mutual Group. Rebecca Bales with Lumina Learning helped attendees learn more about themselves and others and discover interpersonal strengths and weakness through a psychometric profile tool called Lumina Portrait.

Asking everyone to pull out a mirror to really look at themselves, Monica Johnson, author, mentor, and business professional, helped women with her presentation “Develop Your Identity.” She continued “Repeat after me, ‘I give myself permission to be me.’ You have to take inventory of yourself—not just the negative but look at your strengths. What is true for you? Show up for yourself.”

At the closing session “Build Your Winning Game Plan,” Julie Kratz with Pivot Point, encouraged participants to leave with a tangible, actionable plan. “You do this by creating a personal statement, setting tangible goals, prioritizing aspirational competencies, and determining critical action steps.”