MADISON, Wis.—Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) has introduced the 2026 recipients of Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) and World Young Credit Union Professionals (WYCUP) Program scholarships.
Selected from a competitive international pool, these scholars will gain access to transformative global learning, high-level networking and leadership development opportunities at the 2026 World Credit Union Conference (WCUC), July 19-22 in Sydney, Australia.
For 2026, GWLN reported it received 83 applications from 18 countries, and WYCUP received 96 applications from 20 countries – reflecting the continued strength and global reach of both programs.
Each scholarship covers airfare, hotel accommodations and conference registration.
2026 GWLN Scholars
GWLN supports the advancement of women in the credit union movement through global networking and educational engagement. This year’s scholars are:
- Cristian Flores-Tapia, DEI Program Manager, Rivermark Community Credit Union (USA)
- Digna Almonte, Treasurer of the Board, Coop Aspire (Dominican Republic)
- Heloisa Helena Lopes, Vice-Presidente do Conselho de Administração da Sicredi Pioneira, Sicredi Pioneira RS (Brazil)
- Marcia Osborne, Group HRD Manager, Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League Ltd. (Jamaica)
- Mary Bokosi, General Manager, PolyMed SACCO (Malawi)
‘It’s Been Inspiring’
“It’s been really inspiring being in a room full of like-minded people with the same values, same goals, same mission – and we’re all here, people helping people,” Gaylene Quitadamo, GWLN 2025 Scholar from Australia, said in a statement in reflecting on her experience at WCUC last year.
During WCUC 2026, recipients will participate in GWLN programming, connect with Sister Society representatives and supporters and engage with the broader international delegation, the organization said. Their experience will include collaborative sessions, peer dialogue and participation in the 2026 GWLN Lunch & Learn and breakout session.
2026 WYCUP Scholarship Recipients
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, WYCUP Program continues its mission to cultivate the next generation of credit union leaders and strengthen global collaboration, according to the Foundation.
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
- Brenda Obondo, Vice Chairperson, Kenya Medical Association Sacco and KUSCCO (Kenya)
- Daniel Andrade Rodrigues de Souza, Youth Committee Leader, Sicredi Vale do Piquiri Abcd PR/SP (Brazil)
- Genesis Manuel, Director for Youth, Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives (Philippines)
- Jozell Byron, Compliance Officer, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Cooperative Credit Union (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)
- Nicholas Campbell, Client Relations Team Lead, Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League Ltd. – Quality Network Cooperative Ltd. (Jamaica)
- Tanya Mueller Smith, Relationship Manager, Education and Professional Development, Canadian Credit Union Association (Canada)
- Tarique Hercules, Senior Member Relations and Marketing Officer, Police Co-operative Credit Union (St. Christopher & Nevis) (Saint Kitts and Nevis)
- Washington Ferreira Nascimento Filho, Youth Committee Member, Sicredi Sudoeste MT/PA (Brazil)
A Dedicated Day
As part of this milestone year, WYCUP scholars will attend WCUC 2026 and participate in a full day dedicated to emerging leaders. On July 19, WYCUP and the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) will co-host the Emerging Leaders’ Summit, followed by a global reception uniting executives, innovators and professionals under 40 from more than 50 countries, the organization said.
“It’s a unique experience – incredibly impactful and full of learning. The immersion of different cultures and the opportunity to talk with young credit union leaders from all over the world — you are definitely having a fantastic experience here,” Vitor Cora, WYCUP 2025 scholarship recipient from Brazil, said in a statement.
The Sponsors
The Foundation said the programs are made possible through the generous support of industry partners. The current and past scholarship sponsors include TruStage, Velera, Origence and OneAZ Credit Union.
For info: cuwomen.org and wycup.org.
