It may sound like hyperbole, but in the truest meaning of the word, CUWLA Connect is nothing short of extraordinary.

Where so many credit union industry events focus on traditional front-of-room presentations, covering big-picture topics across a broad agenda, CUWLA’s flagship annual event is altogether different.

Focusing on the needs of smaller credit unions

As a physical extension of the organization’s mission to support the women who primarily lead smaller credit unions—to help them address the day-to-day challenges that are often more minutiae than major—the event prioritizes pragmatism. Of course, attendees hear from and meet with inspirational presenters, but at its core, CUWLA Connect is exactly that: An opportunity for credit union leaders to meet with one another and collaboratively solve the pain points that can cause so much friction for their credit unions, employees, and members.

“If there were other opportunities for the women leaders of smaller credit unions to safely and confidently discuss their challenges openly, CUWLA wouldn’t exist,” says Linda White, executive director and one of the organization’s 13 founders. 

“In reality, many of the major credit union bodies and their respective events don’t place a significant emphasis on the challenges facing CUWLA members—and that’s ok, that’s not what they’re there for, but it is precisely why we exist.

“Our members are part of a truly engaged, supportive community that thrives digitally, but when we come together in-person, magic can happen.”

Focusing on the future of credit unions

Hosted at the stunning TruStage Lighthouse, the 2024 CUWLA Connect once again emphasized how solution-focused the organization’s membership is

From the initial networking evening at Credit Union House and other off-site activities, to the scheduled sessions, the energy throughout the conference was palpable, as women CEOs from across the credit union industry gathered to collaborate, innovate, and inspire one another.

A key part of the heart of the conference was sharing outputs from CUWLA’s inaugural Filene cohort; a group of four dynamic teams made up of 20 CUWLA members, working under the expert guidance of Filene’s Cortney Arnold. Their mission? To investigate and ideate solutions for some of the most pressing challenges facing our leaders today: Succession planning, talent development, staffing and recruitment, and capacity challenges.

“What was so exciting for me was that the teams presented very well structure, thoughtful concepts, but they were also actionable,” adds White. “These were ‘Here’s what we can do, right here, right now’ ideas, and the credit union system needs more of that. Especially the smaller institutions.

“Credit unions talk a lot about the cooperative principles, but these aren’t just words on a page: They’re our competitive edge. CUWLA’s the very embodiment of this, and you can see it in action at CUWLA Connect.”

CUWLA Connect is open exclusively to members of CUWLA. Become a member today to secure your spot in 2025.