Young Professionals Reflect on WOCCU Conference

Tuesday 23 January 2024

Last month, six credit union professionals who are members of ABCUL’s Young Professionals Network attended the World Credit Union Conference, following a successful application process in which the YPN awarded complimentary passes to some of its members.

“We were delighted to award our YPN members conference passes for this year’s World Credit Union Conference,” says Chair of the YPN, Luke McGilvray.  “It was an excellent opportunity for members of our Network to connect with likeminded professionals from across the globe.”

The World Credit Union Conference has a strong affiliation with young professionals and the importance of developing the movement’s future leaders of today. Each year at the conference, scholarships are awarded to delegates who are 40 or younger as part of WOCCU’s Young Professional Programme designed to raise the voice of emerging leaders across the international credit union movement.

Three members from ABCUL’s Young Professional’s Network were awarded scholarships in Glasgow. Tanya Asbury from Penny Post Credit Union participated in the scholarship programme and attended the conference for her first time.  “I applied because I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn something new and find out more about credit unions around the world,” said Tanya.

“I really enjoyed the Conference, it was the opportunity of a lifetime, like nothing I’ve ever done before, or imagine I’ll do again. I look forward to applying my newfound knowledge in my job to help our members’.”

Also in attendance was Sam Brown from Enterprise Credit Union, Sam said: “Overall, I found WCUC to be such an eye-opening and inspiring experience, to be amongst over 1,600 delegates from credit unions across the globe was such a privilege, and I want to thank ABCUL and the YPN Committee for this amazing opportunity. This was my first time attending a world conference and I can only hope to attend many more in the future.”

During a special session at this week’s conference in Glasgow, WOCCU recognised young professionals affiliated with ABCUL’s YPN, as part of a new fellowship program that recognises the growth of national YP networks.

“I am delighted to work with a volunteer steering committee of dedicated colleagues ensuring our network provides opportunities for our young professionals,” Luke concluded. “We have now created a sustainable network allowing us to provide training, networking and development prospects annually for years to come.”