Champion Change by Elevating Women in Leadership

Women have long played a crucial role in shaping the credit union movement, bringing a unique combination of leadership, resilience, and innovation to the financial services industry. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is important to recognize both the strides made in advancing women’s leadership in credit unions and the challenges that remain. Investing in mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership development can inspire more women to pursue leadership roles, ensuring a more inclusive and dynamic future for the industry.

The Power of Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Leadership Development

Mentorship and sponsorship are two of the most effective ways to elevate women in the workplace. A mentor provides guidance, support, and insights based on lived experience, while a sponsor actively advocates for a woman’s career advancement by opening doors to new opportunities. Research shows that women with sponsors are more likely to advance into leadership positions, yet they are less likely than men to have these powerful allies in their corner.

Leadership development programs specifically designed to empower women are another valuable tool for fostering growth. These programs help build confidence, expand professional networks, and equip emerging leaders with the skills necessary to navigate the unique challenges of the credit union system. Encouraging women to participate in executive education, leadership training, and peer networking opportunities strengthens the leadership pipeline and leads to long-term career progression.

Progress in Women’s Leadership in Credit Unions

The credit union industry has made notable progress in increasing female representation in leadership roles. According to industry research, women now hold more than 50% of CEO positions in credit unions with assets under $50 million. However, as asset sizes increase, representation decreases significantly, with far fewer women leading credit unions with assets exceeding $1 billion.

While these numbers highlight growth, they also underscore a need for continued efforts to bridge the leadership gap. By fostering pathways to executive leadership and increasing visibility for high-potential women, the industry can further amplify female leadership at all asset levels.

Barriers to Advancement

Despite these gains, women in credit unions still face challenges in achieving top leadership roles. These barriers include:

• Unconscious Bias: Traditional leadership traits are often associated with men, creating hurdles for women seeking advancement.
• Work-Life Balance Expectations: Women are more likely to experience pressure to balance career aspirations with family responsibilities, leading some to opt out of leadership paths.
• Limited Access to Networks: Many leadership opportunities arise through informal networks where women are underrepresented.
• Pay and Promotion Gaps: Studies indicate that women in financial services continue to face disparities in salary and promotion rates compared to their male counterparts.

How Credit Unions Can Champion Women’s Career Growth

Organizations committed to elevating women in leadership can take several concrete actions:

1. Establish Formal Sponsorship Programs – Encourage senior leaders to actively advocate for and champion high-potential women.
2. Create Leadership Development Opportunities – Offer targeted training, stretch assignments, and executive coaching tailored to women’s career trajectories.
3. Offer Flexible Work Models – Provide hybrid work options and family-friendly policies to accommodate different career stages and personal needs.
4. Evaluate and Address Pay Equity – Conduct regular compensation audits to identify and correct any gender-based wage gaps.
5. Amplify Women’s Voices – Ensure women have a seat at decision-making tables, serve as keynote speakers, and are recognized for their achievements.
6. Build Strong Networks – Encourage participation in industry groups, mentorship circles, and peer networks to enhance connectivity and career growth.

A Vision for the Future: Inclusion and Equity in Action

A future where women thrive in credit union leadership is one where fairness, access, and opportunity are embedded in organizational culture. Inclusion means more than just representation; it requires actively listening to women’s perspectives, fostering environments where diverse leadership styles are valued, and modifying decision-making structures to reflect the communities credit unions serve. Equity means removing systemic barriers, providing transparent promotion pathways, and creating workplaces where women feel empowered to lead with authenticity and confidence.

As we move forward, let’s commit to building an industry where all women—regardless of background, experience, or career stage—have the resources and support needed to rise. By taking deliberate, actionable steps, credit unions can continue to be a force for progress, paving the way for the next generation of women leaders to shape the future of financial services.

Dawn Abely joined CUES in 2007 and has held the positions of Vice President/Conferences and Institutes and Senior Vice President/Chief Learning Officer. She currently serves as the Senior Vice President/Chief Sales and Member Relations Officer.

In this role, Dawn oversees the CUES member facing teams, including Sales and Executive Education and Meetings. Dawn and her team of dedicated professionals lead our sales efforts and ensure the CUES experience is most effectively delivered to CUES members through professional development opportunities.

Prior to joining CUES, she had her own strategic planning firm, D3 Results, specializing in the hospitality and tourism industry. Dawn spent five years in Washington, D.C. where she served as Executive Vice President of the Washington, D.C. Convention and Tourism Corporation and Executive Director of The American Experience Foundation producing such events as America Celebrates the Greatest Generation, the Pageant of Peace Gala and The Taste of D.C.

Dawn held similar positions in Milwaukee, WI, where she was recognized for her leadership in the community by receiving several awards including a City Council and Mayoral Proclamation and the “40 under 40” award by the Milwaukee Business Journal.