Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance Announces CUWLA Rise to Strengthen the Leadership Pipeline for Credit Unions

Lily Newfarmer

​Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance (CUWLA) announced the launch of CUWLA Rise, a leadership community designed for senior women leaders within credit unions who report directly to the CEO and lead teams of their own. Many CUWLA Rise members already serve in executive roles and are deeply involved in organizational strategy, operaGons, and people leadership.

CUWLA Rise was created to advance CUWLA’s purpose: to serve as an inclusive network and safe space that supports women CEOs and the long-term sustainability of smaller credit unions. The program expands CUWLA’s impact by investing in experienced leaders who play critical roles in day-to-day operations and represent the next generation of executive leadership, supporting thoughtful succession planning across the credit union system.

“Strong, sustainable credit unions depend on leadership depth,” said Lily Newfarmer, Board Chair of Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance. “CUWLA Rise reflects our commitment to building leadership pipelines that support CEOs while preparing the next generation of executive leaders. This program is a natural extension of CUWLA’s mission and a strategic investment in the future of the movement.”

CUWLA Rise is built around CUWLA’s three foundaGonal pillars:

• Collaboration — Empowering women to lead within the global credit union movement through meaningful peer connection and shared learning.
• Education — Providing professional development opportunities that deepen leadership capability, strategic thinking, and executive readiness.
• Mentorship — Offering one-on-one guidance and support from experienced leaders within the credit union system.

Through facilitated conversations, leadership development experiences, and intentional connection to CUWLA’s CEO community, CUWLA Rise creates space for senior leaders to grow while remaining closely aligned to the realities facing CEOs and smaller credit unions.

“Rise members are already trusted leaders within their organizations,” said Linda White, Executive Director of CUWLA. “They are navigating complex responsibilities, leading teams, and partnering closely with their CEOs. CUWLA Rise provides a supportive environment where these leaders can sharpen their skills, learn from one another, and prepare for what’s next in their leadership journey.”

By extending its focus beyond the CEO role while remaining grounded in CEO-led impact, CUWLA continues to reinforce a leadership ecosystem that supports both today’s executives and tomorrow’s leaders.

For more information about CUWLA Rise or Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance,
visit -- https://cuwla.com.

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