Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions Honors Global Leaders at Champions’ Voices Event
Four organizations recognized for advancing global credit union development in Guatemala, Kenya and Ukraine
March 02, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions (WFCU) on Sunday night honored four organizations during its second annual Global Good Awards ceremony at the historic Howard Theatre, celebrating leadership and generosity that strengthened global cooperative finance initiatives in 2025.
Held during the Governmental Affairs Conference week, the Champions’ Voices event brought together over 180 industry leaders for an evening of live jazz, storytelling and recognition under the theme “Tune In to Global Cooperative Finance.”
The 2026 Global Good Award recipients are:
- SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
- GECU Federal Credit Union
- Iowa Credit Union League
- America First Credit Union
Awards were presented by WFCU Board members in recognition of the organizations’ significant support of the WFCU’s Rally the Movement Campaign, which sustained development efforts in Guatemala, Kenya and Ukraine.
Opening the program, WFCU President Mike Reuter emphasized that the evening represented far more than a celebration of achievement.
“When credit unions extend their reach beyond their own communities, real transformation happens,” Reuter said. “The leaders we recognize tonight chose to invest in something bigger than themselves — strengthening cooperative finance across borders and standing alongside peers facing vastly different challenges. That’s the credit union difference in action.”
Throughout the evening, country-inspired jazz performances accompanied video stories highlighting 2025 impact in Guatemala, Kenya and Ukraine. The Ukraine segment paid tribute to the resilience of credit unions operating amid continued war, underscoring the movement’s commitment to service despite extraordinary challenges.
For Murray Williams, President and CEO of the Iowa Credit Union League, the recognition represents the shared commitment of Iowa credit unions to strengthening the global cooperative movement.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor for Iowa’s credit union movement,” said Williams. “With the long standing support of our Board of Directors, Iowa credit unions are proud to stand alongside our global partners to advance financial inclusion and strengthen cooperative finance systems that empower communities around the world.”
The program also featured remarks from TruStage, the event’s sponsor, and closing reflections from Paul Treinen, President and CEO of the World Council of Credit Unions.
“It was a privilege to recognize this year’s four Global Good Award recipients. Their sustained commitment to WFCU and WOCCU has strengthened our ability to serve and advance the global financial cooperative community,” said Treinen. “Our work to do global good is made possible by leaders like these, and it will continue to depend on the generosity and partnership of those who believe in this mission.”
The Champions’ Voices event highlights WFCU’s role in mobilizing resources and partnerships to advance financial inclusion, strengthen cooperative finance systems and respond to crises affecting credit union communities worldwide.
For more information about WFCU and its global impact initiatives, visit www.doglobalgood.org.
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