Credit unions care about their communities. Today, Conexus Credit Union announced its $100,000 donation to CDF Canada. These funds will support CDF Canada’s Women’s Mentorship Program and other initiatives that support the growth of co-operative businesses and women leaders in the Global South.

The mentorship program is CDF Canada's flagship initiative which equips over 250 women from credit unions and financial co-operatives across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean with the tools, mentorship and leadership development opportunities to grow as confident leaders and drive meaningful change within their institutions and the broader sector. Program participants state an increase in confidence, strengthened leadership capabilities, and governance skills and a strong motivation to enhance their impact within their institutions and communities.

“Conexus is a credit union where women thrive. We have female leaders at every level of the organization, and many of our community partnerships focus on supporting the well-being of women in our province. As a leader in the credit union system, we believe we have a responsibility to also create opportunities for female co-operative leaders throughout the world who are helping improve their communities. CDF Canada’s Women’s Mentorship Program benefits the participants, the host credit unions and their respective local communities immensely." stated Celina Philpot, Chief Executive Officer, Conexus Credit Union

Read the full release online here or below.

Source: Conexus Credit Union

Conexus donates $100,000 to empower women and strengthen co-operatives

[REGINA, SK, April 7, 2026] - Conexus Credit Union is stepping up to promote the growth of co-operative businesses in the Global South.

Conexus announced today a $100,000 donation to the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada). The funds will support CDF Canada’s Women’s Mentorship Program and other initiatives that support the growth of co-operative businesses and women leaders in the Global South.

The Women’s Mentorship Program is a flagship initiative of CDF Canada, currently delivered as part of the VOICE for Women and Girls Project. Since 2002, the program has equipped over 250 women from credit unions and financial co-operatives across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean with the tools, mentorship and leadership development opportunities to grow as confident leaders and drive meaningful change within their institutions and the broader sector. Participants return home with increased confidence, strengthened leadership capacity, new governance and business skills and a strong motivation to multiply their impact within their institutions and communities. Many go on to advance into senior leadership roles, influence institutional practices and mentor the next generation of women leaders, creating lasting impact at the individual, institutional and sector levels.

For many years, Conexus, Cornerstone and Synergy Credit Unions have each hosted women co-operative leaders from around the world in Saskatchewan as part of the program. Now operating together as Conexus Credit Union, the organization looks forward to hosting two leaders in June for the 2026 Women’s Mentorship Program.

Conexus follows the seven co-operative principles, including concern for community and co-operation among co-operatives. The co-operative business model is a path to local economic growth, community well-being and improved standards of living in the Global South today as it was in Saskatchewan when co-operatives were first formed in the province.

Insights from co-operative leaders

“This has been a truly transformative experience. It has shaped my career, who I am as a person and how I show up in my community. One of the biggest changes for me is a strong sense of determination. Through the program, I’ve been able to break down the limits and stereotypes I once felt as a woman leader. I now feel like I’m in a place of unlimited possibilities. It has helped me connect more deeply with myself and given me the confidence to step forward and serve my community. I see myself as a change agent.”

“Conexus is a credit union where women thrive. We have female leaders at every level of the organization, and many of our community partnerships focus on supporting the well-being of women in our province. As a leader in the credit union system, we believe we have a responsibility to also create opportunities for female co-operative leaders throughout the world who are helping improve their communities. CDF Canada’s Women’s Mentorship Program benefits the participants, the host credit unions and their respective local communities immensely."

“At the very heart of the Women’s Mentorship Program is mutual exchange. While participants gain the skills and confidence to grow as leaders and transform their communities, Canadian credit unions gain just as much through the perspectives, experiences and leadership these women bring into their organizations. This two-way learning strengthens institutions on both sides and contributes to a more connected, inclusive and resilient global co-operative sector, where women are not only participating, but leading change.”