Empowering women, strengthening co-ops

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 becoming the new Conexus Credit Union have all hosted women co-operative leaders from around the world in Saskatchewan as part of the program. Conexus Credit Union 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.”

Grace Wanjiru Kung’u (Kenya)

WMP 2024, hosted by Conexus Credit Union

“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."

Celina Philpot

Chief Executive Officer

Conexus Credit Union

“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.”

Mariel Edwards-Carreau

Women’s Mentorship Program Lead

CDF Canada

For more information and to arrange interviews, please contact:

Michael Chmielewski 
Media Relations Specialist | Conexus Credit Union 
media@conexus.ca | 306-751-8201

About Conexus Credit Union

Effective January 1, 2026, Conexus Credit Union 2006, Cornerstone Credit Union Financial Group Limited and Synergy Credit Union Ltd. amalgamated as Conexus Credit Union. We’re a forward-thinking, Saskatchewan-based credit union committed to our members and their success. We’re a member-owned cooperative with deep roots in communities throughout the province. With over $17 billion in assets under management, Conexus Credit Union will serve more than 200,000 members, through 57 branches, across 50 communities and unite 1,400 employees across Saskatchewan. This merger continues the legacy of three successful organizations, rooted in cooperative values and a shared vision of member and community empowerment.

Conexus dedicates five per cent of its pre-tax profits to supporting partners who are working to improve the quality of life in our communities.

About the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada)

The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) is a national non-profit advancing sustainable, inclusive economies through the co-operative model. They work alongside communities in the Global South to strengthen co-operatives and credit unions through leadership development and capacity building so that they can design and lead their own solutions.

CDF Canada is the only Canadian charity focused solely on international development through co-operatives. They create sustainable, community-led change by connecting co-operative professionals across borders. By bridging Canadian co-operative expertise with global partners, they foster mutual learning that strengthens institutions, empowers leaders and drives lasting impact across communities.