Prospera Credit Union in Abbotsford recently took part in the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada’s annual Women’s Mentorship Program and hosted a female credit union leader from Mongolia.
Amarjagal Bayanjargal, an accountant from Credit Union Mongol in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, was mentored by women throughout Prospera on day-to-day operations, policies and services.
Bayanjargall is one of many women credit union leaders from across the world who were paired with host credit unions across Canada.
During her time at Prospera, Bayanjargal was mentored by employees in the credit, accounting, marketing and communications departments.
“Having the opportunity to come to Canada has been so beneficial to me and I learned so much from my mentors,” Bayanjargal said.
“Taking part in this program has shown me that while there are many differences between our credit unions, the co-operative principles are the same. We are all very involved in making our communities better and invested in the success of our members and this is the same whether you are in Mongolia or in Canada.”
The program, now in its 16th year, provides a unique professional development opportunity to female credit union managers of overseas financial co-operatives – many of whom are in developing countries.
It also provides a mutual learning opportunity for the women who play host, including Jayne Taylor, who is the vice president of governance and corporate affairs at Prospera.
“When I reflect on being involved with CDF’s Women’s Mentorship program and the four amazing women from Mongolia and Africa I’ve hosted, what stands out for me is leadership” Taylor said.
“The inherent qualities of leadership – like integrity, passion and courage – surpass all geographic borders.”
The Women’s Mentorship Program is a global development program created by the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) and supported by the Cooperative Development Foundation of Canada.
Since 2002, 229 women leaders from 19 countries in Africa and Asia have participated in the program.