Women@WU is excited to launch a new program that spotlights the Extraordinary Contributions of women at Western Union.
Women who are leading the way and executing game-changing initiatives that are driving our strategy forward. Extraordinary Contributions can come from any region and any level in the organization.
Meet our first four spotlights!
Egle Bendoraityte
Leader, Operations
Vilnius, Lithuania
Egle led an 8-week leadership development program, from proposal to execution, within the Platform Operations Quality Assurance team in 2020. The program provided weekly leadership training to people leaders and emerging talent on topics such as ‘Situational Leadership’, ‘Coaching Fundamentals’, ‘Building Leadership Brands’, and one specifically dedicated to ‘Women in Leadership’. This incredible program became the foundation for the Platform Operations people strategy that focused on talent cultivation and career development. She has since expanded to lead other teams through select modules.
Nicole Ayres
Group Leader, Compliance
Denver, United States
In 2020, Western Union piloted a One Company / One Exam for multiple Western Union entities, including WUFSI, WUIS, and WUBS. Nikki led Western Union’s response, coordinating internal stakeholders and with multiple state regulators. This multi-state exam was one of the first of its kind, providing significant efficiencies not only for Western Union but for regulators, and was deemed a success.
Emily Larson
Manager, Foundation Communications
Denver, United States
Emily has been the leading force to creating the Mentorship Beyond Borders program which enables employees to contribute to the Western Union Foundation’s (WUF) commitment to helping create equal access to the global economy. This virtual program allows employees to volunteer their time to young people across the globe and support their goals of a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities, through mentorship.
Marie-Elise Droga
Head, Global Strategic Partnerships
San Francisco, United States
Marie-Elise led and negotiated the complex partnership discussions with Walmart US – the world’s largest retailer – bringing this opportunity to fruition with an agreement made public on January 18, 2021. She oversaw the activation of WU Money Transfer and domestic payment services across Walmart’s 4700 US locations and then transitioned the day-to-day management of this strategic partner to the local US business team. Marie-Elise’s unique approach ensured sustained focus on deal priorities, instilled a problem-solving mindset and brought leadership across a diverse set of critical stakeholders internally and externally.
Western Union is committed to celebrating success wherever it occurs through our Employee Recognition Program, Bravo, and the WU Way Stars program which recognizes individuals and teams who have implemented Continuous Improvement initiatives and demonstrated Lead Leader capabilities.
