Principles & Philosophy Workshop Empowers 41 Credit Union Professionals

Last week, 41 credit union leaders gathered for the Cornerstone Foundation’s three-day Principles & Philosophy Workshop, diving into the history, cooperative principles, and human-centered strategies that define our movement. Split into six small teams, each group was paired with an experienced mentor to guide them through interactive exercises and real-world challenges: 

• Sarah Bowman, vice president, operations and engagement, Cornerstone League 
• Angie Lutes, development director, Cornerstone Foundation 
• Laura Eblen, vice president of engagement and governmental affairs, Mazuma Credit Union 
• Randy Stolp, credit union professional   
• Cynthia Campbell, founder, Soul Path Leadership 
• Giovanni Monterroso, market research analyst, Tinker Federal Credit Union 

Throughout the workshop, facilitators Courtney Moran, executive director of Cornerstone Foundation, and Lily Newfarmer, CEO of Tarrant County’s Credit Union, led participants through a dynamic curriculum: exploring credit union history and the “people helping people” philosophy; mapping member needs with empathy tools; and applying design-thinking techniques to problem-solve for diverse member scenarios. Credit Union Executive Society Vice President Chad Helminak then challenged the cohort to navigate polarities, identifying “third way” solutions that bridge seemingly opposing approaches. 

April Mobley, Cornerstone League Texas grassroots and PAC director, delivered a hands-on “Advocacy 101” session, which offered a deep dive into legislative milestones and effective advocacy strategies, equipping them better to represent their members at the local and state level. 

Putting theory into practice, participants then tackled a Life Simulation: each “family group” assumed unique roles and financial responsibilities—paying bills, managing unexpected expenses, and even addressing a surprise speeding ticket. This high-energy exercise drove home the importance of empathy and adaptability in serving real people facing real challenges. 

In the workshop’s final exercise, teams analyzed a case study centered on a single mother seeking financial stability. Drawing on strategies learned throughout the program, they designed tailored credit union solutions (from flexible savings incentives to personal coaching) to illustrate how cooperative principles can transform real lives. 

Upon completion, participants earned their Certified Credit Union Cooperator designation, a formal recognition of their mastery of cooperative principles and member-focused strategies. 

The first evening’s outing to a St. Louis Cardinals game set a collegial tone, forging connections that will last far beyond the classroom. 

Through immersive learning and collaborative problem-solving, the 2025 Principles & Philosophy Workshop reaffirmed why our cooperative heritage remains vital—and how today’s credit union professionals can carry that philosophy into tomorrow’s challenges.