Introducing YP Advisors: Engaging and empowering young talent to impact CU communities

By YP Advisor Lilly Megias, Senior Vice President, South Texas FCU

The mission of the Young Professional Advisors is to engage and empower young talent in the Cornerstone region to make a positive impact in our communities. YP Advisors not only guide credit union young professionals toward getting involved, but they also advise Cornerstone League on how to best support CUYP members.

Advisors are responsible for planning and hosting CUYP virtual and in-person meetups, communicating with CUYPs, and representing CUYPs at Cornerstone events. YP Advisors are selected from across the region to serve two-year terms.

Meet Your YP Advisors

Rachel Pigman, VP of Marketing & Business Development, Neighborhood CU

Rachel Pigman has been in the credit union industry for nearly 10 years. Her favorite part of the movement is the “people helping people” mindset that sets credit unions apart from other financial services. That includes credit unions sharing resources with other credit unions.

“I love that even though we might have similar products and services, we are always willing to go above and beyond to help our members or another credit union family,” said Pigman.

Something most don’t know about Pigman is that she “might have grown up an Okie,” but she’s a big Texas Longhorns fan. “Hook ’em!”

Gevon Calix, Director, Compliance, TDECU

Gevon Calix has been in the credit union industry for eight years. Her favorite thing about the movement is the “people helping people” philosophy.

Something people may not know about Calix is that in her free time, she enjoys gardening and riding her Peloton bike.

Brittney Johnson, Executive Secretary/HR, Sabine FCU

Brittney Johnson has been in the industry for four years. She is passionate about helping people meet their needs and goals.

“I love how we are so involved in our communities,” Johnson said. “We are involved in everything from parades and festivals to teaching financial education in schools and looking for every opportunity to give back to our communities and those in need. We are so much more than a financial institution.”

Something unique about Johnson? She’s played piano since she was five. She took lessons for years but couldn’t learn to read music, so she plays only by ear.

Hannah Nagos, AVP/Business Development, Southwest Heritage CU

Hannah Nagos has spent 10 years in the credit union industry. She’s committed to the “people helping people” philosophy and giving back to the community.

Most might not know this about Nagos: She went to school for kinesiology as an undergraduate.

Tyson Bohanan, Financial Analyst, Energy One FCU

Tyson Bohanan has spent only two years so far in the credit union industry, but already he’s made a splash. He is known for his sense of humor, and his favorite aspect of credit unions is the network of credit union employees and the culture of collaboration.

Bohanan says his best moments in life are the days his children were born. He shared that he got an A in his month-long graduate economics class when his daughter was just a month old, and while being very sleep deprived.

Kelcy Rapier-Landin, Human Resources Assistant, CoastLife CU

Kelcy Rapier-Landin has served the credit union industry for 11 years. One of her favorite things about credit unions is the people, especially the staff.

“Knowing that every employee is here for the same ‘people helping people’ philosophy is amazing,” said Rapier-Landin.

One of her best moments in life is when she renewed her wedding vows with her husband sharing that moment with their children.  

Megan Johnston, AVP/Manager Call Center, Tinker FCU

Meghan Johnston has served credit unions for eight years. She enjoys the collaboration among individuals and credit unions alike, as well as the benefits she’s able to provide to her members and communities.

Johnston also has a side gig of baking and decorating cakes and cookies.

Maya Valarde Escarcega, Community Development Officer, Raiz FCU

For 11 years, Maya Valarde Escarcega has played an integral part in the credit union industry, and like most credit union people, her favorite aspect is the philosophy of “people helping people.”

Escarcega values traveling, but she is adamant about not traveling by air across the ocean.

Lilly Megias, Senior Vice President, South Texas FCU

For eight years and seven months (but who’s counting?), Lilly Megias has worked for credit unions.

She says the “people helping people” philosophy is important for not only credit union members, but also the financial needs of credit union employees. Megias feels fortunate to be able to guide them and, hopefully, one day be an inspiration.

Megias admits to being obsessed with organization and cleaning.

Cameryn Bliss, Financial Analyst, TTCU FCU

For five years, Cameryn Bliss has served in the credit union industry. She especially likes that “credit unions are a big family taking care of their members. I love the camaraderie!”

Bliss shares that she used to be able to sign all of “No Diggity.”

Linda Nuñez, Assistant Program Director, GECU

The YP advisor who’s worked in credit unions the longest is Linda Nunez, who can boast 15 years of service—so far. Nuñez says that what she likes best is helping people accomplish their financial goals, especially youths.

One thing many don’t know about Nuñez is that she has five (FIVE)! degrees and none of them are in her field of work.

Want to learn more? Become a CUYP!

To become a Credit Union Young Professional (CUYP), you must be a credit union employee, age 40 or younger. Learn more.

Take the first step with a YP Meetup

Please join us for the first virtual CUYP meetup of 2023. You’ll get a brief YP program overview and discuss ways to get involved. Then we will finish our time having some fun getting to know the YP Advisors.

This event is open to all ages and credit union employees across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Program Manager Sarah Bowman

Register for the Zoom meeting

Attend the 2023 YP Conference, May 15–17 in Dallas

As a young professional (40 years old and younger), you’re part of the next generation of CU Smart credit union leaders who represent the future of the movement. That’s why we invite you to join your colleagues in Dallas, May 15–17, for the 2023 YP Conference, where you’ll find a home among like-minded YPs.  

What will you gain?

In addition to the learning components of the YP Conference, you’ll be able to network with other professionals from all walks of life who come together to shape the future of the credit union industry. Educational Power Hours will feature different thought leaders and experts to help you find ways for self-improvement and development within your credit union. You’ll also witness the Young Professional of the Year award presentation.

What better way to see what YPs are all about than attending a conference designed specifically for you?

Register before March 7 to get the early bird special.