YP Conference inspires and energizes attendees

Young professionals from all over the five-state Cornerstone region traveled to the 2023 Cornerstone Young Professionals Conference in Allen, Texas, May 15–17. They came to hear inspiring and insightful speakers, network with fellow YPs, and gain new knowledge they could take home to their credit unions.

From all accounts, the YPs were not disappointed. They attended a full agenda of lively sessions, including Rejuvenating Your Why, Commit to the Pursuit, and The Power of Emotional Intelligence, among others.

“Attending the Young Professional Conference has left me feeling motivated and inspired,” said Lilly Megias, South Texas FCU, McAllen, Texas. “The experience has helped me recognize the importance of community engagement and encouraging my fellow YPs to get involved and bring new ideas to the movement. We are all part of one big family learning and growing together while still having fun!”

One of the most exciting moments of the event was Cornerstone League’s naming of Texas Trust Credit Union’s Cameron Newfarmer as the 2023 Young Professional of the Year. (See Leaguer article about Newfarmer.)

The YP Conference also hosted Reverse Crashers, CEOs that attend the conference and share their knowledge by joining sessions and speaking on a CEO panel. This year’s crashers, pictured with Cornerstone's Sarah Bowman (far left), were:

• Crystal Long, GECU, El Paso, Texas
• Chris Bower, Endurance Federal Credit Union, Duncan, Okla.
• Karyn Davis, UP Arkansas Federal Credit Union, Little Rock, Ark.
  

YPs also participated in two Power Hours, sharing with other professionals in their fields about what they are doing at their credit unions and what they can take back to their offices to share with coworkers.

“I really learned a lot from my fellow credit union professionals, especially the Finance & Accounting Power Hour,” said Tyson Bohanan, Energy One Federal Credit Union, Tulsa, Okla. “I’m excited to take back some of the things the speakers taught us and use them to progress in my career.”

During the conference, the YPs hosted a community giveback for Good Samaritan, an associate of the North Texas Food Bank. Good Sam serves more than 700 families each week. The YPs collected and contributed over 70 pounds of cereal.

The YPs designed a specially branded T-shirt, which was sold at the conference to raise money for the Cornerstone Foundation. The T-shirts are still available for purchase, and you can order your YP T-shirt to participate in the fundraising effort.

Want to see more pics? Visit the Cornerstone YP Conference photo album.

More post-conference insights from the YP Advisors

“Attending the Cornerstone Young Professionals Conference as a YP Advisor has given me the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. It is an amazing conference that allows Young Professionals in our industry to thrive and bring a new perspective to the credit union movement.”

— Kelcy Rapier-Landin, Coastlife Credit Union, Corpus Christi, Texas

“Being new to Cornerstone, I enjoyed the opportunity to meet and network with my peers from credit unions throughout the region for the first time. Collaborating with other YP Advisors and attendees has allowed me to make connections and gain insight that will be advantageous in the future.”

— Chad Kuester, River Region Credit Union, Jefferson City, Mo.

“The Young Professional Conference was a captivating fusion of knowledge, connections, and inspiration, leaving me with a profound appreciation for growth and a thirst for continuous learning. The conference not only equipped me with invaluable insights and skills, but also nurtured a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. Immersed in a dynamic atmosphere of camaraderie and ambition, I savored every moment, cherishing the memories that fuel my drive to excel. The Young Professional Conference was a transformative experience that unleashed my potential and reaffirmed my belief in the boundless horizons awaiting those who dare to dream and persevere.”

— Linda Nunez, GECU, El Paso, Texas

“YPC has made a huge impact on my career for the last three years. I have been honored to attend this conference and bring along fellow YPs from my credit union. There is so much that goes into planning a conference, and the dedication from our Cornerstone team and our YP Advisors is second to none. We all leave with new, fresh ideas and outlooks as we further our careers in the credit union industry. We also learn the importance of networking with our peers throughout the region. This conference shows how important Young Professionals are to the movement. We ARE the future leaders, and events like this help equip us with the proper tools to take back and put into place. We left inspired, empowered, and exhausted because not only do we work hard, we play hard too!”

— Brittney Johnson, Sabine FCU, Orange, Texas