ELEVATE: Credit Union Leadership Summit, YP recap

Hundreds of credit union leaders flocked to Houston, Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, for the ELEVATE: Credit Union Leadership Summit. Cornerstone’s YP Advisors attended, as well as crashers, providing nearly two dozen Cornerstone YPs with an opportunity to network and hear from industry leaders on topics such as innovation, habits that lead to success, and leveraging past missteps to forge a new path ahead.  

In addition to the full conference sessions, crashers and advisors attended seven special breakouts, while the YP Advisors hosted a meetup for young professionals attending the conference and those local to Houston. The Advisors also hosted a giveback opportunity benefitting The Beacon, a Houston nonprofit that serves individuals experiencing homelessness. The organization provides daily services, legal aid, and counseling. YP Advisors collected toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and conditioner, socks, and combs to donate to The Beacon.

Several crashers shared their thoughts about the overall experience. Alyssa Atkins, digital marketing specialist at Raiz Federal Credit Union, said, “My crasher goals were definitely met. I made real connections and had a lot of insightful conversations that taught me a lot about myself and my position in leadership.”

Kelly Davis, vice president of lending at Common Cents Credit Union, shared, “It was truly an experience I will never forget. It helped me gain confidence in myself and allowed me to meet so many different people who have similar stories. Sitting in a room full of fellow YPs who are kind, smart, caring, and have the credit union spirit within them is something I truly wish everyone could experience.”

Another crasher commented on the helpful interactive sessions, which equipped participants with practical tools to take back and use at their respective credit unions. The sessions also offered an opportunity to learn about and interact with a diverse group of other young professionals. Others described the experience as inspiring, motivating, fulfilling, refreshing, rewarding, and valuable.

Advisors in attendance:

• Brittney Johnson, Real Estate Lending Specialist, Sabine Federal Credit Union
• Elaina Piñeda, Member Service Advisor, Resource One Credit Union
• Hannah Nagos, Business Development Center Manager, Southwest Heritage Credit Union
• Kelcy Rapier-Landin, Human Resources Assistant, CoastLife Credit Union
• Lilly Megias, Senior Vice President, South Texas Federal Credit Union
• Linda Nuñez, Assistant Program Director, GECU
• Megan Johnston, AVP/Manager Call Center, Tinker Federal Credit Union
• Rachel Pigman, AVP of Marketing, Neighborhood Credit Union
• Tyson Bohanan, Financial Analyst, Energy One Federal Credit Union

Crashers in attendance:

• Miguel Garcia, Branch Manager, First Central Credit Union
• Awenetria McHorse, Marketing Operations Coordinator, Greater Texas Credit Union
• Daniel Marshall, Learning and Development Manager, Neighborhood Credit Union
• Danielle Fancher, Vice President of Consumer Lending, Allegiance Credit Union
• Myra Jackson, MCS Assistant Manager, BluCurrent Credit Union
• Viviene Dande, Senior Internal Auditor, Resource One Credit Union
• Kelly Davis, Vice President of Lending, Common Cents Credit Union
• Alyssa Atkins, Digital Marketing Specialist, Raiz Federal Credit Union
• Courtney Wingo, COO, Allied Federal Credit Union
• Cynthia Cowan, Marketing/Back Office, Pampa Teachers Federal Credit Union

“The YP crasher program provides opportunities for credit union young professionals to experience a conference that’s typically reserved for senior leadership,” said Sarah Bowman, Cornerstone League engagement consultant and program manager. “In addition to the YPs getting a snapshot of what the future holds for their leadership journey, the learning opportunities have a 360-degree effect in that the YPs and senior leaders benefit from the integrated experience. Many thanks to the ELEVATE attendees and credit union leaders who supported their YPs.”

Save the date for next year’s ELEVATE: Credit Union Leadership Summit Sept. 13-15 at the Omni Oklahoma City. Watch our publications for registration information and more.