Young Professional Spotlights

Jessica Cranke

Mortgage Closing Coordinator
TTCU Federal Credit Union
Tulsa, OK

How long have you been in the credit union industry?
Just over five years.

What is your favorite thing about working in the credit union?
The “people helping people” mindset.

Favorite movie that you can see over and over?
Titanic.

What is one thing that surprises most people about you?
I own a motorcycle.

What are you currently reading?
A Court of Wings and Ruin.

What are you binge watching right now?
The Great British Bake Off.

What is your favorite place you’ve traveled?
Switzerland.

Stephanie Raiber

Underwriting Supervisor
TTCU Federal Credit Union
Tulsa, OK

How long have you been in the credit union industry?
15 years

What is your favorite thing about working in the credit union?
Helping customers. Although this is mainly viewed as helping members get what they want that is not what I mean. As I work in lending, sometimes the best thing is a decline for a member. We do not want to put our members into a worse position than they may currently be in. We can take that decline and coach them on how to improve their standings to have a better chance at qualifying for a loan in the future.

Favorite movie that you can see over and over?
Love and Basketball.

What are you currently reading?
Rise of the Ranger by Phillip Quaintrell.

Who is your role model and why?
My mother. She has an amazing creative mind. She can see how to put different patterns together to make whatever it is in her head. She is also understanding and kind while not holding back when she sees wrongdoing. She taught me how to stand up for what I believe in, be independent, and be a great friend. Her best motherly advice that I carry on with my own children is to pick your battles.

Alma Garcia

Financial Coach
GECU
El Paso, TX

How long have you been in the credit union industry?
Four years.

What is your favorite thing about working in the credit union?
Having a meaningful impact in our members’ lives. Seeing them accomplish a lifetime goal is very rewarding.

Favorite movie that you can see over and over?
Home Alone, especially during the holidays.

What is one thing that surprises most people about you?
That I can really talk to anyone and about anything. I just love to talk.

What are you currently reading?
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel.

Who is your role model and why?
My mom. She has shown me that even through the most difficult times you can always make the best by being grateful and trusting God’s plan.

What are you binge watching right now?
From Scratch on Netflix.

What is your favorite place you’ve traveled?
Freeport, Bahamas.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
To grant meaningful wishes. I have had the opportunity to listen to very difficult life situations that I just wish had the power to overturn for the person’s well-being.

Diana Ibanez

Team Lead Financial Coach 
GECU
El Paso, TX

How long have you been in the credit union industry?
I have been in the credit union industry for 13 years. 

What is your favorite thing about working in the credit union?
My favorite thing about working for my credit union is the opportunity to make a difference in the community while adhering to the “people helping people" philosophy.

Favorite movie that you can see over and over?
I can watch Love Actually over and over again, especially during the holidays.

What is one thing that surprises most people about you?
One thing that surprises most people about me is that when I met my husband, I had to learn sign language to communicate with him.

What is your favorite place you’ve traveled?
I enjoy going wherever the road takes me. My vacations consist of road trips to different places across the country. One of the longest drives I've ever done was from El Paso, Texas, to Orlando, Florida.

Brianna Ayala

Community Development Assistant
GECU
El Paso, TX

How long have you been in the credit union industry?
Three years.

What is your favorite thing about working in the credit union?
The involvement and impact we have on our community.

What is one thing that surprises most people about you?
My creativity with not only fun activities but also my ability to think outside the box in any work or personal setting/situation.

If you could chat with any celebrity or public figure, who would it be and why?
Dwayne Johnson, because he is a successful entrepreneur. All his projects have an impact on either a community or organization that needs help. He has always made family a priority and is a constant reminder that when things get hard, work harder.

What are you binge watching right now?
All-American TV Show

What is your favorite place you’ve traveled?
Maui, Hawaii. The days seem long, not rushed, and everyone there is nice and lives a present life.

Alexandra Sanchez

Community Development Coordinator
GECU
El Paso, TX

How long have you been in the credit union industry?
More than four years.

What is your favorite thing about working in the credit union?
My favorite thing about working in the credit union is learning about financial education, understanding the ins and outs of the credit union movement, and the “people helping people” philosophy. Acquiring this knowledge has allowed me to better help myself, my family, and the community.

Favorite movie that you can see over and over?
The Great Gatsby and Something Borrowed.

What is one thing that surprises most people about you?
My willingness to learn and not being scared of new things to come.  

What are you binge watching right now?
GLITCH! on Netflix.

What is your favorite place you’ve traveled?
Rosarito, Mexico! I love the beach and the food.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
My superpower would be the ability to allow individuals to see themselves through the eyes of others so they can ask if they are being who they want to be. Are you being the best version of yourself?