YP spotlights and your next virtual meetup, June 15

Young Professionals in the credit union movement are typically go-getters, industry advocates, and aspiring or rising leaders who have earned (or would like to earn) the notice and respect of their higher-ups. That’s why every month we post YP Spotlights to help you get to know these up-and-comers. This month: Milly Arjona, Landre Fields, and Renee Starling.

Learn more about YPs.

Milly Arjona

Arjona is a collection agent for South Texas Federal Credit Union in McAllen, Texas, where she’s been working for eight months. Her favorite thing about credit unions is the opportunity to grow and the webinars they provide as a learning experience.

Arjona says she has been a mentee, and though she has yet to be a mentor, she will receive it with open arms once the time comes. “Being mentored was extremely beneficial since I was taught how to do my job and how to control my emotions—learning that people are not mad at you but at the situation they are in. I was taught to let things go and not to take anything personally.”

“Within my time at the credit union, I have received training that assisted me in my growth professionally,” Arjona said. “I have learned how to speak to a member without sounding abrasive and how to react in different situations. I would appreciate training regarding leadership roles and how to prepare to become one.”

While she has yet to make an impact on social responsibility initiatives, she does want to engage more in that regard. “What catches my attention regarding aid organizations is helping clean the garbage-filled nature sites; animal activism, such as sponsoring turtles; and anything having to do with cancer patients and sexual abuse survivors.”

As a future leader in the credit union movement, Arjona would like to see new innovations and technologies grow in usage. “I envision that our credit union and many others strive for ATMs with deposit access,” she said. “I am aware that it is easier for our members that work after our hours for this feature to be accessible.”

Arjona has enjoyed a wonderful opportunity to work cross-generationally with others to bridge the gap—one in particular. “We both have taught each other many things,” she said. “She has taught me patience and how to deal with people from a different generation.”

On a personal note, Arjona said: “My role model is my mother. She has worked all her life to give me and my brother everything. She raised us the best she could.”

In the credit movement, she most admires her direct supervisor, Lilly Megias, and her branch manager, Janie Soto. “They both have such resilience, dedication, and perseverance to get their work done and assist others despite everything on their plate.”

If she could have a superpower, Arjona would choose telekinesis or telepathy. “Any power that has to do with the mind has always caught my attention. The ability to read one’s mind is astonishing.”

One thing surprises many people about Arjona. “Many have told me that it surprises them that I am able to be happy and in a good mood all day.”

If you could give her 14-year-old self some life advice, Arjona said the top three would be: “First, love yourself and who you are. People will always judge you no matter what you do in life. Second, prepare financially for the future. Save as much as you can. And finally, finish school and your career no matter how hard it is.”

Arjona is particularly proud of the “little family I have created and love with all that I am.”

Landre Fields

Fields is a Bank Secrecy Act compliance specialist with Raiz Federal Credit Union in El Paso. She has been in the credit union industry for eight years.

“I love that our philosophy is ‘people helping people,’” Fields said. “As a credit union, we strive on helping people succeed financially.”

She has a mentor who has helped her develop leadership skills. “They help hold me accountable for obtaining the professional goals I have set,” she said. “It allows me to collaborate with someone on skill-relation topics and give situational guidance.”

Fields started out as a member service representative. “During my personal development, I learned that people and the job are equally important,” she said. “As a member service representative, you are the person building relationships with the members to help them set up their finances, save for the future, and handle life-changing events. The job is for us to help our members, but equally important is knowing how our job can set up the member for financial growth.

“Now, as continue my journey as a Bank Secrecy Act compliance specialist, I help credit union employees understand the importance of complying with the Bank Secrecy Act. My job is to ensure that our organization remains up to date on regulatory requirements. Once again, both are equally important.”

Fields has role models who are very close to home and heart. “My mother and father were both my role models. They served in the United States Air Force. In our home, they instilled [the value] to always have integrity in all that we do. As an adult working in the financial industry, I always want to have integrity when working with members and team members.”

On a more personal level, Fields is reading a suspense novel that takes place in the 1950s, “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

When she was 14, Fields learned this quote from her teacher. “Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best.” By St. Jerome.

“If I could give my 14-year-old self some life advice, it would be to continue to believe in this quote,” Fields said. “Applying it to adulthood only helps you succeed in your personal and professional life. You can strive to grow and become the best.”

Renee Starling

Starling is a risk management specialist II at TTCU Federal Credit Union in Tulsa, Okla. She’s been in the credit union movement since 2011 when she began working as a part-time teller with TTCU. Her favorite thing about credit unions is the community.

“In every team and department over the last 12 years, I’ve been a part of some amazing communities,” Starling said. “We’re involved in our community here in Green Country, and I love that.”

In true credit union spirit, Starling enjoys volunteering. She especially likes helping with Restore Hope in Tulsa. “TTCU collects school supplies and backpacks for kiddos, and we get to help pack the bags and get them passed out to those who need them,” she said. “This is something that is so impactful for families in Green Country, it helps ease the burden of back-to-school for a lot of children and parents.”

As far as professional development and engagement, Starling has attended several Green Country Chapter meetings, and in 2021 she attended the YP Conference in Dallas.

“Each time I get together with other credit union professionals, I’m reminded that I’m a part of a community that is much bigger than banking services,” Starling said. “I come back with a fresh sense of purpose and excitement about the work that credit unions are doing in the community.”

Starling said she has had many role models over the years at TTCU. “The one who sticks out most recently is my current manager, Nicole Ponteri,” she said. “Nicole was heavily involved in starting the YP program here at TTCU and has served on the Green Country YP board. Additionally, Nicole always has a listening ear and constructive feedback when I need it.”

On a more personal note, Starling is reading “Hacker’s Mind: How the Powerful Bend Society's Rules and How to Bend them Back” by Bruce Schneier. She’s also binge-watching Abbott Elementary.

If she could chat with a celebrity or historical figure, Starling would choose Taylor Swift. “I would chat with her about anything and everything, from song writing to why we
hate Jake Gyllenhaal to family life and gardening.”

You’re invited to the next YP virtual meetup

Nate Shalev, founder of Revel Impact and leading expert on inclusivity, says, “One of the most beautiful aspects of the LGBTQ community is that we exist across all demographics. We are your siblings and your aunts, your coworkers, and your teachers.”

LGBTQ Inclusion: Supporting Diverse Communities to Foster Allyship
June 15, 2–3 p.m. CT
Register today

In this important virtual meetup, Shalev will discuss what it to means to be LGBTQ and what it means to support LGBTQ communities, whether in your family, community, or workplace. This virtual YP meetup is FREE to YPs and Diversity and Belonging Council members.

Shalev has been named a LinkedIn Top Voice and has been highlighted in the Harvard Business Review, the NY Times, the Wall Street Journal, and more. Shalev earned a BA from Barnard College of Columbia University and an MA from New York University.

Questions? Please email Sarah Bowman or call 800-442-5762, ext. 6423.