Energized to Lead: Highlights from the 2025 YP Conference

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This year’s Cornerstone Young Professionals Conference brought 107 attendees to the historic Mayo Hotel in Tulsa, Okla., for a high-energy event centered on growth, connection, and community engagement.

Attendees participated in Power Hour breakout sessions covering critical credit union topics such as compliance, member experience, lending, and operations. These interactive forums offered a space for open dialogue and collaborative learning.

_{2025 Young Professional Conference attendees.}

The keynote speakers delivered engaging sessions to motivate and empower attendees.

• Amber Swenor opened with “Becoming Unleashed: Live and Lead Authentically,” encouraging participants to embrace their personal and professional power.
• Luke Goetting followed with “The AI Advantage: Bridging Generations in the Credit Union Movement,” offering insight into leadership in the digital era.
• Cornerstone League’s April Mobley delivered an impactful advocacy session.
• Yvonne Stelpflug of Velera and Angela Barnard rounded out the experience with deep dives into member engagement and vision-driven leadership.

In addition to learning and networking, YPs gave back to the community, collecting $200 in cash donations and hundreds of toiletries for Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) in Tulsa.

The CEO Reverse Crashers

A highlight of the event was the CEO Reverse Crasher Panel, featuring Aaron Beldner (Truity CU), Shalonda Buckner (Southern FCU), Brent Sadler (United CU), and James Wileman (Great Plains FCU). Each leader candidly shared their personal journeys and leadership insights, inspiring young professionals to pursue impactful careers in the credit union movement.

Rocio Matos of TTCU Federal Credit Union said, “I personally really appreciated Shalonda being there from a diversity standpoint... I could relate more to her being a woman and a minority; I felt more connected to her work experience.”

Amanda Smith of Tinker FCU said, “Her leadership style mirrored so much of what I value in my own, and I found myself completely connecting with her message. Total Shalonda fangirl moment!”

Benjamin Perocier, also from TTCU FCU, added, “This was my first time attending the YPC conference, and I was truly inspired by the CEOs who were authentically themselves. It was empowering, and I left with a bunch of valuable insights that I will apply to my personal and career growth. I am already looking forward to attending next year.”

_{Young Professional Advisors at the 2025 Young Professionals Conference}

The Cornerstone YP community will continue the momentum at the upcoming YP Meetup during IMPACT 2025. Learn more:  cornerstone.swoogo.com/25AMIMPACT.