Houston Chapter YPs Host Leadership Unplugged

The Houston Chapter of Credit Unions Young Professionals recently hosted Leadership Unplugged, an evening focused on candid conversation, practical leadership insight, and meaningful connection.

Held at Wellby Financial’s Sienna branch, the event gave emerging leaders an opportunity to hear directly from accomplished credit union professionals about the realities of career growth and leadership development.

The panel featured Shalonda Buckner, president/CEO of Southern Federal Credit Union; Ashley Carner, president/COO of AMOCO Federal Credit Union; and Deena Smith, chief financial officer of Wellby Financial. Allison Boyle, vice president, experience, Wellby Financial, moderated the discussion.

Panelists shared perspective on what makes a strong leader, how to approach difficult conversations, how to build credibility, and why patience matters in a career journey. What appeared to resonate most was the honesty of the conversation. Speakers shared not only successes, but also setbacks, lessons learned, and the experiences that shaped their leadership paths.

That kind of openness is what made the event memorable. Leadership Unplugged showed how credit unions help develop future leaders not only through formal programs, but also through mentorship, connection, and a willingness to share wisdom generously.