YP spotlights: Get to know up-and-comers in the movement

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: Taylor Fluitt, Jessica Marin, and Awenetria McHorse.

Learn more about Cornerstone’s YP Program.

Taylor Fluitt

Fluitt works for TDECU in Houston as a senior digital experience specialist. He has been serving members in the credit union space for the last 10 years. His first position was behind the teller line as a 17-year-old.

Fluitt’s favorite thing about credit unions is their uniqueness. “I think credit unions offer a such a different experience than other financial institution,” said Fluitt. “Credit unions at their core are member-centric, and that fits who I am greatly.”

Fluitt has received coaching and training from many of his supervisors and leaders. “These leaders have allowed me to make mistakes, and they guided me toward accomplishments in finance,” he said. “I am thankful for many lessons learned along the way and hope I have passed those lessons to those who look to me for advice.”

When it comes to professional development, Fluitt says it sometimes happens when you don’t even realize. “There have been several situations where my leadership, ethics, and integrity have been tested,” he said. “But with the proper guidance, I have been able to traverse these situations and come out a more knowledgeable leader with real experiences to call upon when needed.

He will always continue to learn, he said, pointing to his hope to learn more about how larger teams with wider initiatives are run.

Like many young professionals, Fluitt is interested in social responsibility initiatives and ERGs. “Recently, I have become a leader in our credit union’s diversity, equity, and inclusion employee resource group,” he said. “This has been a truly unique experience where I am not looked to for the business needs; rather, I am looked to for guidance on social endeavors that mean a lot to our fellow team members and thousands in our communities. The impact our group has made is truly humbling, even in its early stages.”

On a lighter and more personal note, Fluitt says if he could have a superpower, he’d want to fly. What surprises most people about him? He’s had gray hair since he was 14, and he will outshoot anyone on the basketball court.

He’s currently binge-watching “The Mandalorian.” “It’s hitting every Star Wars need I have,” he said, followed by an enthusiastic “AMAZING!”

If he could give his 14-year-old self some life advice, he would say to “Be patient, be yourself. It’s enough. You are enough.”

Finally, if he won the lottery he would “build self-sustainable housing for me and my family, and to live off the land. All solar, collecting rainwater—the whole deal. But, of course, with a big TV and maybe a Ferrari.”

Jessica Marin

Marin is a branch manager for South Texas Federal Credit Union in Weslaco. She has been with the credit union for five years and started off as a teller.

Marin’s favorite thing about working in the credit union? “It’s simple for me. It’s the people,” she said. “Not only our members but our credit union family. It starts off by having a conversation with them so we can get to know each other and how we can assist them. Even if it’s the slightest thing; for example, online banking. For the younger generation, technology is second nature, but for our more mature members, it can be a bit difficult. After assisting our members and seeing the sigh of relief on their faces when they finally log in, that’s priceless.”

One thing people in the credit union movement are bullish on is mentoring. Marin said that before working in the credit union, she never had a mentor; she had a boss who micromanaged.

“So, coming into the South Texas Federal Credit Union family you don’t have just one mentor, you have many,” Marin said. “We drive each other to do more because we see the potential in each other.”

Marin added that people need to get out of their shells. Getting to network with different people, internally or with members, has helped her get out of her comfort zone.

“You build a relationship with people so that anywhere you go, you are seen and heard,” she said. “Don’t get me wrong, I am still shy speaking in front of people but not as much as I was before. Now I just breathe in and out and prepare myself.”  

Marin said that professional development, engagement, and networking activities have enhanced her career.

“I am part of the steering committee for Leadership Mid-Valley with our Weslaco Chamber of Commerce,” she said. “We oversee the overall functions of Leadership Mid-Valley. For example, we prepare and approve a general outline for the educational program. Also, it would be my fourth year as a loaned executive in United Way advocating to raise funds for our community. These types of programs have helped me emerge as a better leader and develop my potential within the community.”

Marin’s role model is her father. “He is one the most hardworking men I know,” she said. “He is the person who taught me to be dedicated and motivated with my goals. My father is not the easiest person to talk to; he is what my generation calls ‘Es de rancho!’ But having those strict values has taught me to be independent, focused, and to look out for others in need—all of which has brought me here today working at a credit union where our motto is ‘people helping people.’”

On a personal note, Marin says she can binge-watch for days if the TV show is that good. “I’m currently watching Sweet Magnolias on Netflix,” she said. “It’s about three lovely women going through their own hardships and overcoming them together. The reason I can’t stop watching it is because I see myself and my two sisters in the show.”

Awenetria McHorse

McHorse is the marketing operations coordinator for Greater Texas | Aggieland Credit Union in Austin, where she’s been for nearly three years.

“What I truly appreciate about working in the credit union industry is the strong sense of connection among professionals,” McHorse said. “Regardless of our location or the specific credit union we belong to, we can always reach out to colleagues from other institutions for advice and shared experiences. This collaborative environment greatly enriches our ability to serve our members and continuously enhances our services.”

One local aid organization that strongly appeals to McHorse’s sense of community engagement is Operation Christmas Gift. “For the past 20 years, this nonprofit community outreach program has been dedicated to delivering gifts to children in need and providing essential necessities to adults in the central Texas area and surrounding cities,” she said. “I have been fortunate to be a longstanding member of this program, witnessing firsthand the impact it has on the lives of thousands of children during Christmas. The joy and gratitude expressed by both parents and children as we distribute gifts and other items each year is truly heartwarming. Given my deep connection and commitment to this cause, I will continue to actively participate in Operation Christmas Gift, ensuring that more children and adults in need experience the joy and support they deserve.”

McHorse has had the privilege of working alongside individuals from diverse generations. “It has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” she said. “Young professionals, including myself, have played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between generations and fostering a collaborative work environment. We bring fresh perspectives, technological expertise, and a drive for innovation, which has infused our teams with new energy and ideas.”

She adds that “By leveraging our digital fluency and embracing emerging technologies, we have streamlined processes, improved member experiences, and adapted to the evolving needs of the industry. At the same time, we actively seek guidance and mentorship from more experienced professionals, recognizing the immense value of their wisdom and industry knowledge. This intergenerational collaboration has not only enhanced our work but has also contributed to the overall growth and success of the credit union industry.”

One thing that often surprises most people about McHorse is her musical versatility. “I am proficient in playing five different instruments: piano, guitar, drums, bass, and ukulele,” she said. “Music has always been a significant part of my life, and I enjoy dedicating my free time to producing music. The ability to create melodies and experiment with various instruments allows me to express myself creatively and explore different genres. This hidden passion of mine often catches people off guard, as they may not expect such a diverse musical background.”

If McHorse could give her 14-year-old self some life advice, it would be centered around two key principles: knowledge is power, and patience is key.

“I would emphasize the importance of having the patience to learn and absorb as much as possible from every experience and from those who have more wisdom and experience than me,” McHorse said. “Recognizing that the knowledge gained today will undoubtedly benefit me in the future, I would encourage my younger self to approach each encounter and opportunity with an open mind, ready to embrace the lessons and insights that come my way. By nurturing this mindset of continuous learning and patience, I would lay the foundation for personal growth and success in the years to come.”