YP Spotlights and virtual meetup
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. Young professionals who are members of the Cornerstone YP Program are spotlighted throughout the year to help you get to know these impressive up-and-comers.
Kishanda Beasley
Kishanda Beasley is the branch manager and lending officer for Red River Credit Union in Hope, Ark. She’s been employed with Red River Credit Union for 20 years. Her favorite thing about working for the credit union is making a difference in the members’ lives.
“Not only am I an employee, but I’m also a member-owner,” Beasley said. “RRCU cares about my well-being the same way they do our membership. My credit union does great work in the community supporting local charities, nonprofits, and community events. I love knowing that I am coming to work every day and getting to help do better for my community.”
Beasley enjoys engaging in social responsibility initiatives, including a monthly donation at her branch. “Each month, my staff come together and choose a different community service or charity to contribute to,” she said. “This month, we are collecting nonperishable food items for Blessing Boxes that Hope ConneXion (a local outreach center) has set up around town. Our community college offers a student pantry, and we help them during the year as well. The benefits are endless for me and my team. When our members see our station set up and bring in their donations, that makes it even better. We can’t do this alone, but we can all start somewhere.”
She has also worked cross-generationally with others to bridge the gaps and notes, “I have seen how the younger generations have played a pivotal role in collaboration during meetings, bringing forward new ideas involving DEI and showing that we will be great leaders for the future of credit unions.”
From a personal perspective, Beasley says her role model is her grandmother. “She has recently passed, but she was the one person in my life who would never tell you how to feel or what to think on a subject,” Beasley said. “She was a very ‘think it through’ kind of person who would write down the pros and cons and weigh options before decision making. She was always positive and kind to everyone she encountered. I aspire to live my life day by day using her guidance and teachings.”
As for who Beasley most admires, she points to Caroline Willard, president/CEO of Cornerstone League. “Not only does she exemplify the core foundations of the credit union movement and use those to propel our industry forward, I feel that she is also a strong role model for women in our industry.”
Currently, Beasley is reading “Lean in: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sanderson.
Washima Huq
Washima Huq is the executive director of Texas Trust Gives Foundation, a subsidiary of Texas Trust Credit Union in Arlington. She’s been in the credit union movement for six years, and she enjoys the opportunity to live by the “people helping people” philosophy every day and make a positive impact in the community.
She has reaped the benefits of mentors in her career. “I am fortunate to have four highly regarded mentors who have backgrounds in politics, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and leadership,” she said. “They help me bring out the best version of myself. I am also serving as a mentor to several young adults, and I aspire to be as effective as a mentor to them as my mentors are to me.”
Huq is also expanding her influence and impact. “I have the privilege of serving on several boards and committees that foster economic development and youth empowerment with several chambers: the City of Arlington, Arlington Mansfield Area YMCA, Arlington ISD, and Mansfield ISD,” she said. “I am a product of the community I work in and of the public education system, so it is very fulfilling for me to engage with organizations that fall in line with my core values, allowing me to give back to my roots, whether it be by volunteering my time, championing their mission, or donating to support their campaigns.”
As a young minority female, Huq said, “To me it feels humbling to be the first executive director of the Texas Trust Gives Foundation. Oftentimes, I still am the youngest person in the room, and there are not many people who look like me in my professional circle. For that reason, I have always considered it my responsibility to lead by example and empower other young professionals, females, and minorities to be civically engaged and community minded.
“I have been fortunate to have my efforts result in accolades which I did not expect, such as being the first minority to be named Cornerstone’s YP of the Year in 2021 and the first Asian American and youngest recipient to date of the Greater Arlington Chamber’s Rising Star Award in 2022. All those honors were made possible because of the credit union industry, the work I have been entrusted to do for Texas Trust Credit Union, and the supportive leaders and peers I have in the organization and in the community.
“It is exciting to see that we are part of a movement where more and more YPs are getting a seat at the table, but now I have entered a chapter of my life where I am not just sitting at the table, I am a contributor in building the table. And we have a lot of work to get done for our future.”
On a personal note, if she could, Huq would give her 14-year-old self some life advice: “When things look difficult, take a step back from the situation and look at the full picture. You will be surprised to see God is putting things just where they need to be for your future, even if the process is not pretty. So have faith and never forget to manifest and be grateful for the people and blessings that already exist in your life. Also, be patient because everything gets better with time, including you!”
Don’t forget! Join us for the virtual YP Meetup on advocacy for YPs
Join your peers in exploring advocacy and its importance to the credit union movement. Discuss current issues and learn how to get more involved and engaged. Your presenters are Rachel Pigman and Tyson Bohanan.
YP Virtual Meetup
Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2–3 p.m. CT
Register
Educational Investment
The YP Virtual Meetup is FREE to Cornerstone League Young Professionals.
Questions? Please email Sarah Bowman or call 800-442-5762, ext. 6423.