Meet the YP Advisors

Cornerstone YP Advisors are emerging leaders who are passionate about engaging and supporting their fellow Young Professionals. Selected from across the region, they serve two-year terms, helping to shape the CUYP experience and strengthen connections within the movement.

In addition to guiding CUYPs on ways to get involved, they provide valuable insights to Cornerstone League on how to enhance support for our YP community. Advisors take the lead in organizing local and regional YP meetups, fostering communication, and representing YPs at Cornerstone events.
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Amber Hicks

Gulf CU
Port Arthur, TX

Industry experience: 16 years

Fun fact(s): I’ve spent 16 years in the credit union industry, all of which have been with Gulf Credit Union. I’m a proud mom of two and enjoy supporting their activities. When I have downtime, you’ll usually find me in my garden.

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Cole Thomas

Farmway CU
Beloit, KS

Industry experience: 11 years

Fun fact(s): Outside of work, you can find me at the lake or traveling down the highway to collect some project I found on marketplace.

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Daniela Garcia

South Texas FCU
McAllen, TX

Industry experience: Six years

Fun fact(s): An optimist with a gym habit, bringing an open mind and positive energy to everything I do.

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Devon Fuller

Tinker FCU
Oklahoma City, OK

Industry experience: Three years

Fun fact(s): I’m a licensed barber and enjoy cutting and styling hair in my free time, and I’m also an identical twin.

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Joe Wilmot

CoastLife CU
Corpus Christi, TX

Industry experience: 12 years

Fun fact(s): I truly enjoy being a part of the credit union movement. I'm always pushing my peers to be the best version of themselves, while continuously working on ways to better myself as well.

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Josh Nicolet

Texans CU
Dallas, TX

Industry experience: Six years

Fun fact(s): I love to travel and backpacked through Southeast Asia after college for three months. In that time, I got the opportunity to visit Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

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Lauren McKay

UP FCU
Little Rock, AR

Industry experience: 3.5 years

Fun fact(s): In my spare time I enjoy spending it with my dog Khloe, friends, and family.

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Mario Lizardo

GECU FCU
El Paso, TX

Industry experience: 15 years

Fun fact(s): I prioritize discipline, balance, and continuous growth in both my personal and professional life. Most creative thinking happens during workouts, hikes, long drives, or sunset breaks!

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Nermina Ibisevic

First Missouri CU
St. Louis, MO

Industry experience: Eight years

Fun fact(s): I have a 10-year-old son & our plan is to relocate to the sunshine state when he turns 18. We have been traveling together since he was 6 months old & we have taken 38 flights together this far. Our favorite place to visit is back home to New Hampshire where most of our family lives.

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Omar Ramirez

First Central CU
Waco, TX

Industry experience: 12 years

Fun fact(s): I’ve been obsessed with sneakers and streetwear since I was a kid. I thought I'd end up designing sneakers or in retail, but I do marketing for my credit union, so close enough. 😅 I also don’t watch many movies. Most movie references fly right over my head.

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Tamber Tyson

Energy One FCU
Tulsa, OK

Industry experience: Three years

Fun fact(s): Happily married and enjoy spending time with friends as long as I’m back at home by 9 for our shih tzu’s bedtime. I’m always saying yes to every opportunity God bestows onto me and it brings me true enjoyment when I get to share my heart with others.

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Tiffany Benavides

Fort Worth City CU
Fort Worth, TX

Industry experience: Eight years

Fun fact(s): I live in Red Oak, TX with my husband and our two beautiful children. Alongside my passion for the credit union movement, I also love car karaoke and all things Disney—especially Disney Pins! Yes, you read that right… Disney Pins!

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Yessenia Fuentes

Community Resource CU
Baytown, TX

Industry experience: 16 years

Fun fact(s): I am a coffee girlie that can’t go a day without my iced vanilla latte. I am adventurous and love to try new things whether it’s a hobby, sport, or food place, you name it and I am down for it. I have a 17-year-old son who is the calm to my storm and a 10-year-old daughter who is just as sassy as her mama. Traveling to new places is also something I really love doing but hate having to fly to do it. I get flight anxiety every time.

Want to Get in Touch?

You can reach out to the YP Advisors via email.

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