54 Credit Union Leaders Earn CUDE Designation
By CU Today Staff —
MADISON, Wis.—The National Credit Union Foundation has named 54 credit union leaders as the newest Credit Union Development Educators after they completed the Foundation’s Credit Union Development Education program Sept. 4.
The weeklong, in-person program focuses on strengthening leadership, financial well-being and understanding of the cooperative model through group work, experiential learning and interactive discussions. The latest graduates join more than 3,500 credit union advocates from 35 countries who have completed the U.S. DE program since it launched in 1982.
“We're thrilled to welcome our newest graduating class of certified Credit Union Development Educators,” said Lauren Culp, executive director of the Foundation. “These credit union leaders of all levels join us with curiosity, heart, and a genuine desire to develop and improve their communities. And, they walk away with a trusted network of likeminded leaders, a deeper appreciation for the collaborative superpower of cooperatives, and a passion to change the world through credit unions.”
The September graduating class includes:
"I’m returning to the League with so many ideas for creating stronger communities in Maine. I now see how, at any level and with any amount of experience, we can make a lasting impact and work toward a better tomorrow for all," said Lauren Simonds, CUDE, director of communications and social impact at the Maine Credit Union League. "I am rooted in purpose and connected to something bigger than myself—as all of us in the credit union industry are."
The class was hosted at TruStage headquarters in Madison as part of the Foundation’s DE partnership with TruStage. Participants also volunteered with local organizations addressing food insecurity. Christopher Morris, senior program director for DE at the Foundation, and Tracie Kenyon, co-founder and executive development partner at Zealyst, facilitated the program, which was coordinated by Alicia Crotteau, programs manager at the Foundation. Mentors were Emily Nail, Coastal CU; Cooper Larson, Royal Credit Union; Tina Liegel, Wisconsin Credit Union League; Nikita Mathews, AmFirst CU; Tina Davis, Peak CU; and Rich Mohr, America’s Credit Unions.
Originally reported by CU Today.