The CUllaborative

In this episode of The CUllaborative , Kristy shares her journey through the credit union movement, reflecting on the experiences that have shaped her passion for people, purpose, and growth. From navigating career transitions to finding her voice as a leader, Kristy offers an honest look at the challenges and wins that come with building a meaningful career. Tune in for a conversation filled with...

In this episode of The CUllaborative , Alexa Irvine, Marketing Strategist at True Community Credit Union, joins the conversation to share her evolving journey in the credit union industry. We dive into her Spark Tank idea, Compass , and the inspiration behind it, along with what she loves most about working in marketing. Alexa also reflects on how her role has grown over time and the perspective s...

In this episode of The CUllaborative , Josh Buck from Member’s First Credit Union to explore the power of growth beyond the comfort zone. Josh shares how continuing education has shaped his career and why leaning into new challenges is essential for young professionals in the credit union movement. He also dives into his journey into advocacy, from what sparked his passion and how getting involved...

In this episode of The CUllaborative , we sit down with Taylor Neeley from MCUF to dive into the power of financial education and the vital role credit unions play in strengthening communities. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Taylor shares her perspective on why accessible, relatable financial education matters now more than ever—and how credit unions are uniquely positioned to m...

In this episode, DaeSean Ashby, Director of State Advocacy at the Michigan Credit Union League, shares the journey that led him to MCUL and a career in politics. He reflects on the defining moment in college that first sparked his interest in public service and advocacy, and how that decision shaped his path forward. DaeSean also dives into his thoughtful approach to public speaking, emphasizing a...

In this episode, we’re joined by Aria Ottenbreit and Megan Stander from the Michigan Credit Union League. They take us behind the scenes of what it really takes to plan impactful events at the MCUL. From the details no one sees to the moments that make it all worthwhile, they share how their roles have evolved and how they’ve grown along the way. It’s an inside look at the creativity, collaboratio...

In this episode of The CUllaborative , we sit down with Jacob Barkel from Best Financial Credit Union to talk about what it really means to put members first. Jacob shares his journey of changing careers—from politics to credit unions—and why the move felt like the right fit almost immediately. We explore how he started his new career running by competing in the MCUL's 2025 Spark Tank Competition...

n this episode, we’re joined by Joey, a credit union professional who has grown alongside Michigan’s young professional movement. We dive into the evolution of FUELmi —where it started, the growth we’ve seen over the years, and why it’s become such a powerful community for emerging leaders. Joey shares how networking through FUEL and industry events played a key role in a pivotal career shift, ope...

In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Coggins , Vice President of Consumer Lending at Financial Plus Credit Union, for an honest and inspiring conversation about the unexpected turns that shape our careers. Andrea shares the story of how she entered the credit union world (through an application sh didn't even submit) and how one opportunity set the foundation for a career rooted in connection,...

In this episode, I sit down with Sydney Tennant, whose unexpected career path led her from studying architecture to discovering her passion for finance —a journey that began with a job at a local currency exchange and ultimately led her to a leadership role at Michigan Legacy Credit Union . Sydney shares how her early interest in design and structure translated into an analytical, people-centered...

In this episode, we sit down with Chelsea , the Community Impact Leader at Members First Credit Union , who brings over six years of experience within the credit union industry. With a passion for forging meaningful relationships and uplifting communities, Chelsea has built her career around connecting people, resources, and purpose. Chelsea shares how her role goes far beyond outreach—it’s about...

What does it take to grow while juggling it all? R aelyn Szatkowski of Wolverine State Credit Union joins The CUllaborative to talk about working full-time, completing her bachelor’s degree, and building confidence as a rising leader. This episode is packed with real-world insight for anyone navigating career growth in the credit union industry.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Eloisa Medina-Britten from Bloom Credit Union, a division of WMCU , as she shares her journey of personal and professional growth. Eloisa opens up about the power of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and how stepping outside her comfort zone shaped her career. We’ll dive into her experience as a Spark Tank semi-finalist , exploring the lessons...

Send us a text  In this episode of The CUllaborative , we sit down with Whitney Sode, CFO at Sunrise Family Credit Union, to unpack some of the biggest misconceptions about credit unions—and why clearing them up matters now more than ever. Whitney shares her perspective on the importance of continuous professional development in today’s fast-changing financial landscape. We also explore her person...

Send us a text In this episode, we’re joined by Ginger Weeks , Vice President of Operations at Community West Credit Union . Ginger shares her inspiring journey of earning her CUCE certification through America’s Credit Unions—all while working full-time and pursuing her bachelor’s degree full-time. Her story is a testament to grit, determination, and a deep commitment to growth. We explore her pa...

Send us a text In this inaugural episode, we’re joined by Ann Ditlow , Finance and Analytics Manager at 4Front Credit Union in Traverse City. Ann shares her journey into leadership, the challenges she faced with burnout, and her passion through advocacy and connection. She walks us through the launch of an advocacy committee at her credit union, offering insights into how small initiatives can spa...