Finding Your People: A Guiding to Networking

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on February 19, 2025

Representatives from networking groups at the MAXX 2024 session "Find Your People." (L-R) Paige Beffort (GoWest), Zach Christensen (CU Pride), Linda White (CUWLA), Rafael Saucedo (NLCUP), and Sharon Grieger (AACUC)

The Credit Union Movement is well known for its inclusivity. People Helping People is more than a motto; it is a way of life for those in the industry. That’s why it’s not surprising that credit union professionals have a variety of associations and organizations to choose from when they are looking for networking and connection opportunities.

Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to expand your community network, getting involved and engaging with the right group will enhance your career and your impact within the Credit Union Movement.

Here are some groups to check out:

Credit Union Chapters

There are Credit Union Chapters throughout the GoWest region, and each helps advance the strategic areas of Leadership, Education, Advocacy, and Philosophy-In-Action. Through fun events and philanthropic and advocacy activities, Credit Union Chapters build connections, empower future credit union leaders, and foster collaboration in the credit union space.

Regional Young Professional Groups

Regional YP groups bring young credit union professionals together to connect learn and grow. Through networking events, Advocacy sessions, CEO roundtables, volunteer initiatives and mentorship opportunities, these groups help shape future credit union leaders while strengthening the credit union movement.

Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance (CUWLA)

CUWLA empowers the women who power the Credit Union Movement. Founded in 2020 to create a supportive and safe network for women CEOs to address the unique challenges faced by smaller credit unions, CUWLA connects women CEOs with fellow leaders to develop best practices and innovative ideas while strategizing for growth, relevance, and the collective success of credit unions everywhere.

National Association of Latino Credit Union Professionals (NLCUP)

NLCUP promotes Latinx representation in leadership and governance roles and empowers organizations to serve Latinx communities. The organization was born out of the need to create a safe space for Latinx credit union professionals to support each other, and they believe DEI culture strengthens credit unions by providing diverse employees equal access to career advancements.

CU Pride

CU Pride strives to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ credit union professionals as well as their allies and to bring forth some of the needs – especially when it comes to financial wellbeing for all – that that community desperately needs. They provide opportunities for education, engagement, sharing, and celebration, allowing the credit union industry to embrace our diverse, vulnerable, and inclusive community.

African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC)

AACUC is an award-winning organization shaping DEI in the credit union movement and is considered a leader in the credit union industry, adopting the 8th Cooperative Principle of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and providing knowledge of how credit unions can become more diverse and inclusive.

Native American Credit Union Coalition (NACUC)

The Native American Credit Union Coalition aims to build a network of Native American professionals and credit unions serving indigenous populations because they believe credit union services in every tribal nation will make a difference in the financial well-being of tribal members. They work to strengthen Native American communities while continuing to honor the rich heritage and values that make their communities unique and resilient.

If you have questions about these groups or other networking opportunities, contact Carmen Vigil, GoWest’s SVP, CU Engagement & Development.

Posted in Across the Region, Chapters, Leadership, Public Awareness, Thought Leadership, Top Headlines.