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Cascadia Chapter Advocacy Happy Hour Sparks Conversation and Connection

Posted by on October 13, 2026

Credit union professionals gathered in Tigard, Ore., in late September for the Cascadia Chapter of Credit Union’s Advocacy Happy Hour, an evening focused on building relationships, sharing stories, and strengthening advocacy across the Credit Union Movement.

Guest advocates Mary Navarrete of Point West Credit Union, Shayla Gilmour of iQ Credit Union, and Caitlin Scarpelli and Neah LaFuente of First Tech Federal Credit Union helped spark conversations about the impact of advocacy and build enthusiasm for future Cascadia Chapter initiatives.

Jaxon Pace of iQ Credit Union, a MAXX YP Lead from Washington, shared two key takeaways from the event: advocacy has no single entry point, and everyone has a story worth sharing.

“No matter your education, career path, or life experience, what truly matters is your passion and willingness to make a difference,” Pace said.

He also emphasized the power of listening and engagement in making advocacy a natural part of everyday life. “Everyone has a story worth sharing, and those stories are often the most powerful tools we have to advance the Credit Union Movement.”

The evening reinforced an important message: advocacy starts with people, their experiences, and their willingness to share why credit unions matter in their communities.

Posted in Chapters, Oregon, Regional Member News, Washington, Young Professionals.

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