YP Summit Delivers on High Energy Learning & Fun

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on June 12, 2024

A group of 56 young credit union professionals from GoWest’s six-state region gathered in Boise, Idaho, on June 5 and 6, to connect, network, and elevate their skills and knowledge at GoWest’s annual YP Summit, the signature YP event that fosters personal and professional growth within the Credit Union Movement. 

The enthusiastic group of YPs met for two days and immersed themselves in a range of topics led by a diverse panel of industry leaders. Discussions included: 

• Advocacy in Action with Tyrell Reynolds, Branch Manager for Idaho Central Credit Union; Zach Forster, GoWest’s VP of Legislative Affairs in Idaho; and Jordan Beyer, GoWest’s AVP of Grassroots Engagement 
• A session on Building Your Leadership Road Map featuring Jeremy Sankwich, VP of Consumer Lending for CapEd Credit Union, and Carmen Vigil, GoWest’s SVP of CU Development & Engagement
• Leading with Purpose Session and Activity with Jeremy Graves, Director of Professional and Continuing Education at Boise State University. Jeremy’s session helped attendees understand their assessments by discussing conflict resolution styles, motivations, communication approaches, and problem-solving methods. 
• CEO & Executive Leadership Panel featuring Mike Schenck, CEO of Westmark Credit Union; Jamie Simmons, CEO of Connections Credit Union; Nick Fugal, CFO of Clarity Credit Union; facilitated by GoWest’s Carmen Vigil 
• Journey into CU4Kids and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with Maegan Krahn, Director of Development, CMN Hospitals/St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, and Katie Rink, Development Coordinator, CMN Hospitals/St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital 
• “Big L, Little l” by Special Guest Nora Carpenter, Leadership Director at Peer Performance, Interim President and CEO at United Way of Treasure Valley,  and GoWest Foundation Board Member 

As the Credit Union Movement prides itself on People Helping People, the YPs took a break from business on Thursday afternoon. After the CU4Kids presentation, YPs rolled up their sleeves for a community give-back activity where they filled goodie bags with items to bring smiles and comfort to teen patients at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in Boise.

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GoWest also saw a social media “takeover” during the summit by two YPs – Dez Quinones, Full Service Officer at Westmark Credit Union, and Rhea Vail, Director of Operations and Member Services at Columbine Federal Credit Union. Quinones and Vail spent time interviewing fellow participants and taking photos and videos for behind-the-scenes glimpses of the event on GoWest’s Facebook page.  

When Jeremy Graves, People Developer and Intergenerational Culture Strategist at Boise State University, spoke to the group on Wednesday, Quinones posted a video on Facebook of their activity and commented, “Such an amazing activity for a deep dive to identify who we are using DISC assessment but understanding how we all play such an important role when we work together.” 

“The whole event was amazing and I loved participating,” said Zach Matheny, Training Manager at Air Academy Federal Credit Union. “This event helped me expand my comfort zone! It was so great and a huge speed boost for my career.” 

“It was a wonderful conference for self-development, advocacy, networking, and so much more,” said Tasia Fullmer, Indirect Underwriter at Frontier Credit Union. “We had wonderful speakers including the Idaho advocacy frontrunners, executive-level CU leaders, the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals team, and experts in personal and professional development.” 

“I enjoyed the opportunity to sit down with Jordan Beyer and Zach Forster to talk about the challenges credit unions are facing and how our advocacy efforts can make a difference,” said Tyrell Reynolds, Branch Manager of Idaho Central Credit Union and a panel member during Wednesday’s Advocacy in Action session. “Let me tell you, there are some talented and driven leaders in our Young Professionals Network, and I’m excited to see how they will drive the movement forward!” 

“I can honestly say that the person I was when I arrived in Boise on June 4th is not the person I was when I left after my time at the Young Professional Summit,” shared Jamie LaFave, Financial Services Manager at Fibre Federal Credit Union. “I am more confident, motivated, and self-aware. Thank you for this opportunity.” 

“YP Summit was such a great event,” agreed Aleisha Dixon, Human Resource Generalist at HAPO Community Credit Union. “You gave us the why, the how, and the what. I am leaving so inspired and so ready to get out there and do more.” 

The next opportunity for credit union YPs is GoWest’s YP Leads program at MAXX 2024 in October. Eighteen YP Leads will receive complimentary registration to this year’s MAXX and receive a transformative learning experience that will enhance their skills, connect them with industry leaders, and shape their future. YP Leads attend MAXX sessions and participate in a pre-convention orientation session where they will engage with GoWest staff, share stories, and hear from an inspiring keynote speaker. 

Applications for YP Leads are due June 14. To apply for a spot in YP Leads, click HERE. 

Posted in Events, Top Headlines, Young Professionals.