Young Credit Union Professionals (YCUP) in the GoWest Region

YCUP groups are local networks that empower and elevate the next generation of credit union leaders so the movement stays strong, innovative, and people-focused. Each group works toward three shared goals: practicing the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” giving young professionals a voice and professional opportunities, and connecting with members in their communities.

The model started in our region. YCUP was founded in 2008 at the Credit Union Association of Oregon’s (now GoWest’s) Annual Meeting, held its first official meeting at Unitus Plaza in April 2010, and has grown to nearly 300 participants. Today the groups in our footprint are Arizona YCUP, Colorado YCUP, Wyoming YCUP and YCUP PDX (Portland, serving Oregon and SW Washington). They host networking events, leadership talks, and community activities, such as AZ YCUP’s “Conversations with the C-Suite” and YCUP PDX’s “Women of Impact” event.

YCUP groups work alongside GoWest’s own young professional programs, including YP Leads, which each year selects 18 young professionals (3 from each of the six states), and the YP Summit.