2022-2023 Trailblazers Highlighted

​Ahead of the graduation of this year's cohort of MnCUN’s Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training program in September, we will be highlighting the credit union professionals participating in the second year of the program. 

Christian Mancilla, Branch Lead, First Alliance Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? 
I enjoy helping our members with their financial needs. Creating relationships and counseling members brings me a lot of satisfaction. 

​How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
It allowed me to be exposed to other areas of our operation which gave me a better picture on how my credit union works.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Getting to know other people, and sharing ideas and opinions about the credit union industry is priceless.

Jessica Stevens, Card Services Manager, MY Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I have chosen to continue my career in credit unions, because I find our model of business so inspiring: people serving people.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazers program has been designed in a manner that allows a leader to be exposed to different areas of the credit union that they may have not had before. The skill sets learned in the last year will continue to benefit me as I continue to work towards my goal of Executive Leadership.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
The thing I have enjoyed most about Trailblazer's is the connections that I have made with my fellow cohorts. We all have such passion for the industry, it's been refreshing to hear new perspectives and ideas.

Christopher Williams, SPIRE Credit Union, Director of Accounting
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
SPIRE's philosophy of giving back and serving the community aligns with my personal values. After working in financial services and public accounting, I have found my home in the credit union industry.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
it has positively impacted my career is multiple ways, mainly, expanding my network of colleagues and making meaningful connections.

​What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Getting together in-person to discuss issues and trends that we are all experiencing in some capacity has been rewarding!

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