​The Minnesota Credit Union Women’s Leadership Network is excited to welcome three new Ambassadors: Jill Casper, Vice President of Training & Community Relations at Mid Minnesota CU; Kathlynn McConnell, Director of Learning and Development at Members Cooperative CU; and Sue Palen, Executive Vice President at Mayo Employees FCU. These women leaders join fellow Ambassadors Christine Cordell, SVP of Organizational Effectiveness at Hiway CU; Deb Almirall, President & CEO at Minnesota Power Employees CU; Julie Cosgrove, Chief Talent Officer at Affinity Plus FCU; Dana Garrett, President & CEO at North Memorial FCU; and Kathy Harrington, President & CEO of Heartland CU.

​Further, Cordell stepped down as Chair after serving in the role since 2017. Under Cordell’s leadership, the Minnesota Women’s Leadership Network has grown from 150 to 640 members representing more than two thirds of Minnesota’s Credit Unions.

“Christine’s passion and leadership has helped the Women’s Leadership Network grow and thrive, impacting future women leaders and perpetuating the credit union movement as whole,” said Mara Humphrey, Chief Advocacy Officer for the Minnesota Credit Union Network. “On behalf the entire Women’s Leadership Network, we thank her for her years of service as Chair!”

The Ambassadors appointed Julie Cosgrove of Affinity Plus FCU to assume the role of Chair. As Chair, Cosgrove will lead the Ambassadors in planning professional development events, networking opportunities, and community give-back initiatives in support of the group’s mission to inspire, empower and advance Minnesota credit union women.

The Minnesota Credit Union Women’s Leadership Network is a sister society of the World Council of Credit Unions’ Global Women’s Leadership Network. The vision of the Global Women's Leadership Network is to provide women with the opportunity and resources to make a measurable difference in the lives of each other, in the lives of credit union members and in their communities. WOCCU created and serves as the hub of the network to bring together women from credit union systems around the world.

​Upcoming Minnesota Women’s Leadership Network Events:
Women’s Leadership Network Charitable Giveback to support Coats for Kids at LEAD 22
The Minnesota Credit Union Women’s Leadership Network is hosting a charitable giveback initiative at the LEAD 22 conference. Attendees and sponsors are encouraged to bring a donation for Coats for Kids, a coat and winter gear drive for the local area nonprofit  Kinship Partners. More information is available on the conference website.
 
The Minnesota Credit Union Women’s Leadership Network Event - Let that Stuff Go!
Join us Tuesday, September 27, from 3:30-6:00 pm at Urban Growler Brewing Company in St. Paul. We are pleased to welcome Tara Graff, Bad Intentions Yoga Founder, and Hiway Credit Union’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development as our facilitator. For more details and to register visit the event page online.

Join the upcoming Collections Peer-to-Peer (P2P) on Tuesday, September 20 at 1:00 p.m. via webinar and video conference. 

​​P2P sessions will continue to be held as virtual roundtables, providing open forums for credit union staff throughout Minnesota, for knowledge sharing, resources and connections. This session will be an open format conversation with credit union peers around collections hot topics. This event is meant to be an opportunity to meet and share with one another.

Webinar and call in instructions, along with recordings, session materials and resources, will be provided to registered attendees.

​For a list of all P2P sessions, visit our Peer-to-Peer (P2P) webpage. With questions, please contact MnCUN Director of Engagement Ben Hering by email or by phone at 651-288-5519.

With COVID-19, technological advancements and employee desires, the workplace is changing with more and more employees working remotely. Join the Minnesota Credit Union Network as we hear from Carlos Molina, Senior Risk Management Consultant with CUNA Mutual Group, on Thursday, August 25 at 10 a.m. regarding various areas of risk for employers and ways to mitigate those risks and enhance the work environment for your employees. 

​About the speaker: 
​Carlos Molina is a Senior Risk Management Consultant in Risk and Compliance Solutions for CUNA Mutual Group. He is responsible for assisting credit unions nationwide in identifying and mitigating risks in areas related to their operations & security.

Prior to joining CUNA Mutual Group, Molina was a criminal investigator with the Public Defender’s Office in Essex County, N.J. Carlos graduated from Pace University in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice and holds a Masters in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU).

He also holds the following designations: Certified Risk Manager (CRM), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), CUNA certified Credit Union Compliance Expert (CCUE) and Credit Union Enterprise Risk Management Expert (CU-ERME).

​The Minnesota Credit Unions for Kids Committee has announced the 1st Annual CU4Kids Topgolf Tournament, replacing the previously held Bowl-O-Rama fundraiser. Join and support the CU4Kids on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at Topgolf in Brooklyn Center. Proceeds supports Children’s Miracle Network/Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul. 

​Please see the Event Flyer for more information on sponsorships.
Contact Kim Peterson via email with questions.

1st Annual Credit Unions for Kids Topgolf Tournament
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
11:00am – Registration
11:30am – Golf
12:00 pm – Fajita Bar Lunch starts
2:30pm – Raffle/Prizes!

The Minnesota Credit Union Women’s Leadership Network is hosting a charitable giveback initiative at LEAD 22. Attendees and sponsors are encouraged to bring a donation for Coats for Kids, a coat and winter gear drive for the local area nonprofit  Kinship Partners. We will accept new and gently used coats (should be clean and with working zippers and other closures, no rips, etc.) along with snow pants and boots. Items for teens are especially needed. 


Kinship Partners is a nonprofit organization serving local kids since 1986. Kinship Partners is a member of the Kinship Affiliate Network and currently serves the Brainerd regional area, including Pequot Lakes, Crosby – Ironton, and their surrounding areas.

The Women’s Leadership Network aims to provide women with the opportunity and resources to make a measurable difference in the lives of each other, in the lives of credit union members and in their communities. As we enjoy the beautiful Brainerd area for our conference, please consider helping out the local community by bringing a donation to the event.

With questions about the coat drive, please reach out to Women’s Leadership Network Ambassador Jill Casper by email or (218) 822-5138. 

The deadline for reservations within MnCUN's room block  for LEAD 22 is this Friday, August 12. Following the deadline rooms will be based on availability.
​
Two-night lodging package includes lodging, 5 meals (Group Dinner Wednesday, Breakfast, Lunch and Group Dinner Thursday, and Breakfast Friday), Tennis & Croquet Club, non-motorized watercraft, green fees on Pine Beach East, Pine Beach West, and Social 9 courses (carts additional) service charge, and sales tax. Included meals are available from restaurants listed in the conference agenda. Please RSVP for Wednesday and Thursday group dinners on your conference registration.

With questions on lodging contact Madden’s directly. Cancelling your conference registration with the Minnesota Credit Union Network does not automatically cancel your resort reservation. 

Please see our Event Policies regarding cancelation timelines. ​With additional questions, contact MnCUN Vice President of Communications and Engagement Andrea Molnau or Director of Engagement Ben Hering. ​

​Yesterday, was the state primary election to determines which candidates will be on the ballot in the November general election.

In June, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) published an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) seeking comments on the potential implementation of a no-action letter process.

Nate Olson, Regional Manager, Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union 

​Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I began at a young age and the culture has kept me here. I can't imagine working in any other industry. 

​How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
I think it has already provided me more insight to other areas of my own organization as well as industry trends. I feel confident that this program will eventually lead me to executive status.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
The group of people! It's been a privilege to get to see the compassion and dedication that others have towards their organizations. The information is priceless as well as creating a better connection with the league. I've really enjoyed my experience. 

​Cory Ouellette, VP-Operations, Minnesota Power Employees Credit Union

Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
From the moment I started working at MPECU, I knew a career in credit unions was the path I wanted to follow. I have such a commitment to the credit union movement, and I am really all about the people-helping-people philosophy. One of the great things I've come to appreciate about this industry is how much everyone wants to see each other be successful whether it be personally, professionally, supporting the local communities, etc. I often hear our members say, "This is why I love my credit union!" Those comments provide such a sense of accomplishment, and it is one of the many reasons I will continue (and encourage others) to be an advocate for credit unions.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
My ultimate goal is to one day become President/CEO of a credit union. While I understand that's not going to be an easy feat, I'm hopeful credit union executives will notice the hard work and dedication I've put in. This program has really made me think more about my "why" and my "purpose", and I feel more driven than ever to be a strong leader. I also want to remain a positive role model for my team and any other credit union professional that wants to grow their career.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
This program has been very insightful, especially for someone like myself who has been strictly in one department since I began working at the credit union. I really had no prior knowledge on key ratios, call reports, ALM, or strategic planning so having that understanding now makes me feel even more confident in my job, especially as I transition into my new role. The networking piece has also been extremely valuable. It's always great to make new connections--many become familiar faces at various credit union events or conferences. It's nice to be able to bounce ideas off someone outside your own credit union to get additional perspectives on a certain topic or issue. Some of these connections made through networking may even become a great mentor throughout your time in the credit union industry (and beyond).

Sarah Pedersen, Indirect Underwriter II, Hiway Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I chose a career in credit unions because I appreciate the people helping people philosophy and the cooperative efforts. I value the financial education credit unions offer to members and how serious they are about being socially responsible.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The trailblazer program has helped with my career by providing me opportunities to learn about other aspects of running a successful credit union and familiarizing myself with areas I currently do not have much involvement in. It provided me an environment to comfortably learn and to  ask questions to experts.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I enjoyed learning from keynote speakers and hearing about their areas of expertise. It helped learning from different enthusiastic teachers in each meeting. I really enjoyed the cohort as well. It was very fun to form friendships across different credit unions with like-minded individuals in varying roles and titles. 

Anita QuagliaGanje, VP Member Engagement, Minnco Credit Union
​
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I have close to 30 years of financial institution experience at various organizations.  Having a career with credit unions allows me to impact the communities that we live and work in along with improving the financial well-being of those that live in the areas that we serve. I find value in not only saying we are community minded but also living it each day.  I love being part of something that is bigger than myself. 

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazer program has given me the opportunity to interact with credit union leaders.  The time that I have spent learning from the Minnesota/Wisconsin experts and to listen to their perceptive on how their area impacts the overall credit union has been invaluable. To have the knowledge from those that are in the trenches will prepare me for my journey as a credit union leader.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I have enjoyed the time to get to know the other Trailblazers. Spending time with these credit union influencers has given me the opportunity to grow as a leader. I think having connections to use as resources has been invaluable to me.