Empowering Impact

In this episode, Jenni sits down with Nanci Wilson, Vice President at Luminate and a 2015 Development Education (DE) alum, to explore her powerful and deeply personal journey through the credit union system. 

Nanci shares how her career began not with a dream of working in finance, but with a simple ask for help. As a new mother facing a medical crisis and struggling financially, she was denied a small loan at a traditional bank. But when she turned to a local credit union, she was met with empathy and dignity. That moment sparked her desire to be part of a movement that prioritizes people over profit. Starting as a teller, Nanci quickly rose through the ranks, fueled by her passion for service and the belief that small acts of kindness can create life-changing impact. 

Her experience in the DE program became a defining turning point. What began as a nervous leap into an unfamiliar environment turned into a profound realization: that she didn’t need to water down who she was to belong. DE affirmed her compassion, her empathy, and her drive to serve others and ultimately inspired her to lead with authenticity. Today, she credits that experience as the moment that solidified her commitment to the credit union mission. 

Nanci also reflects on her first DE project, “Seeds to Save,” a youth program teaching kids about gardening, entrepreneurship, and saving for the future. Though she jokes about her own lack of gardening skills, the project taught lasting lessons about resilience, financial literacy, and community impact. 

She speaks candidly about what drives her: the belief that if you “see a need, fill a need,” and that creating space for people to feel seen, heard, and supported -whether in a branch, a classroom, or a community garden - is the essence of the credit union difference. 

Nanci encourages professionals at every stage of their career to experience DE, noting its power to both ignite new passion and rekindle long-standing purpose. Whether you're new to the movement or a seasoned credit union leader, her story is a powerful reminder that growth often begins with discomfort and that empathy and authenticity are the keys to lasting impact. 

Tune in for a joyful, inspiring conversation that celebrates resilience, connection, and the enduring heart of the credit union philosophy. 

Together, we can make all the difference. Until next time, your National Credit Union Foundation.

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In this episode, we sit down with Christopher Morris, Vice President of Councils at America’s Credit Unions and long-time credit union advocate, to explore his impactful journey across the credit union system. 

Christopher shares how he began his career in 2005 at the Foundation after moving from Chicago to Madison, originally intending to become a high school English teacher. What began as a temporary job quickly turned into a calling, sparked by his early experience in the Development Education (DE) program and a deep connection to the mission of helping others. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to connecting people, amplifying the credit union philosophy, and fostering a sense of purpose among credit union professionals. 

He speaks about what empowers him: the genuine kindness of the people within the movement, the philosophy of “people helping people,” and his personal motivation rooted in gratitude. Having grown up in poverty, he finds meaning in supporting those who, like his younger self, benefit from the financial guidance and services that credit unions provide. His longstanding commitment to volunteerism—organizing monthly community service outings since 2014—is a testament to that mission. 

Christopher also shares how DE training shaped his career, inspiring projects like co-founding the credit union rock band The Disclosures, and later organizing local volunteer groups to bring the development issues to life. He describes DEs as the evangelists of the movement, keeping the flame of credit union philosophy alive and thriving. 

He offers heartfelt advice to young professionals, encouraging them to go through DE to understand the deeper “why” behind credit unions and to build meaningful, lasting connections.

He closes with reflections on the importance of kindness, integrity, personal growth, and staying true to the credit union mission. Quoting Louise Herring—“Try to get big without getting biggity”—he emphasizes the need for credit unions to grow while remaining grounded in their purpose. 

Tune in for a conversation that celebrates community, personal growth, and the enduring power of the credit union philosophy. 

Together, we can make all the difference. Until next time, your National Credit Union Foundation.

Keep up with us at https://www.ncuf.coop/

https://www.facebook.com/nationalcufoundation/

https://www.youtube.com/user/ncuf

https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-credit-union-foundation/

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In this episode, we sit down with Bill Cheney, the 2023 Herb Wegner Memorial Award winner for Outstanding Individual Achievement, to discuss his incredible journey in the credit union world. Bill shares his nearly 40-year career path, from his early days as a college student working for the Public Employees Credit Union in Austin to becoming the CEO of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union. Along the way, he reflects on his experiences at major institutions like Security Service Credit Union, Xerox Federal Credit Union, and his time as CEO of the California/Nevada Credit Union League and CUNA. 

Bill highlights the importance of people—both credit union members and the communities they serve—and explains how this passion for serving others has shaped his career. He also talks about SchoolsFirst's unique mission in supporting educators and their families, making a significant impact on the educational community. 

Further, Bill discusses the critical work of the National Credit Union Foundation, including their role in financial education, disaster relief efforts, and supporting the development of credit union leaders through programs like the Development Education (DE) program. He emphasizes how the Foundation helps keep the credit union movement focused on its core values of cooperation, community, and service and the importance of storytelling. 

Tune in for a conversation filled with insights into the credit union industry, leadership, and the heart of service to members. 

Together, we can make all the difference. Until next time, your National Credit Union Foundation.

Keep up with us at https://www.ncuf.coop/

https://www.facebook.com/nationalcufoundation/

https://www.youtube.com/user/ncuf

https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-credit-union-foundation/

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In this episode, we have the honor of speaking with Judy DeLucca, the 2024 Herb Wegner Memorial Award winner for Outstanding Individual Achievement. Judy takes us through her incredible journey in the credit union industry, starting from her early days working part-time at Louisiana Public Health Workers Credit Union, where she had the privilege of being mentored by Audrey Cerise. Judy shares how that mentorship shaped her understanding of credit unions and their mission to serve their communities.

From there, Judy's career took her to the New Orleans Firefighters Federal Credit Union, where she became the first female to join the team in 1980. She talks about the challenges and opportunities she encountered in this role and how the credit union grew over the years. In 1988, she became the manager, and today, after more than 44 years, she serves as the President and CEO. Judy reflects on the many changes she’s seen in the industry, including deregulation, shifting interest rates, and changing economic conditions.

Throughout the conversation, Judy highlights the importance of community impact and the role her credit union has played in improving the lives of its members. Tune in to hear an inspiring story of leadership, perseverance, and dedication to making a difference.

Together, we can make all the difference. Until next time, your National Credit Union Foundation.

Keep up with us at https://www.ncuf.coop/

https://www.facebook.com/nationalcufoundation/

https://www.youtube.com/user/ncuf

https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-credit-union-foundation/

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In this episode, Creighton Blackwell and Jenni Speth engage in a conversation about leadership, personal growth, and values. Blackwell emphasizes the importance of empathy, respect, and authenticity in leadership. He reflects on how empathy is a "superpower" for effective leaders, enabling them to understand and meet the true needs of their teams and communities, rather than projecting what they think others need. He shares how these values shape his approach both in his professional life and in coaching, where his genuine and empathetic nature comes through, even in his interactions with his kids.

Jenni acknowledges Blackwell's inspiring approach and leadership philosophy, highlighting his values as essential for meaningful leadership. The conversation wraps up with Blackwell expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the podcast and a thank you for the work Jenni and her team do to facilitate these important discussions.

The episode also briefly touches on the upcoming Herb Wegner Memorial Awards dinner, where Blackwell will be speaking, inviting listeners to join and further engage with the conversation around leadership and community impact.

Together, we can make all the difference. Until next time, your National Credit Union Foundation.

Keep up with us at https://www.ncuf.coop/

https://www.facebook.com/nationalcufoundation/

https://www.youtube.com/user/ncuf

https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-credit-union-foundation/

https://www.instagram.com/nationalcufoundation/

Together, we can make all the difference. Until next time, your National Credit Union Foundation.

Keep up with us at https://www.ncuf.coop/

https://www.facebook.com/nationalcufoundation/

https://www.youtube.com/user/ncuf

https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-credit-union-foundation/

https://www.instagram.com/nationalcufoundation/

Welcome to "Empowering Impact," the official podcast of The Foundation! In each engaging episode, we connect, grow, and engage with donors and the credit union system, showcasing the profound impact of The Foundation’s work.

Join us as we delve into the challenges facing the credit union community and explore the pathways to success. We’ll highlight inspiring stories from remarkable guests who exemplify the spirit of impact, financial well-being, unity, and kindness within the industry.

Together, we'll explore how the credit union system transforms financial lives and measure the success of our initiatives. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that aligns with our mission and expands our collective understanding of the impact we can achieve.

In the first episode of Empowering Impact, Jenny Speth sits down with Andy Janning, a passionate speaker, storyteller, and financial advocate, to discuss his journey through the credit union system and the impactful work he's doing today. From his early days in financial services to his transformation into a consultant, Andy shares how his career has evolved—especially after a life-changing personal experience.

In 2019, Andy's wife Carla was diagnosed with breast cancer, sparking a profound shift in his focus to support those affected by the financial hardships that often accompany serious illness. Through his work with the Tri Unity Foundation and Life Over Debt, Andy is leading efforts to provide financial relief and support for cancer patients and their families.

Listen in as Andy discusses the financial crisis of cancer, the groundbreaking Side Effects documentary, and the powerful role credit unions can play in improving the financial well-being of their members facing life-threatening illnesses.

Join us for part 1 of 2 of this inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and the lasting impact of the credit union movement in people's lives.

Together, we can make all the difference. Until next time, your National Credit Union Foundation.

Keep up with us at https://www.ncuf.coop/

https://www.facebook.com/nationalcufoundation/

https://www.youtube.com/user/ncuf

https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-credit-union-foundation/

https://www.instagram.com/nationalcufoundation/