VP of Lending & Hispanic Outreach at Members Credit Union
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Registration/Breakfast
Please stop by the registration table from 8:00 am-9:15 am. Breakfast starts promptly at 8:30 am.
General Session- Keynote Speaker Julissa Arce
Julissa Arce
Activist/Writer/Producer
SEE BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Networking Lunch
SEE BREAKOUT SESSIONS
General Session- Intersectionality Within the Movement Barbara Mojica•Jennifer Esperanza, Ph.D.•Rafael Saucedo•Renée Sattiewhite•Zachary Christensen, CUDE
The credit union industry, rooted in people helping people, stands at a unique intersection of financial services, community empowerment, and cultural identities. This general session will consist of a panel that will delve into the concept of intersectionality within the credit union movement, exploring how various social identities—such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, orientation, and more—interact and influence one’s lived experiences and sense of belonging. Our esteemed panelists, representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives, will discuss the importance of acknowledging intersectionality, inclusive practices, overcoming challenges, and building community.
Barbara Mojica
Executive Director of NLCUP
Jennifer Esperanza, Ph.D.
Sr. Director of Organizational Culture and Strategy at Coopera Consulting
Rafael Saucedo
Philanthropy Program Manager at BECU
Renée Sattiewhite
President/CEO of AACUC
Zachary Christensen, CUDE
Director / Executive Director of Mitchell Stankovic & Associates / CU Pride
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Happy Hour- Networking with Exhibitors
NLCUP's Gala & Award Ceremony
After Party
Yoga Sesh
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Registration/Breakfast
Climate Action & Resilience: New Lending Opportunities for Credit Unions Pablo DeFilippi
This panel explores how credit unions can play a pivotal role in advancing climate action and resilience. By identifying new lending opportunities, credit unions can support sustainable initiatives and foster community resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Join us to learn from experts and innovators who are leading the way in sustainable finance and discover strategies to integrate climate-focused lending into your credit union's portfolio.
Pablo DeFilippi
EVP at Inclusiv
SEE BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Lunch & Networking
Closing General Session: Practice into Action, What's Your Plan? Carol Rose•Carlos R. Calderon•Emma Hayes•Laura Sehres•Renee Ortiz
This closing general session will unite everyone for an insightful panel discussion to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Our diverse and senior-level panelists will focus their discussion on how to effectively implement learned concepts into their daily lives. Panelists will also share their experiences overcoming challenges, utilizing best practices, and achieving successful outcomes through practical application.
Carol Rose
EVP, Member Service Operations at SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
Carlos R. Calderon
President/CEO of OAS Staff FCU
Emma Hayes
Chief Learning and Engagement Officer at NCSECU
Laura Sehres
Vice President, DEI and Employee Experience at Velera
The rich cultural heritage and deep connection to land found among Latinos are leading this community to become pivotal actors in the global sustainability movement. This panel session will discuss how Latinx individuals and credit union leaders drive change, activate their communities, and advocate for sustainability and environmental justice. Panelists will explore unique perspectives, challenges, and opportunities inherent in Latino engagement with micro and macro sustainability efforts.
Aurelio Arroyo González, MBA
President/CEO of Jesús Obrero Cooperativa
Joao Vilca Soto
Environmental Sustainability ERG Co-Chair & Member Consultant II at BECU
Sofia Villareal
Program Manager of Global Sustainability at United Nations Federal Credit Union
Financial Readiness for the Latino Community Edgar Hernandez•Ligia Vado
According to a study by the Collage Group, Hispanics/Latinos (more than any other racial/ethnic group in the U.S.) believe that the American Dream is still alive and attainable. But how exactly is that dream achieved and how can Latinos create inter-generational wealth? Beyond boosting collegiate graduation rates, we’ll explore three main drivers of socio-economic well-being: housing, small business creation, and investing & insurance. In this session, you’ll hear stats and stories of how Latinos are driving demand for housing, and are more “mortgage-ready” than their counterparts; how Hispanics are outpacing other groups in small business creation and therefore an opportunity to attract those entrepreneurial segments to your credit union; and finally, how Latinos need to elevate their financial savviness by understanding the role that investments and insurance plan in building inter-generational wealth. You won’t want to miss this riveting session!
Edgar Hernandez
Sr Mgr, Multicultural Bus Strategy at TruStage
Ligia Vado
Senior Economist at America's Credit Union
Gen Z Unscripted Berenice Garcia Hernandez•Chelsia Neto•Christian Guadron•Raquel Gomez
Get ready to dive into authentic conversations, where panelists will share their journeys, challenges, and successes in navigating their careers in the credit union industry. From unexpected twists to invaluable lessons learned, this session will produce candid insights, practical advice from emerging leaders, and plenty of inspirational takeaways for decision-makers to consider when engaging younger populations. Bring your questions and be prepared for an explicit dialogue that will celebrate the influence and power of youthful voices.
Berenice Garcia Hernandez
Financial Education Specialist at Unitus Community Credit Union
Chelsia Neto
CDFI Coordinator at Connections Credit Union
Christian Guadron
Financial Representative at SchoolsFirst FCU
Raquel Gomez
Community Relations Manager at Seattle CU
Leveraging Social Media to Reach Latinx Populations Esperanza Poblano•Alyssa Atkins•Anali Martinez
The power of social media cannot be underestimated, especially when it comes to engaging with Latino communities. This panel will explore the multifaceted strategies and innovative approaches employed by reputable credit unions and influencers to effectively connect with Latino audiences through social media platforms. Panelists will share insights on identifying key trends, utilizing relevant platforms, and tailoring content to authentically resonate with Latino audiences and drive meaningful engagement.
Esperanza Poblano
Training Manager at African-American Credit Union Coalition
Alyssa Atkins
Digital Marketing Manager at Raiz Federal Credit Union
Anali Martinez
Founder/Editor-in-Chief of The Nueva Latina
DEI from the Top: Representation on Governance Crash Course Esperanza Poblano•Leslie Jenkins•Lydia Lozano•Max Villaronga
In today's dynamic environment, robust board representation and governance are pivotal for a credit union's road map to success and sustainability. This crash course will aim to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance board representation and implement best practices for governance.
Esperanza Poblano
Training Manager at African-American Credit Union Coalition
Leslie Jenkins
AEVP, Learning + Organizational Development at SECU
Lydia Lozano
Sales Executive at TruStage
Max Villaronga
President/CEO of Raiz Federal Credit Union
Innovative Small Business Lending Practices with Latinx in Mind Jeff Ivey•Michelle Carrera, CUERME, CUCE•Rosa Franco
Traditional lending practices often fail to meet the unique needs of Latino members and consumers. This session is designed to explore and implement innovative small business lending practices that cater specifically to the Latino community. These practices will help bridge the gap in access to financial resources and support while centering cultural competency.
Jeff Ivey
President/CEO of River City Federal Credit Union
Michelle Carrera, CUERME, CUCE
Sr. Consultant at Indiana Credit Union League
Rosa Franco
Vice President of Lending at Inclusiv
ITIN Lending: It's Not That Hard… Diana Cervantes•Pablo DeFilippi•Winona Nava•Vanessa Kuduk
Lending is a critical service that empowers individuals and businesses to achieve their goals towards success. However, for those without a Social Security Number, securing a loan can often be challenging for both the consumer and lender. This workshop has been created to unpack the complexities of ITIN lending, which has been proven to be easier than one might think. Be prepared to also learn about NLCUP's newly formed ITIN Lending School, where credit unions can access proper training on ITIN lending tools and best practices.
Diana Cervantes
VP of Social Impact at RIZE Credit Union
Pablo DeFilippi
EVP at Inclusiv
Winona Nava
Retired CEO of Guadalupe CU
Vanessa Kuduk
VP of Lending & Hispanic Outreach at Members Credit Union
Latinidad in the Credit Union Movement, Let's Celebrate it! Kenia Calderon Ceron•Mary Navarrete•Rafael Saucedo•Thalia Anguiano, M.Ed, CUDE
It’s no secret that Latinos are one of the fastest-growing demographics, which means more Latinos are entering the credit union industry. This workshop will spotlight Latino credit union leaders who are leading innovative and impactful work in their respective communities while centering their Latinidad and heritage. This panel will inspire and equip you to foster an inclusive work environment where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels they can be their authentic selves.
Kenia Calderon Ceron
VP/Bilingual Business Development at GreenState Credit Union
Mary Navarrete
Director of Community Impact at Point West CU
Rafael Saucedo
Philanthropy Program Manager at BECU
Thalia Anguiano, M.Ed, CUDE
Multicultural Strategy & DEI Advisor at TruStage
Engaging Latinx Through Retail Delivery Erica Flores, CUDE, CCUFC•Miriam De Dios Woodward•Pablo DeFilippi•Winona Nava
Understanding and engaging with different cultural demographics should be a priority for credit unions seeking retail success and member loyalty. This workshop focuses on strategies to effectively engage Latino members through tailored retail delivery and customer service practices. Participants will learn from a diverse panel about the unique preferences and cultural nuances of the Latino community and how to leverage this knowledge to enhance member satisfaction and loyalty.
Erica Flores, CUDE, CCUFC
Branch Manager II at Rivermark Credit Union
Miriam De Dios Woodward
President/CEO of De Dios Consulting
Pablo DeFilippi
EVP at Inclusiv
Winona Nava
Retired CEO of Guadalupe CU
Young Professionals Making Change and Breaking Barriers Barbara Mojica•Leonardo Nieto•MDJ Ortiz-Frausto•Michelle Carrera, CUERME, CUCE
This panel will bring together dynamic and innovative young Latino professionals leading the way in their respective fields and communities. They are not only excelling in their career journeys but also challenging norms, advocating for positive change, and breaking down barriers for others to come along on their journey. This panel discussion will center on creative innovation, advocacy, overcoming challenges faced by Latino leaders, leadership development, and the power of networking.
Barbara Mojica
Executive Director of NLCUP
Leonardo Nieto
Assistant Branch Manager at Palmetto Citizens FCU
MDJ Ortiz-Frausto
Business Development Officer at FirstLight Federal Credit Union
Michelle Carrera, CUERME, CUCE
Sr. Consultant at Indiana Credit Union League
Legal and Regulatory Issues Face by CUs When Serving Non-Residents and Non-Citizens Jeff Ivey•Maria Martinez•Melia Heimbuck
Credit unions face many legal and regulatory hurdles when extending their services to non-residents and non-citizens. This panel discussion will break down the nuances surrounding this often-overlooked aspect of credit union operations and services. Arrive prepared to unravel compliance, data privacy, immigration, and documentation requirements, trends and emerging challenges, and ethical considerations for social responsibility.
Jeff Ivey
President/CEO of River City Federal Credit Union
Maria Martinez
President/CEO of Border Federal Credit Union
Melia Heimbuck
President/CEO of Credit Union Association of New Mexico
Activating Community Partnerships for Impact and Change Making Jean Carlos Rosario Mercado•Larry Garcia•Ruby Alvarez•Winona Nava
Recognizing that collaboration is key to addressing complex societal challenges, this session will explore how activating community partnerships can amplify efforts toward positive change and foster a culture of social impact and change-making. Through dynamic dialogue, this session will provide practical strategies for building and nurturing community partnerships, overcoming barriers, fostering stakeholder trust, and leveraging collective strengths to achieve common goals. Attendees will leave this session with practical knowledge of initiating, sustaining, and scaling collaborative community partnerships in their respective communities.
