Years in system: 9

Why credit unions: Growing up in a town of 4500 people, the credit union was a staple of our community. The credit union was always involved in every event and sponsorship it seemed, and being that volunteering and being involved in my community was a value of mine it is no wonder I took an interest in working for one! My family are firm believers of the co-operative structure and credit unions in general and we all have been members for as long as I can remember!

I was lucky enough to start my professional career as a summer student in 2010 for Conexus Credit Union gaining experience in rural and urban settings before accepting a permit position once I had completed my degree. In 2015 I accepted a position with Innovation Credit Union in their Human Resources department, where I have been since. I have enjoyed every moment of my time from being the scared shy summer student to becoming a HR professional and learning and growing every single day!

Why serve: My boss is a very firm believer of the Saskatchewan Young Leaders and encouraged me to attend my first SYL regional meeting held in North Battleford. I really enjoyed the regional meeting and was able to make connections, work with others who experienced the same system challenges and really focus on developing myself. In 2016 I was accepted to attend the SYL Retreat and after that I was hooked. The retreat provided me with very beneficial messages and allowed me to really dig deep into who I was and what type of leader / co-worker I wanted to be. I was extremely empowered and excited to bring back what I learnt at both to my credit union and share my experience and knowledge. I wanted to be a part of the SYL so I can help others feel empowered and excited about the Credit union system like I am!

Fun facts: In the summer you can find me either in Summerland BC on the Okanagan or at my family’s cabin at Barrier Lake. In the winter you can usually find me on a golf course or in a shopping mall in Arizona if I am not braving the cold Saskatchewan winters.

Years in system: 6.5

Why credit unions: Although I didn’t grow up in a small town like most of my committee members, I have been a member of the credit union for as long as I can remember. When I was young I looked forward to going into St. Mary’s credit union with my mom as the staff were always very welcoming and made the branch feel like home. As I grew older, it became more evident to me how involved credit unions are in the community, and I was proud to be a member of an organization that shared the same values as I was taught. Growing up my career aspirations varied, however they all had one thing in common: helping people. So far my career with the credit union has allowed me to help people in many ways, both through work and volunteer opportunities. I look forward to continuing my work with the SYL Committee to help others by strengthening the credit union system, and ultimately the community.

Why serve: After hearing about SYL and the committee’s positive impact on the credit union system through a co-worker I knew right away I wanted to be involved with the committee. In order to stay relevant within the ever-changing financial services industry and be ambassadors of change, the credit union system will need leaders to take accountability for their careers and personal development. I don’t believe being a leader is derived from one’s professional title or position, but from the ability to understand yourself and others in order to embrace change and be a part of the solution.

Fun facts: Born and raised in Saskatoon, I have lived in 2 houses my entire life. I’m currently living with my boyfriend Lee and our dog Marley. I love being active including fastball, volleyball, soccer, running, and going to the gym. There’s nothing like a good workout when life gets stressful!! Being involved in team sports at a young age helped me to learn the value of teamwork which has been a useful tool in many aspects of my life.

Years in system: 5.5

Why credit unions: I grew up in a small town and realize how important credit unions are to their communities and members. I originally chose to work at a credit union for a change of pace, but quickly enjoyed the work and people we serve inside and outside the building. I like the importance credit unions put on member relationships and local ownership and governance. It makes me so happy when I see how our contributions to the community make a difference, whether it’s through members’ smiles in the branch, a statue in the park, a stage at the high school or my niece proudly telling family she plays on the Fat Cat hockey team.

Why serve: I’ve had the opportunity to attend SYL events and have always come back to work feeling excited and inspired – I want to help others feel the same way. It’s great to collaborate with other young leaders on the similar challenges we face and new ways to grow. Personal and professional development is very important as a young leader. The SYL committee is a great way to facilitate these developments across the province. I’m looking forward to our upcoming initiatives and being a part of a great team!

Fun facts: I love to cook, and have recently started to explore the world of baking. I’ll sift through websites and cookbooks then take the plunge before releasing the result on my family and colleagues. I enjoy anything that gives me time with my husband and son. A good road trip, skiing, camping, and bringing clay to life in the pottery studio top my list of favorite things!

Years in system: 11

Why credit unions: When I started in the credit union system I thought that it was a job that I would do for a while until I figured out “what I wanted to be when I grew up”. It wasn’t long after starting with Conexus that I realized how much more the organization could offer me. I was working for an organization that aligned to my personal values, cared deeply about the communities it served, and made decision in the best interest of our members who are also our owners. Once I was hired with Conexus I found a career that I loved through working in various leadership roles and continue to be passionate about  leading people regardless of my title or role. In the summer of 2016 my personal life took me to Unity, Saskatchewan.  I felt so lucky to get a job at Unity Credit Union as the Risk and Compliance Officer and continue to work in the credit union system. This is one of the things that truly sets credit unions apart from the banks; No matter what credit union you bank or work at they all have the same fundamental values and care about their communities.

Why serve: Throughout my 10 years in the credit union system I have been fortunate to attend many SYL events.  In those events I have had the chance to work on personal development and connect with so many people within the system.   I have been able to see firsthand the importance of engagement of young leaders and how the system can really help them grow and develop into the leaders of the future. Being a part of the committee for SYL is a huge privilege and I look forward to being able to contribute to the continued development of young leaders.

Fun facts: I absolutely love being outdoors! My boyfriend and I live on an acreage and spend most of our time fishing, hunting, quadding or sledding.  We never seem to be home as we are always out searching for the next adventure and enjoying life.

Years in system: 4.5

Work: https://www.synergycu.ca/AboutUs/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sayer_tamara
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-sayer-37549884/

Why Credit Unions: When you work with an employer or do business with an organization that is fundamentally built on values and not profit margins, it is difficult to imagine any other way. I am very proud and honored to represent a credit union and a system that chooses to stay in the communities that built them, puts people and relationships first and consequently, sets the gold standard for member experience.

Why Serve: Synergy Credit Union is lucky enough to employ a few SYL and NYL alumni, as well as offer its own Emerging Leaders Committee. It was through those conversations and experiences that I became attracted to joining SYL. By being a part of SYL, we have the opportunity to build connections with others in the credit union system, with the end goal of working collaboratively to strengthen it. It is in those experiences that we develop personally and professionally, and that is invaluable.

Fun Facts: I was raised in Regina and now reside in Lloydminster, where I can be in two provinces at once and the time change ensures I never really know what time it is. I have chaired my Synergy’s financial literacy program for two years now; life has taught me the importance of it and I advocate strongly for financial literacy at every opportunity. If it’s not SYL or that, I keep life busy with travelling, volunteerism, sports, and attending live music or fun things around town. I’m an absolute nerd for all things technology and people, so needless to say my future in the Credit Union System is going to be an exciting one.

Years in system: 12

Why Credit Unions: I have had the great experience of working for 2 different credit unions in 2 different provinces, both in the big city and the small town.  When my family had the opportunity to move to Saskatchewan in 2012, I instantly looked to stay with the credit union system.  The grass roots movement and service to our members, not profit driven shareholders, was what drew and kept me with the credit union. 

Why Serve: I serve on the SYL to expand my credit union system involvement, work with a fantastic team of other likeminded people from across the province, and to be able to provide awesome leadership development opportunities to other credit union employees.  I am looking forward to see what we can do!

Fun Facts: I was born in Dawson Creek, BC and moved a few times before landing in Flin Flon, Manitoba, where I spent most of my elementary, junior high and high school years.  We lived out at the lake (aka ‘bush’) and as I got older spent most of my days in the band room.  I went on to study music at Brandon University, and graduated with a Performance degree (no, not education).  I’m a trombone player!  Other jobs I had before I started at the Credit Union:  bartender, karaoke hostess/DJ, church choir member, front desk attendant, and a few other customer service jobs.  I currently spend most of my winters freezing my butt off at hockey practice, games and figure skating practice, summers poolside at lessons, speed swimming and in the backyard.