Photoshoot Locale: Remai Modern, Saskatoon

2021 SYL Role: Vice-Chair

Years in system: 14

Why Credit Unions: I started as an MSR as a temporary plan while I was trying to find work after obtaining my degree in Sociology at the U of S. A career in the financial industry was never in my long term plan. However, I quickly fell in love with how CU’s put our member’s first and are invested in supporting our local communities. Working alongside co-workers who were so passionate about making a difference inspired me to switch career paths. It also provided me with my first experience with a mentor who took the time to listen to me and help me grow from a MSR to a Certified Financial Planner in the Wealth Department. The Credit Union really invested in me and my career. When it came time to leave that CU to continue my growth as a leader I was grateful that I could stay in the CU system. I love that even though we work at different CU’s we are all a family. Knowing I work for a place that truly lives the values of Openness, Honesty, Committed and Inclusive is something I am deeply proud of.

Why Serve: I have volunteered with a number of organizations and each one has taught me something that I continue to use every day. As I stated above I know the benefit of having mentorship and development opportunities to learn and advance in my career. Therefore growing our future CU leaders is really important to me. I have enjoyed attending SYL events in the past and found them incredibly valuable in my leadership journey, as well as really fun! I also know the benefit of meeting new people, collaborating on projects and sharing ideas and how that helps us grow personally and professionally. I am excited to be part of the team that will continue to inspire our CU emerging leaders.

Fun Facts: I love acting and won a ‘Performing Arts Award’ in high school. I know a ridiculous amount of useless trivia so you definitely want me on your trivia team. I enjoy spending as much time as possible in the summer camping with my family and friends. I have a slight book/reading addiction, I read 86 books last year in a reading challenge. Lastly…I have a mad crush on Bruce Willis. #diehardisachristmasmovie

Photoshoot Locale: Unity, SK

2021 SYL Role: Secretary

Years in system: 9.5

Why credit unions: It all started with a FatCat account many years ago and truthfully it’s all I’ve ever known and wouldn’t want it any other way. Not only am I bias that credit unions are the best, but they also align with my core values. Credit Unions care about their communities and so do I – such an amazing opportunity to not only be a member but to also represent one as well.

Why serve: This allows me to be more involved with the credit union system and also the amazing opportunity to work with likeminded people from across the province. There is such an incredible community that SYL has and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.

Fun facts: I am deathly afraid of birds! It is a legit phobia of mine…. I can’t help but duck and close my eyes whenever they come around (I may also unintentionally scream and spill my coffee if they get too close). I live for the lake and you can pretty much find me there any weekend or holiday time I can squeeze into a calendar year. Some of my favorite childhood memories are from being at the lake, and I hope I can continue to do the same for my children.

Photoshoot Locale: Iceville @ Mosaic Stadium, Regina, SK

2021 SYL Role: Social Media Director

Years in system: 5

Why credit unions: Prior to working within the system I didn’t even know that credit unions were individual companies in Saskatchewan. Now that I have gotten to know the system better, I realize the importance of credit unions in both the larger cities and smaller towns. The credit union system has many stories about going the extra mile for its membership, as well as treating members as people instead of just another account, and being able to be part of those stories is amazing.

In my current position, I see the passion people have when working within the credit union system, and how much members love being apart of their credit unions. The employees know their membership inside and go above and beyond what is expected. Additionally, the credit union system has a 100% deposit guarantee from its regulator (Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corp.). This guarantee is closely and constantly monitored to ensure the health of the system and to protect the deposits of all members.

Why serve: I attended my first SYL event in 2017 (the retreat) and had my eyes opened to the SYL community. The seminars that were put on, the people on the committee, and the other attendees were all amazing. The knowledge that the young leaders in the credit union system possess is nothing short of incredible. I learned so much in such a short period of time, and had the opportunity to meet so many great people. I hope that my time on the committee will allow me to give back to the SYL community and to both pass on the knowledge that I have learned to other young leaders in our system, as well as continue to learn from those around me.

Fun facts: I was born and raised in the city that rhymes with fun. I only left for 2 years to complete my degree in Ontario (UWO baby!). In the winter I play hockey, and in the summer I continue to play baseball, as well as coach younger teams, and enjoy golfing whenever I can. Camping is one thing I really like to do and I always try to get out a few times throughout the summer with my dog (Bruce Wayne).

Photoshoot Locale: RM of Keys #303

2021 SYL Role: Creative Director

Years in system: 7

Why credit unions: If I’m being honest, it wasn’t in my original plans. I attended University of Saskatchewan and completed a degree in something completely unrelated to working at a credit union. This field was starting to wane in interest for a career for me near the end of my program, so ended up graduating with a huge question mark as to what I would do. I had happened to work at a credit union as a student term MSR during a summer break and found that I really liked what I was doing, so I ended up finding my place back there as a “temporary thing”. The deeper I got into the CU system in time and positions, the more I realized that I had ended up in the right place after all. The values of honesty, compassion, integrity, relationship building and community spirit are all things that are my values as well. I’m proud to be part of a system that makes such an impact on its members and its communities. I have also banked (the dirty word) with a CU my whole life, starting with my youth account at age 13. I may be biased, but it is the BEST place to do your financial services……just saying!

Why serve: I have received so much from SYL over the years. I am one of 3 people who have been fortunate enough to attend all 4 annual SYL retreats that have been put together. The things I have learned and taken away from these initiatives have not only impacted my work life, but also my life outside of work. I have also made valuable connections with other members of my demographic that have lasted through time (the Snapchat groups are LIT, as us Millennials would say). It’s my time to take what I have and put it to use to help uplift others who will benefit. Also, serving out a full term on the committee will extend my Retreat attendance record to 7 appearances. Guinness Book of Records is SHOOK.

Fun facts: My aforementioned degree was in Regional and Urban Planning through U of S, which gave me a lot of what we call in the biz “transferrable skills”. At the 2019 SYL Retreat, I was labelled as “one of those millennials who just lives to travel” by a presenter after raising my hand that I agree with that statement. I’ve currently visited 5 provinces, 11 US states, and 6 foreign countries (list subject to change at any moment but NOT during this pandemic *eyes roll upwards to the stratosphere*). My fitness hobbies include jumping to conclusions and stirring up trouble, but more so rotting into couches and other furniture. I was invited back to be keynote speaker at my high school’s graduation at the ripe old wise age of 20. My ideal romance is none, with me and my other single friends retiring to a condo, ala Golden Girls, and agreeing to pull each other’s plug when the time comes to it.

Photoshoot Locale: Vibank, SK

2021 SYL Role: Member-At-Large

Years in system: 13.5

Why credit unions: I grew up in small towns, and Credit Unions were always a big part of our community. I remember opening my first account in Odessa as a young child and thinking how cool it was to have a “bank” in my own town. Interestingly enough, the staff member who opened my first account at the Credit Union became my peer and mentor when I started my career later on. As I learned about the Credit Union System through my adolescence and into my adult years, I knew that it was the type of company I wanted to work for. Just after high school, an opportunity opened up at Plainsview Credit Union in Vibank, and from there I progressed through various roles and eventually to Conexus where I am currently the Team Leader for our Help Desk. These are the only 2 Credit Union’s I have ever worked for. Both were not only heavily involved and invested in community development, but also invested in me. Credit Union’s align deeply to my own values, and I know we have the best interest of our members at heart. We aren’t here for us – we are here for you.

Why serve: I have been very fortunate to attend various SYL learning events over the years. It has been my aspiration to become a leader, but also to mentor those who have a desire to grow within the Credit Union System. I want to help others harness their passion for leadership and growth and help them create connections. I know first-hand the motivation SYL can bring to the table and the opportunity to be a part of that is exhilarating.

Fun facts: I was raised in the communities of Odessa and Vibank, and have chosen to make Vibank my home. I am also the Mayor of my community! I have been serving in this role since the election in October 2016, and was fortunate to serve as a councilor prior to that from October 2012- October 2016. I am grateful for the faith my community has put in me! I am also a die-hard fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and love to watch curling!

Photoshoot Locale: Saskatchewan Legislature, Regina

2021 SYL Role: Member-At-Large

Years in system: 11

Why credit unions: I am an esthetician by trade. My sister, who was in the CU system, advised there was a Financial Services Representative role up for grabs within Conexus Credit Union.  I thought “Great, a part time job until I can build up my clientele.”  Within the first week, I realized that this was a fantastic opportunity. My esthetics was more of a job, whereas working for a Credit Union would provide a long term career, stability and growth for myself.  The Credit Union values align very closely with my own personal values. Helping your peers and community thrive is so important.  Eleven years later, all of this still holds true.  My career path has always been about helping people.  Throughout all of the roles I have held, I have made fantastic connections with many people across the province.  It excites me to see our members, my peers, communities and province flourish!

Why serve: I was very lucky to attend a few Saskatchewan Young Leaders events in the past.  Attending the retreat in 2018 really opened my eyes to the growth opportunities that SYL is providing to the CU system for young leaders.  Not only was it a ridiculous amount of fun but I made some amazing friendships and grew personally.  I realize that the younger generation within the CU system are our future leaders and any chance I can have to be a part of their development is a bonus. I’m all about people, supporting them in their journey and seeing them grow.  I also believe you can be a leader from any chair and peers helping/coaching peers is so important.  I truly believe this is what the SYL Committee is all about and I am so excited to be a part of that.

Fun facts: Born and raised in Vanguard, yep it’s so small if you blink you’ll miss it!  I am the youngest of four girls (yep my dad is bald) and have always been raised on hard work, honesty, equality and helping where I can.  To this day, those values have shaped who I have become and the decisions I have made along the way.  I was very involved in 4-H for nine years and the co-operative world has influenced me in so many ways.

I’m kind of a little bit tall, love having a good time with fantastic people and I’m known to occasionally bust a move when I hear a good song.