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: River Landing, Saskatoon

2021 SYL Role: Communications Lead

Years in system: 15

Why Credit Unions: I have always been a believer in supporting your local community. It was not until I started working in the Credit Union system that my eyes were opened as to how involved a credit union was in helping and supporting their community. It really is true that a Credit Union’s focus is on helping their membership and the community in which they live in. I enjoy working for a local employer with values that align with my own and that is invested in me. It is wonderful to work with people and for a system that you can be proud of.

Why Serve: I was focused over the past several years on my own personal development. I had come to realize I wanted to help make a difference and encourage the growth of those around me. By being a part of SK Young Leaders, the opportunity is there to reach out to a group of likeminded individuals. Together, we will provide information and opportunities to facilitate the growth of the community both personally and professionally. I am very grateful to be a part of SYL and excited to encourage others to include themselves in our initiatives.

Fun Facts: I have learnt to “never say never”. Having 3 children means you better not care what other peoples opinions are of you and how you get through your day to day life. I enjoy running (not winning any medals here) it’s mostly just to get away from it all. I am looking forward to many travel opportunities in the future – Peru is the next big one on my list!

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: 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.