MADISON, Wis.— CUES and TruStage® today announced the 25 credit union professionals selected for the inaugural CUES x TruStage Leadership Pathways cohort, a year-long leadership development experience designed to expand access to advanced executive preparation across the credit union movement.
Leadership Pathways brings together management education, executive coaching, and cohort-based connections to support rising leaders as they prepare for broader responsibility and long-term impact within the industry.
The 2026 cohort includes:
- Crystal Acevedo, I AM Federal Credit Union
- Taryn Allbrooks, Concord Federal Credit Union
- Priscilla Awkard, Coastal Credit Union
- Christopher Bowles, Young Community Federal Credit Union
- Kenia Calderon Ceron, Seattle Credit Union
- Sylvia Clark, New Covenant Dominion Federal Credit Union
- Cesar Cortez, First Alliance Credit Union
- Amanda Denney, Elements Financial Credit Union
- Alberto Diosdado, Universal City Studios Credit Union
- Ana Duarte, A+ Federal Credit Union
- Katherine Flory, Questa Credit Union
- Lars Gilberts, Numerica Credit Union
- Alisa Holman, Sun Community Federal Credit Union
- Terry Inskip, OAS Federal Credit Union
- Vashyon Jackson, RBFCU
- Sam Jensen, Peak Credit Union
- Jessica Martinez, Credit Union West
- Mary Navarrete, Point West Credit Union
- Erika Ordaz, Rivermark Community Credit Union
- Stephanie Peoples, One Detroit Credit Union
- Esperanza Poblano, AACUC
- Tyler Richards, Edwards Federal Credit Union
- Grace Thompson, Civic Federal Credit Union
- Grant Weiland, Border Federal Credit Union
- Cassandra White Hemphill, Church of The Master Federal Credit Union
Partner organizations Inclusiv, the National Association of Latino Credit Unions & Professionals (NLCUP), the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC), and CU Pride played an important role in identifying and nominating candidates for the inaugural cohort. Their collaboration helped ensure a strong selection of applicants representing a range of roles, regions, perspectives, and credit union experiences.
Leadership Pathways reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the leadership pipeline across the credit union system. The program is intended to create greater access to high-impact leadership development through CUES Advanced Management Program with Cornell University, for emerging leaders who demonstrate strong potential, a commitment to growth, and a desire to help advance the movement.
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About CUES
For over 60 years, CUES has advanced the credit union movement by developing exceptional purpose-driven leaders who meet the unique needs of their organizations and the communities they serve. CUES partners with the credit union system to elevate the leaders of today and tomorrow through exclusive networking and event opportunities, programs that facilitate personal and professional development, and unmatched digital and in-person learning experiences. Visit CUES.org to learn how CUES plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of credit unions.
About TruStage®
TruStage® is a financially strong insurance and financial services provider, built on the philosophy of people helping people, meeting the needs of middle-market consumers and the businesses that serve them since day one. We believe a brighter financial future should be accessible to everyone, and our products and solutions help people confidently make financial decisions that work for them at every stage of life. With a culture rooted and focused on creating a more equitable society and financial system, we are deeply committed to giving back to our communities and improving the lives of those we serve today, and tomorrow. For more information, visit www.trustage.com.
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