Tuesday morning at REACH 2025 saw a mission-driven panel discussion, “Belonging Builds Power,” that shifted the focus from digital strategy to human capital. Panelists represented different groups in the credit union system, delivering a clear message. To remain competitive and true to their mission, credit unions must intentionally cultivate diverse networks that empower a broad range of leaders.
(View and download event photos from the REACH 2025 Photo Galleries)
The session featured industry advocates Barbara Mojica of the National Association of Latino Credit Unions and Professionals (NLCUP), Jason Mertz-Prickett of Upward Credit Union representing CU Pride, Anthony Young of Credit Union of Southern California and the African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC), and Corlinda Wooden, representing Credit Union Women’s Leadership Alliance (CUWLA).
The panel served as a unique discussion forum for attendees, highlighting the role specialized networks play in professional development, mentorship, and driving industrywide cultural change. A central theme was the idea that a sense of belonging is not a soft benefit, but a strategic imperative.
Anthony Young, senior vice president of retail operations for Credit Union of Southern California and president of the West Coast Chapter of AACUC, emphasized that these networks translate directly into business success. The fundamental mission is to improve lives — and when credit unions create space for diverse employees to feel supported and seen, those employees bring their best selves to work.
This commitment to belonging is what strengthens the member experience and deepens the credit union difference in the community. Young drew on his 28 years in financial services to illustrate how empowerment at the employee level directly impacts retention and service quality.
Corlinda Wooden, an advocate for inclusion, focused on the need for targeted support to cultivate the next generation of leadership, particularly for women and professionals at smaller institutions. As the director of strategy and engagement for CUWLA, Wooden highlighted the disproportionate challenges facing smaller credit unions. She stressed that collaboration and professional development through groups like CUWLA are the key to survival and long-term sustainability.
CUWLA is dedicated to empowering women CEOs and leaders, advancing the entire movement by providing the coaching, mentorship, and collective strategy that small credit unions need to thrive. The guiding principle for CUWLA’s work is to “work hard, play hard, and rest hard,” with the professional focus being on working smarter through strong networks.
NLCUP Executive Director Barbara Mojica detailed the work in creating leadership pathways for Latino professionals, an increasingly important segment of the U.S. consumer base. Similarly, the work done by Upward Credit Union CEO Jason Mertz-Prickett through his support and participation in CU Pride demonstrated the need to look beyond traditional recruitment channels to make sure the industry’s workforce reflects credit union members.
All panelists pointed to their organizations — NLCUP, CU Pride, AACUC, and CUWLA — as bridges connecting talent with opportunity.
The discussion concluded with a call to action for credit union leaders: get involved. By investing in these affinity networks, credit unions can not only elevate diverse voices but also guarantee that the people-helping-people philosophy remains relevant. The message was a reminder to REACH attendees that while technology and compliance are important, the movement’s greatest power still lies in its people.
Attendees and League staff will be sharing photos, comments, and memories through LinkedIn at #CUatREACH.
REACH is one of the credit union industry’s premier annual events, attracting leaders and system partners from across California, Nevada, and the United States. It is held from October 27-30 at JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, CA this year.
