Chartway's Tyjai Richardson Serves as Mentor for GAC Crashers

The 2024 Crash the GAC delegation comprises talented credit union professionals from across the country who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the credit union industry. 3 participants this year hail from Virginia-based credit unions: Sabrina Guerin, MBA, CCUFC of Virginia Credit Union, plus Benjamin Soto & Tyjai Richardson, CCUFC, both of Chartway Credit Union. Tyjai returns this year as a Mentor for the new crashers. I recently got the chance to chat with him, here's what he had to say...

· Why are you serving as a mentor this year?

1. Crashing the 2023 GAC quite literally changed my life and the trajectory of my credit union career. When asked to come back as a Crash Mentor in 2024, without hesitation I said yes. My daily responsibilities are to manage Chartway’s Voice of the Member Program and monitor our organization’s NPS via surveys and member feedback. At the GAC, you are that voice for your members. You become their advocate to ensure their stories, life experiences, and financial difficulties are shared with the key stakeholders and decision-makers in our Nation’s capital. My job this year is to now ensure that our Crashers take every opportunity to be that advocate, share their member’s voices, and connect with industry leaders from across the world. The members and communities we serve will always be my why. However, this year, the Crashers are my why, and I am overwhelmed with excitement to be one of their mentors during this life-changing experience.

· What are your key takeaways from the program personally and professionally?

1. The importance of advocacy.
2. The importance of belonging.
3. The importance of mentorship and building strong relationships.

· What are your top 3 tips for getting the most out of GAC?

1. Come with an open mind.
2. It will be an overwhelming schedule of events. Please allow yourself the proper time to take it all in and leverage your Mentors for assistance with scheduling!
3. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate!

· Are there any other fun facts you’d like to share about your experience?

1. It snowed on our first day and it was awesome seeing some Crashers from the West Coast, who have never seen snow before, experience it for the first time!
2. I got to see United States Representative Maxine Waters and Karamo Brown at the National Museum of African American History & Culture!

The Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) runs March 3rd-7th. Many of the League staff will also be in attendance. Good luck to all of our Crashers!

2024 VA-Based CU Crashers