EMERGE: Celebrating Professional Growth and Innovation

June 26-27, the Virginia Credit Union League was thrilled to host the annual EMERGE Conference, an event meticulously crafted to support and enrich credit union professionals who are ready to take the next step into leadership roles or improve their skills within their organization. The conference proved to be an invaluable resource for attendees, providing a wealth of knowledge, networking opportunities, and professional development tailored specifically to those growing in our industry.

Key Highlights from the Conference:

The conference kicked off with a compelling keynote by Hoan Do, a city finalist in NBC’s ‘American Ninja Warrior’ and a renowned motivational speaker. He shared heartfelt stories about how his parents inspired him, his strategies for maintaining positivity, and overcoming self-doubt. Hoan also opened up about his struggles with depression, redefining success, and the importance of self-care, deeply resonating with the audience.

Throughout the two-day event, attendees engaged in a series of enriching sessions designed to equip them with the tools necessary for success in the credit union sector.

 Highlights included:

"Advocacy in Action”

with VACUL’s Advocacy Team, where attendees learned the significance of advocacy and its direct impact on credit union operations.

"The Art of Networking”

by Katie Knight from Apple FCU, offered actionable steps for mastering networking to advance career and organizational goals.

"Using Data to Better Understand Your Members”

by Nikole John from TruStage, emphasized the critical role of data in developing strategies that cater to member needs and enhance digital engagement.

"Communicating with Clarity, Diplomacy, and Tact”

by Eric Kelly from Brightpoint Community College, aimed at improving communication skills in professional settings.

"Interview and Negotiation Techniques”

by Donna Anderson, also from Brightpoint Community College, which provided insights into effective interviewing and negotiation, crucial for personal career advancement.

"Improving Coaching Skills using the GROW Model”

presented by the VCU Department of Organizational Effectiveness, which provided new leaders with an effective framework for enhancing leadership through coaching.

The conference concluded with a wrap-up session that celebrated the connections made and the insights gained. 

Here are just a few testimonials from attendees:

Danielle Crouch from Northwest Federal Credit Union shared, “EMERGE is fun, engaging, and eye-opening. I enjoyed most learning how to get out of my comfort zone and meeting people I would never have met otherwise. My biggest takeaway was that it’s OK to get out of my comfort zone.”

Leticia Martin from BayPort Credit Union described the conference as “Fun, exciting, and filled with lots of learning.” She particularly enjoyed the scavenger hunt from the key note session and emphasized to those interested in attending, “Just do it. Don’t wait. Take the chance. You meet so many new people and learn so many new things, it’s amazing.”

Ali Brown from Chartway Credit Union found the EMERGE Conference to be “Enlightening, encouraging, and informative.” She valued the networking opportunities, stating, “It was very engaging and helped me gain new foundations throughout the industry. My biggest takeaway is to give yourself some time to recharge, which is essential to be available to help others.”

The EMERGE Conference continues to be a cornerstone of our commitment at the League to support the growth and development of credit unions and credit union professionals. We look forward to seeing how our attendees will implement these new skills and perspectives to foster growth and innovation within their respective organizations.

Thank you once again to all the speakers, participants, and organizers who made this year’s EMERGE Conference a resounding success! We are already looking forward to next year’s event and the continued success of all our new credit union professionals.