Liz Philippe, United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU) Senior Manager, CSR and Media Relations, joined us on the show to discuss the 6th Annual United in Sustainability Summit event, taking place this Thursday, November 30, 2023, starting at 8:00 a.m. (EST) -- co-hosted by UNFCU and OAS Federal Credit Union.

Liz talked about how the in-person and virtual event looks to achieve operational efficiencies and growth, while making a positive difference in society. It is a platform for credit unions and industry thought leaders to share information, tools and resources related to sustainability, diversity and corporate social responsibility.

According to Liz, the event's big goal to create a forum and dialog where credit unions can brainstorm on innovative ways to build resiliency through sustainable actions -- a place that credit union know all too well.

Liz underlined the growth of CSR at UNFCU led by Yma Gordon, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility & Impact at UNFCU, and Executive Director of UNFCU Foundation. “By providing a platform for financial cooperatives to start or advance their sustainability journeys, UNFCU is growing a movement. The roadmap includes more green financial products, advanced reporting on carbon footprints, and influencing our supply chains.”​

Big shout out to Inclusiv for their role in this event, as well.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details. Don't forget to register!

Black Dragon Capital Founder, CEO and Managing Partner Louis Hernandez, Jr. and Chair, Black Dragon Capital℠ Fintech CUSO Fund Benson Porter (and Board Member of its For A Bright Future Foundation’s Fintech Innovation Lab Committee) joined us on the show to share the multiple benefits of their “For A Bright Future Foundation.”

For A Bright Future Foundation (FABF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the needs of underrepresented and underprivileged children through education, healthcare, the arts, and youth leadership development. The Foundation's initiatives provide equal opportunity for all children to have the tools and opportunities to fulfill their life goals and become constructive members of our global community.

In particular, Louis and Benson discussed all the opportunities FABF's Fintech Innovation Lab provides for the younger generations, as well as the other programs:

• Leadership Development
• Scholarships
• Media Lab

They both talked about why FABF was created and how they see it benefiting credit unions and the industry — as well as other recipients, especially younger generations.

Lastly, Louis and Benson shared some of the goals they want to accomplish with For a Bright Future Foundation, as well as how credit unions can get involved with this foundation.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details.

Numerated’s President David O’Malley and Vantage West Credit Union’s Chief Member Experience Officer Mark Papoccia joined us on the show to discuss how Vantage West is working with Numerated to transform their lending process for member businesses -- with some impressive initial results to boot.

David started the conversation with a quick overview of Numerated and Mark talked about what was going on at Vantage West that prompted them to look for a technology like Numerated.

Mark then provided some results-type information: 33% more loan apps this year than last year, reducing start of an app to funding by 45%.

David discussed what he attributes these numbers to, sharing the idea behind the 3-minute coffee break loan process. 

Lastly, Mark described the big goal for Vantage West leveraging Numerated's technology for members.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details.

Gemineye ​Branding and Design Strategist Alicia Disantis and COO Matt Jefferson joined us on the show to share the big news about The Knowlton Group rebranding to Gemineye. Alicia discusses the why behind the rebrand, as well as what makes them different.

The second half of the interview, Matt talked about what analytics trends is he seeing in the credit union industry for 2024. He included some of the biggest challenges he sees credit unions facing this year, heading into 2024.

Lastly, Matt listed his top three tips for credit unions looking to adopt a data-driven culture for the first time -- or should they switch data providers altogether.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details.

Zachary Churchill, Vice President of Direct Lending at Achieva Credit Union, joined us in the Studio Lounge to give us a credit union's perspective of CUNA Lending Council Conference's highlights, insights, and activities. Zach also followed up on how his life and career have blossomed since winning the 2022 CUES Emerge program last year.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch all our Studio Lounge discussions from the CUNA Lending Council Conference on our interview archive page.

Check out our sponsors who supported our Studio Lounge coverage:
TruStage | LendKey | Coviance | Clutch