Luminate Honors Exceptional Achievements at Inaugural Luminate Awards Ceremony

Luminate proudly celebrated outstanding accomplishments within the Louisiana credit union community at its first-ever Luminate Awards Ceremony held July 25 during the Luminate Conference in New Orleans. The event recognized individuals and credit unions for their exceptional contributions to the credit union sector, underscoring their dedication and innovation.

Award Highlights

Excellence in Marketing Awards recognized outstanding marketing efforts across four categories:

• Annual Report: UNO FCU ($0-$50 million in assets), BRECO FCU ($50-$150 million in assets), and Pelican State CU ($150+ million in assets)
• Community Outreach: University of Louisiana FCU ($0-$50 million in assets), First Pioneers FCU ($50-$150 million in assets), and Southwest Louisiana CU ($150+ million in assets)
• Integrated Campaign: University of Louisiana FCU ($0-$50 million in assets), Ascension CU ($50-$150 million in assets), and OnPath FCU ($150+ million in assets)
• Social Media: Post Office Employees CU ($0-$50 million in assets), First Pioneers FCU ($50-$150 million in assets), and La Capitol FCU ($150+ million in assets)

Emerging Leader Award went to Kara Hornosky of Instep FCU. As Marketing Officer at Instep FCU and Vice President of the East Orleans Chapter, Hornosky has led a significant rebrand, managed major conversion projects, and improved internal processes. Hornosky was selected from three finalists, and as the overall winner she will receive a full scholarship to America's Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference.

Path to Progress Award was presented to Lee Melancon of Ascension CU. Melancon, founder and Executive Director of the Microbusiness Enterprise Corporation of Ascension (MBECA), has been a champion for DEI initiatives since 2003, offering crucial support to underserved communities through various empowerment programs.

Milestone anniversaries were celebrated for the following credit unions:

• 50 years: Ascension CU and PHI FCU
• 75 years: Baton Rouge City Parish Employees FCU, First Pioneers FCU, Shreveport Police FCU, and Valex FCU
• 100 years: Post Office Employees CU

The ceremony concluded with the induction of eleven distinguished individuals into the Luminate Hall of Fame, a prestigious program co-sponsored by Luminate and the Luminate Foundation. The 2024 inductees are:

• Peggy Aime, Ascension CU
• LeRoy Bourque, Ascension CU
• Bonita "Bonnie" Brown, La Capitol FCU
• Mary Ginn, La Capitol FCU
• Rhonda Hotard, Louisiana FCU
• Patricia "Pat" Landry, La Capitol FCU
• Louis "Bo" Leporati, Monroe Telco FCU
• Laura Melancon, Southwest Louisiana CU
• Joel Meredith, Ascension CU
• John Oubre, Ascension CU
• James "Jimmy" Thibodeaux, La Capitol FCU

The Luminate Conference provided a fitting backdrop for these honors, reflecting the organization’s renewed commitment to illuminating the path forward for credit unions across Louisiana. The event served as a platform for celebrating excellence, fostering collaboration, and envisioning a bright future for the credit union community.

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