Development Education Graduates Reflect on Recent Training

One of the ways CUBFI—the League’s Foundation—invests in Connecticut’s Credit Unions is through the National Credit Union Foundation’s Development Education Program. Each year, we’re proud to offer three scholarships to credit union leaders to attend DE training, which is a deep dive into leveraging the credit union social mission to build financially sustainable communities.

Recently, Wendy Williams, Senior Division Director from America’s First Network CU, completed the September DE training while Patricio Munoz, consumer loan originator from Mutual Security Credit Union, attended the October training. On behalf of CUBFI, congratulations to Wendy and Patricio for completing their training and earning their DE designation.

Here’s their reflection on the training in Wisconsin:

In Wendy’s words:

Going through the training has deepened my understanding of the credit union difference and reminded me why our work matters and why we help our members. I truly have a greater appreciation for the cooperative principles and renewed sense of purpose. What resonated most with me was the financial well-being and the impact credit unions have on the communities we serve. The real-life case studies and team projects were a challenge because it showed me the disparities and significant gaps between different ethnic groups and income levels.

I’m bringing back ideas to strengthen financial wellness, and ways to build a more inclusive service within my organization. I’m also more motivated to mentor the team and ensure that they see how their daily interactions with our members, can contribute to better financial health.

Not only is DE for professional development and networking, but it is also personal growth and an eye opener for me. It provided me with the tools and the sincere passion to make a difference within our communities. EVERY credit union should invest and send their staff members, no matter what their roles are. They will benefit from the experience.

In Patricio’s words:

My trip to Wisconsin was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I arrived carrying a lot of doubt — questioning whether I should step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in a program I knew so little about. In the days leading up to the trip, uncertainty hung over me like a cloud. Why was I doing this? What if I didn’t belong here?

But I made a promise to myself to stay open, to be present, and to fully embrace whatever this journey had to offer. On the first morning, I looked around the room and saw my classmates — all eager and excited — while I sat there terrified. If only I could have seen what was waiting for me on the other side of that fear.

The Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) program is a five-day course, but it is far more than just a class. It takes you back to the heart of the credit union movement — the why. Why credit unions exist. Why we serve. Why we lead with people before profit. It reminds you that without our members, there is no credit union — and without community, there is no movement.

The week felt like being struck by lightning — powerful, energizing, illuminating. It was full of meaningful conversations, unforgettable testimonies from our mentors, and the beginning of friendships I truly hope will last a lifetime.

We were fortunate to learn from the “best teachers ever,” including Christopher Morris and our very own Dave Hinchey, who guided us with passion, humor, and relentless encouragement. On day one, we got to know one another and quickly realized how lucky we were to be surrounded by people who waited years for this opportunity and came ready to pour their hearts into the experience.

On the second day, we explored the importance of balance — the synergy between financial strength and member well-being. It was eye-opening to realize how often we get caught up in numbers and metrics, forgetting that our true mission is service. Sometimes what a member needs most isn’t a product or a loan — it’s compassion, presence, and someone willing to listen. We were reminded that in people’s hardest moments, we are meant to show up.

One of the highlights of the week was our visit to the Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens. These gardens provide fresh produce to food pantries throughout Greater Madison, all maintained by volunteers offering their time and care. We spent the morning clearing weeds and supporting their mission in a small but meaningful way. It was grounding — a reminder that service doesn’t always require a big stage. Often, it’s quiet, humble, and done hand-in-hand with others.

Becoming a Credit Union Development Educator reconnected me to why I do this work. It reminded me that our movement exists to change lives, restore dignity, create opportunity, and walk beside our members through their financial journey — not as institutions, but as partners.

This experience gave me clarity, community, and purpose. It reminded me that credit unions are not just financial institutions — we are agents of hope. And standing shoulder to shoulder with so many passionate people from across the country and around the world showed me that this mission is bigger than any one branch, city, or state. This is a global movement rooted in empathy, equity, and human connection.