Reignited Purpose: Emerging Leaders at the 3rd Annual Young Professionals Summit

Last week, alongside representatives from four Connecticut credit unions, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the third annual Young Professionals Summit at Bentley University. This dynamic two-day event was thoughtfully designed for emerging leaders in the credit union industry, offering meaningful opportunities for growth, connection, and learning. 

The summit provided invaluable networking with industry leaders and peers, giving us deep insights into current trends and best practices. The interactive workshops focused on strengthening core workplace skills, improving team communication, and tackling real-world challenges we face in our roles as professionals. 

One of the most inspiring moments came during the all-female CEO panel, where we heard from strong, experienced leaders who spoke candidly about their career journeys, the importance of authenticity, and the evolving role of women in the industry. A key takeaway from that conversation: 

"In a credit union, you wear many hats—and with every new challenge, you grow. Leadership isn’t about a title; it’s about showing up, staying curious, and always learning." 

Their stories reminded us that leadership can look different for everyone, and that making an impact often starts by simply leaning into opportunities, lifting others up, and staying committed to our “people helping people” philosophy. 

With a diverse range of topics and engaging sessions, the experience delivered powerful takeaways for our professional development. From honing communication strategies to embracing adaptability, each session added valuable tools to our leadership toolkit. More than just learning, the summit reignited our sense of purpose and reinforced the importance of community in the credit union movement. 

Overall, the summit was an enriching experience that fostered strong connections, sparked new ideas, and empowered us to grow as professionals and as contributors to our credit unions and communities. I’m leaving this experience energized, inspired, and more committed than ever to the cooperative mission we all serve. 

Thank you
 

Katherine D’Orvilliers 
Director of Marketing and Member Outreach