The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues would like to congratulate Leagues President and CEO Diana Dykstra for her induction into the Herstory exhibit on Thursday morning in Manchester, N.H.!

Credit Union Women Making History — Herstory is a new interactive display that was officially launched at America’s Credit Union Museum, recognizing the amazing accomplishments and contributions that women leaders throughout history have made to the credit union movement. Thursday morning’s celebration was held in conjunction with the museum’s 20^th Anniversary Celebration.

“I walked into Golden 1 Credit Union in 1982 and had no idea what a credit union was. But I was bitten by the credit union philosophy right away,” Dykstra said during the recognition ceremony. “I have benefitted by being around all of you in this room over the years. I don’t know how I got here after over 40 years in the credit union industry — it feels like it’s only been 10! I am honored to be here today — thank you.”

In Dykstra’s more than 40 years within financial services, she has distinguished herself as a dynamic leader, a strong advocate, and a visionary in the credit union movement. She stepped into the honorable role of board chair for the World Council of Credit Unions this past July.

Furthermore, as a 2018 recipient of the National Credit Union Foundation’s Herb Wegner Memorial Award and several other recognitions, Dykstra’s extensive contributions continue to leave behind a legacy that has benefitted credit unions and the movement for many years to come.

In addition, the Leagues would also like to congratulate Lucy Ito (interim CEO of Orange County’s CU), Susan Mitchell (CEO of Mitchell Stankovic and Associates), and all of our industry’s leaders who were inducted into the Herstory exhibit during Thursday morning’s launch event!

“We’re presenting these powerful women with a plaque, which is just a small token of thanks for all they have accomplished,” said America’s Credit Union Museum Executive Director Stephanie Smith toward the end of the ceremony. “So many of these women have impacted me and others throughout our careers. It’s an honor to be here, it inspires me, and I hope it inspires everyone out there to do more. Women in this space can make time to mentor, teach, and spend time with young professionals in credit unions — and say ‘yes’ to them.”

Honoring the past, present, and future of incredible women making their mark on the U.S. credit union industry, Herstory showcases inspiring stories that have never been seen or heard. In addition to a physical display at the museum, the exhibit will have an online presence sharing the legendary history of women trailblazers in credit unions through virtual visits.

Additionally, a unique opportunity to donate to the Herstory exhibit has been created by THRIVE! Founder and Author Anne Legg is donating all profits from September sales of her new paperback book — Big Data, Big Climb — to support maintenance and upkeep of the Herstory exhibit. This book has also been added to the museum’s Richard “Dick” L. Ensweiler Research Library, is a current textbook for Southwest CUNA Management School, and is perhaps the perfect corporate gift for a credit union leadership team, board of directors, or other colleagues.

Nominations for ‘Herstory’
Anyone working or volunteering in the credit union industry can nominate a female credit union leader from the past, the present, or someone whose work is currently contributing to the future of the movement. The museum is looking for:

• Women currently working in the credit union ecosystem.
• Women who have worked anytime in the credit union space (as a leader or in a capacity to drive change).
• Women whose work has had a significant impact on the credit union movement.
• Women who inspire, lift up, and motivate other women in the industry.
• Women who provide new opportunities for growth and development.
  
  

The deadline for nominations for 2022 has passed. However, credit union leaders, professionals, and volunteers are invited to submit nominations for the upcoming 2023 candidate selection happening next year.

Tweet