MANCHESTER, N.H.– Twenty women from both the past and the present who helped or who continue to help make credit union “herstory” were honored at America’s Credit Union Museum here.
The inaugural class of inductees was recognized by the Museum with a new exhibit, “Credit Union Women Making History: Herstory.”
Many of the inductees were on hand for the event inside the building that housed America’s first credit union, while family members or representatives from their credit unions attended in person to accept the awards on behalf of those CU pioneer women who were recognized posthumously.
Credit union pioneer Louise Herring, for instance, was represented by her son, Bill Herring, who was a long-time CEO in credit unions.
The exhibit includes a wall dedicated to the 20 women and their stories, with space for additional honorees to be added in subsequent years (see photos, below). It also includes an interactive screen for more information.
Others on hand for the event included NCUA Vice Chairman Kyle Hauptman, whose senior advisor, Sarah Bang, was among those honored, and Dan Mica, who was president of CUNA at the time the Museum was founded 20 years ago.
Museum Executive Director Stephanie Smith said when discussions began two years ago about creating the Herstory exhibit the goal was to identify 12 women—four each from three different eras in credit union history—who could be inducted in the inaugural class of honorees.
But response to the request for nominations far exceeded expectations, and more than 130 women were nominated, Smith said. “We realized pretty quickly this could not be a one and done,” she said in opening remarks.
The Herstory recognition will now be an annual event.
Smith credited the sponsorship of the Cooperative CU Association, Illinois CU League, and PSCU for making the event and exhibit possible.
The Herstory exhibit.
Not So Well-Known, But…
“I am absolutely humbled and honored these busy women took time to be here so we could shine a light on them,” Smith said in opening remarks.
Smith noted that the name of attorney Joseph Bolvin, whose home and office were also the first home to what is now St. Mary’s Bank, America’s first credit union, is well known, but the name of his wife, Emma, is not as well recognized, but should be.
“What you may not know is that his wife was here every single day and she started the first credit union account for children,” said Smith. “From day one, women have had an important role in credit unions, and we are thrilled to share the stories of these 20 women.”
Portion of exhibit is interactive.
Many of those who were recognized were on hand to accept their awards and were able to offer some comments.
‘The Legacy’
Among the thoughts shared:
- Sue Mitchell, president/CEO, Mitchell Stankovic & Associates, Boulder City, Nev.: “I look at our grandchildren and I think about the legacy we are going to leave them. We have to ensure all future generations have financial access.”
- Maria Martinez, president/CEO, Border FCU, Del Rio, Texas. “I am an immigrant. This is the American dream; I saw my picture on that wall. I’m in a museum!”
- Carol Schillios, founder, Schillios Consulting, Edmonds, Wash.: “All of the women here today have three things in common. They are fearless about keeping purpose constant. They are all about possibilities. And they don’t self promote.”
The Inductees
The full ist of 2022 Inductees include:
- Sarah Bang, senior advisor, National Credit Union Administration
- Diana Dykstra, president/CEO, California and Nevada CU Leagues
- Roshara Holub, president (retired), Missouri CU Association, Naples, Fla.
- Gigi Hyland, executive director, National Credit Union Foundation, Washington, D.C.
- Lucy Ito, interim CEO, Orange County’s Credit Union, Santa Ana, Calif.
- Lois Kitsch, Founder, CU Difference, Kissimmee, Fla.
- Maria Martinez, president/CEO, Border FCU, Del Rio, Texas
- Harriet May, president/CEO (retired), GECU, El Paso Texas
- Susan Mitchell, president/CEO, Mitchell Stankovic & Associates, Boulder City, Nev.
- Lily Newfarmer, president/CEO, Tarrant County’s Credit Union, Ft. Worth, Texas
- Renee Sattiewhite, president/CEO, African American CU Coalition, Snellville, Ga.
- Carol Schillios, founder, Schillios Consulting, Edmonds, Wash.
- Denise Wymore, head of marketing, QCash Financial, Olympia, Wash.
Additional Inductees
Also recognized posthumously were Agnes Gartland, Elizabeth “Sis” Hamilton, Louise Herring, Dora Maxwell, Angela Melville, Rose Nevener, and Miriam Rivera Lieb.
Award winners or their representatives at America's CU Museum, below.
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