How the I-CUDE program transformed my personal and professional life
Discover how the I-CUDE program transforms lives and empowers leaders to grow, connect, and champion financial inclusion and education on a global level.
As we recognize International Credit Union Day—a time to celebrate the global impact of the credit union movement—I find myself reflecting on the transformative journey I’ve had through the International Credit Union Development Educator (I-CUDE) program, offered through the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU).
From my early days working in academia to my time in public service and non-profit healthcare, I’ve always been drawn to work that’s about something bigger than myself. But it wasn’t until I entered the world of credit unions that I truly found my calling, and the I-CUDE program has been the catalyst for profound personal and professional growth.
The I-CUDE program, an extension of the Credit Union Development Education (DE) program, has been transformative in ways I never imagined. It’s not just about understanding credit unions; it’s about experiencing firsthand the power of the “people helping people” philosophy, which drives our movement globally and sits at the heart of International Credit Union Day. This experience has honed my skills as a collaborative, service-focused leader, teaching me the value of patience, perspective-taking, and adaptability in diverse cultural contexts.
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