We (YCUP) are better credit union leaders today because Latino and Latina leaders have shaped our careers, challenged our thinking, supported our growth, and inspired us to lead with greater purpose.
That is not an abstract statement. It is a lived truth.
For nearly 15 years, Pablo DeFilippi, EVP at Inclusiv, has been a mentor and guide in our community development journey. Under his leadership, the roots of community development within the credit union movement have grown deeper and stronger, reaching farther and serving more communities than many of us imagined possible.
Suzy Fonseca, Regional President at Self-Help Federal Credit Union, helped us see challenges through a different lens, one grounded in courage, conviction, and clarity of purpose. Her leadership reinforced the importance of standing firmly for the mission while navigating complex systems, and it inspired us to pursue our work with greater intention and passion.
Richard Romero, CEO of Seattle Credit Union, taught us that diversity of thought and leadership are not only mission-critical, but margin-critical. His example made it unmistakably clear that inclusive leadership strengthens decision-making, resilience, and long-term sustainability, especially in times of change.
Robin Romano, CEO of MariSol Federal Credit Union, is an early pioneer of credit union outreach and a fierce, unwavering advocate for underserved communities. Her leadership and voice inspired other leaders and us to move beyond intention to action, meeting people where they are and designing services that truly reflect their needs.
Lily Newfarmer, CEO of Tarrant County Credit Union, provided a master class in perseverance, discipline, and strategic execution. Her leadership demonstrated how clear goals, operational rigor, and an unwavering commitment to opening doors can translate into tangible outcomes for members and staff alike. Lily’s example reinforced that leadership is not just about vision, but about the daily work required to turn opportunity into access.
For nearly 15 years, we’ve also had the privilege of working alongside Ale Seluja, founder of CU Consulting & Translations, LLC. Ale expanded our thinking beyond borders, reminding us how much we share as a movement, and how much stronger we are when we collaborate across cultures, languages, and communities.
And there are so many others—community development warriors who make miracles happen every day. Leaders like Vanessa Kudak (Members CU), Victor Corro (Coopera), Mary Navarrete (Point West CU), Glamis Haro (Princeton CU), Rosa Franco (Inclusiv), Tanya Romero (Guadalupe CU), Oscar Porris (Humanidei), and so many more. These professionals don’t just serve communities; they build systems, open doors, and advance the credit union’s mission in ways that truly change lives.
These leaders didn’t just influence us personally. Their passion and diversity of thought helped us at Your Credit Union Partner, including Alison Carr, EVP, become better advisors—and better humans. More importantly, their leadership has strengthened the entire U.S. credit union system.
The Moment We’re In
The credit union movement is at an inflection point.
Demographics are shifting. Member expectations are evolving. Competition is intensifying. And a large portion of our leadership bench is approaching retirement. If credit unions are to remain relevant, trusted, and impactful for the next generation, we must intentionally develop leaders who reflect the communities we serve.
That requires greater diversity of thought, lived experience, and leadership perspective.
This is precisely why the National Latino Credit Union Professionals (NLCUP) is so essential right now.
NLCUP provides the infrastructure, community, and leadership development pipeline needed to recruit, develop, and retain Latino professionals within the credit union movement. It is where emerging leaders find confidence, networks, mentorship, and voice. We need more heroes, and NLCUP is where many of them are being developed.
Over the past five years, NLCUP has grown significantly, guided by a dedicated board of directors and the steady leadership of Barbara Mojica, Executive Director. Her passion and perseverance, and that of her team, have helped position NLCUP as a cornerstone organization for leadership development within our movement.
A Call to Action for Credit Union Leaders
If you have Latino team members you want to develop into future leaders—this is your moment.
The NLCUP Conference in February 2026 is an outstanding opportunity to invest in your people and your institution’s future. Participants gain leadership skills, peer connections, and practical insights they bring back energized and ready to apply.
Conference details and registration: https://app.glueup.com/event/nlcup-2026-conference-139226/
Succession planning is no longer optional. Developing your leadership bench is not a “nice to have.” NLCUP membership and participation are practical, mission-aligned ways to recruit, develop, and retain Latino talent, while strengthening the credit union system as a whole.
Our movement has always been about people helping people. To live that value fully in the years ahead, we must also be about leaders developing leaders.
NLCUP is where that work is happening.
