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2026 Annual Summit Crashers
April Ales, Crasher Facilitator and Mentor
Exciting Opportunity for Young Professionals: Become a 2026 DakCU Summit Crasher
Are you 35 or younger (give or take… we won’t card you*) and ready to elevate your career? The DakCU Summit is returning with its exclusive "Crasher" program, offering an incredible opportunity for young professionals from the Dakotas to grow, connect, and lead.
Thanks to the support of Millennium Corporate Credit Union, selected Crashers will receive free registration for the DakCU Summit. This unique experience is tailored to help you advance your career, featuring a specialized track led by an experienced credit union industry leader. While registration fees are covered, Crashers and their credit unions are responsible for hotel and travel expenses.
We are thrilled to welcome back this year’s Crasher Facilitator and Mentor, April Ales, Director of League Engagement with America’s Credit Unions. April is a seasoned credit union professional and collaborative leader with more than 21 years of experience. In her role, she works to align and advance organizational priorities with leagues and system partners nationwide. Previously, she served as an Engagement Consultant with CUNA and held leadership roles at Florida A&M University FCU and the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates.
April’s passion for financial empowerment is rooted in her personal experiences, fueling her commitment to supporting underprivileged communities. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Criminology from Florida State University and is a 2014 Credit Union Development Educator (DE) graduate.
Don’t miss this chance to build your professional network and gain valuable insights that will help shape your future. Apply today!
Applications are due by March 20, 2026, and the chosen participants will be announced in early April in the Memo.
*Geared toward professionals 35 and under, with flexibility for those who are newer to the industry.
*DakCU reserves the right to close applications early depending on the number of responses. *Applicant must not be a previous Summit Crasher for chance to be selected.
Are you 35 or younger (give or take… we won’t card you*) and ready to elevate your career? The DakCU Summit is returning with its exclusive "Crasher" program, offering an incredible opportunity for young professionals from the Dakotas to grow, connect, and lead.
Thanks to the support of Millennium Corporate Credit Union, selected Crashers will receive free registration for the DakCU Summit. This unique experience is tailored to help you advance your career, featuring a specialized track led by an experienced credit union industry leader. While registration fees are covered, Crashers and their credit unions are responsible for hotel and travel expenses.
We are thrilled to welcome back this year’s Crasher Facilitator and Mentor, April Ales, Director of League Engagement with America’s Credit Unions. April is a seasoned credit union professional and collaborative leader with more than 21 years of experience. In her role, she works to align and advance organizational priorities with leagues and system partners nationwide. Previously, she served as an Engagement Consultant with CUNA and held leadership roles at Florida A&M University FCU and the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates.
April’s passion for financial empowerment is rooted in her personal experiences, fueling her commitment to supporting underprivileged communities. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Criminology from Florida State University and is a 2014 Credit Union Development Educator (DE) graduate.
Don’t miss this chance to build your professional network and gain valuable insights that will help shape your future. Apply today!
Applications are due by March 20, 2026, and the chosen participants will be announced in early April in the Memo.
*Geared toward professionals 35 and under, with flexibility for those who are newer to the industry.
*DakCU reserves the right to close applications early depending on the number of responses. *Applicant must not be a previous Summit Crasher for chance to be selected.
A special thank you to our Crasher sponsor, Millennium Corporate Credit Union!
