Grow Your Career!

DakCU is once again offering an amazing opportunity for young professionals to attend our Annual Summit as Crashers.

Are you looking to grow in the credit union industry? Hoping to build your network and connect with other professionals across the Dakotas? Applications for our 2026 Annual Summit Crasher program, a unique experience designed to elevate emerging leaders, are open! 

This year, young professionals age 35 and under (with flexibility for those newly entering the industry) are invited to apply. Selected Crashers will receive complimentary Summit registration and participate in a specialized Crasher track while also attending general sessions featuring top speakers and timely industry insights.

The 2026 Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) Annual Summit will be held May 12–14 at The Box in Box Elder, SD. And with three dynamic keynote speakers already announced for the 2026 Summit, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of our most impactful yet—making it an especially valuable experience for emerging professionals.

Crashers gain:

• Access to inspiring speakers and industry thought leaders
• A deeper understanding of the credit union movement
• Exclusive peer-to-peer discussions
• Opportunities to build lasting professional connections
• Practical leadership and career development tools

 
We are excited to welcome back April Ales, Director of League Engagement with America’s Credit Unions, as this year’s Crasher Facilitator and Mentor. April brings more than 21 years of credit union experience and a passion for empowering professionals across the movement. Her career spans engagement consulting, leadership at Florida A&M University FCU, and the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates. She is also a 2014 Credit Union Development Educator (DE) graduate.

As a Summit Crasher, you will receive complimentary Summit registration, thanks to the generous support of Millennium Corporate Credit Union. While registration fees are covered, Crashers and their credit unions are responsible for hotel and travel expenses. 

Apply to be a crasher here.

Applications for the Crasher program are due by March 20, 2026, with selected participants announced in early April in the Memo. Applicants must not have previously participated as a Summit Crasher. Space is limited, and DakCU reserves the right to close applications early based on response volume.

​Applications are already coming in quickly, so we encourage interested young professionals to apply sooner rather than later to ensure consideration.

Questions?
Please reach out to George McDonald with any questions about the Crasher opportunity.