Meet DakCU’s Newest CUDE

​Congratulations to Tana Galbreath of North Star Community Credit Union on earning her CUDE certification and strengthening her commitment to the credit union philosophy of People Helping People. 

Dakota Credit Union Association is proud to recognize Tana Galbreath​ of North Star Community Credit Union for earning her Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) certification in September.

The Credit Union Development Educator program is an immersive, week-long experience designed to strengthen leadership and deepen participants' understanding of the credit union difference. Through collaborative group work, experiential learning, and interactive discussions, participants explore ways credit unions can improve financial well-being while creating meaningful impact in their communities. Graduates leave the program with new perspectives, valuable professional relationships, and practical tools to help advance the credit union mission.

Tana was among a distinguished class of 54 participants who completed the program at TruStage headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, through the National Credit Union Foundation's ongoing partnership with TruStage. This class joins a growing community of more than 3,500 credit union advocates from 35 countries who have graduated from the U.S. DE Program since its launch in 1982.
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A key component of the DE experience is putting the credit union philosophy of People Helping People into action. During the program, participants volunteered with local organizations addressing food insecurity, reinforcing the idea that financial well-being is built not only through products and services, but also through strong relationships, community partnerships, and a shared commitment to supporting others through life's challenges.

​​Reflecting on her experience, Tana shared:

"CUDE was amazing; the entire experience was impactful. I made great connections and deepened my love for the credit union movement.

The 54 participants and six mentors spent the week learning from advocates for cooperatives and credit unions, participating in team-building activities, and collaborating on projects designed to help our communities.

Attendees ranged from CEOs to assistant branch managers. Everyone leaves their title at the door until graduation day, creating bonds based on who we are and our personal experiences rather than our roles.

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My favorite part was working closely with a group of like-minded credit union employees from across the nation, sharing our stories of 'People Helping People.'

There are so many opportunities for personal growth and development through this program. I left feeling empowered and ready to take on bigger things in my community and at my credit union.

I want to thank my mentors and North Star Community Credit Union for encouraging me to attend and providing this opportunity to grow."

​Congratulations to Tana on this outstanding achievement and her commitment to advancing the credit union movement. Her dedication to professional development and service exemplifies the leadership that strengthens credit unions, supports members, and enriches communities across North Dakota and beyond.

Interested in becoming a Credit Union Development Educator? Dates for the 2027 DE classes are now available through the National Credit Union Foundation. Visit ncuf.coop to learn more about the program and upcoming opportunities.
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About the National Credit Union Foundation (ncuf.coop)
The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) is the charitable arm of the U.S. credit union movement and works as a catalyst to improve people’s financial lives through credit unions. Through grants and programs, the Foundation is strengthening financial well-being, igniting passion and instilling knowledge about the credit union difference, and uniting resources to help credit union people during disaster. Donations to the Foundation ultimately enable credit unions to help their members reach life-changing goals and achieve financial freedom.​