Samantha Sullivan from Oahe FCU Earns CUDE Designation

​Through transformative education, immersive events and collaboration, the DE track builds awareness of the how credit unions help build financial freedom. 

The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) recently celebrated an additional 48 graduates of its signature Development Education (DE) program, including one from South Dakota. Congratulations to Samantha Sullivan, who now joins more than 2,000 credit union advocates from 35 countries who have received their Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) designation.
 
The DE program is the National Credit Union Foundation’s signature education platform. Through transformative education, immersive events and collaboration, DE builds awareness of the development issues that prevent people from achieving financial freedom—and how credit unions are uniquely positioned to address them. Upon successful completion of the DE track, graduates receive their CUDE designation.
 
“No matter how long you have been in the credit union world there is always more to learn, and I would recommend this program over and over,” stated Sullivan. She continues, “I’m naturally a shy person and it takes a long time for me to come out of my shell – so on the first day, when they said their goal was to make us ‘uncomfortable,’ I didn’t think it could get worse than that – but I was wrong! They pushed us all to dig deep, to voice our opinions and share openly. It reaffirmed for me that even though we are a smaller credit union, we still make an impact in our community in big ways! While it was difficult for me to open up in such a short time, I’m so glad I did, and completed my CUDE designation. They say, ‘trust the process,’ – and that is the advice I would share. It really is the only way to have the best experience through this program!”  
 
For those interested, registration is now open for the first Development Education class of 2023. The virtual program will run Jan. 31 - Feb. 17, with sessions held Tuesday through Thursday for the first two weeks; Tuesday through Friday for the last two weeks, training times are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (CT). Apply now or visit www.ncuf.coop to learn more.
 
The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) is the charitable arm of the U.S. credit union movement, serving as a catalyst to improve people’s financial lives through credit unions.


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