5 minutes
Meet the 2017 CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec Top 15
Sandra Cano
AVP/Community Development
$1.7 billion Navigant Credit Union
Smithfield, R.I.
Follow Sandra on Twitter: @SANDRISCANO
Connect with her on LinkedIn
Watch her CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec video
Give us the elevator speech about your project (as in how would you describe your project to someone you meet in an elevator?):
My project concentrates on the impact of changing perceptions and culture in the credit union industry from seeing poor, underserved markets to seeing the possibilities in emerging markets, with outreach specifically to the small business community. This strategy will help credit unions achieve membership growth, strengthen the credit union brand as a trusted community partner, and help develop new products and services to close the gaps in the needs of this emerging community. This change of culture is not easy, however it‘s necessary in order to be true to our mission, to improve the financial lives of our members, and to the future growth of the credit union industry.
What is your long-term career goal?
As an immigrant Latina and a credit union professional, I have a commitment to empowering individuals’ intellectual and personal growth. Furthermore, as a proud Rhode Islander with a passion for public service and advocacy, I see myself as a CEO of a credit union or an executive director of an organization that allows me to continue to execute my passion of improving the lives of individuals, devise strategies, build and manage coalitions, and execute programs designed to effect policy change to create economic opportunity.
Fill in the dots: The future of credit unions will be bright if ...
The credit union mindset in understanding the underserved market, shifts towards exploring the potential of this market; by turning risk into an opportunity and changing culture from underserved to "emerging market." Therefore, our efforts in outreach to these markets are not a hand out (donation) it is a hand up (investment).
What my generation brings to the credit union movement is …
New ideas, innovation in solutions for individual needs, and overall a very unique perspective when it comes to market products and/or services. We are socially connected which allows communicating the 0 behind a product key to attracting younger consumers to our credit union movement.
We, the millennials, look for uniqueness and innovation. We don’t always look for the deepest discounts. The credit union communicates and markets these messages using technology as a tool to provide the information while bringing value through our personalized touch, building relationships and living the motto of people helping people.
People consider me a leader because …
I have a passion to help the community, I am a learner, ask a lot of questions and I walk-the-walk. I like to execute and make things happen no matter how impossible or how little resources I may have. I live by the saying, “when there is a will, there is a way.” I value relationships more than tasks, like to be inclusive and love to help people grow by fostering unity, bringing people together and encouraging dialogue. Together we can always accomplish more. People see me as a bridge, a connector, and I realize that I don’t have to be in charge to have significant influence to make an idea a reality, and bring positive results to any project or initiative.
Who is your hero and why?
My parents are my heroes. From the time I was a little girl, my parents have always encouraged me to go after my dreams, to be the best version of myself and to be involved, and a positive, productive member of society. They instilled values and principles that made me who I am today. My parents, immigrants in this country have raised me and my brothers to be strong and independent, just like them. They have consistently made us feel safe and loved. I am so thankful for their sacrifices to provide their kids with better opportunities in life. I appreciate everything that they have done for me and my siblings, and for all of the life lessons they have taught me. My parents are my role models. My heroes!
Who is a must-follow on Twitter?
The Mayor of Central Falls @JamesDiossa. I admire his leadership and how he has turned the City of Central Falls around from bankruptcy to physically stable without compromising services. He has brought hope and a bright future to the residents of his city. I have seen the evolution of Central Falls from its darkest days to its brighter days, today.
Does your credit union have Twitter/Facebook/YouTube/Pinterest/LinkedIn/Instagram other social media accounts? Please provide links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NavigantCU
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NavigantCreditUnion/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigant-credit-union
What is your favorite CUES member benefit? Or, if you are a new CUES NextGen member, what benefit are you most looking forward to using?
The benefit that I most look forward to using is in the learning and leadership offerings, specifically the free webinars covering a range of topics which will allow me to develop professional skills and gain knowledge that will support my task of developing programs and initiatives within my credit union that ultimately will be a match to my driven mission of developing businesses and community. This benefit would also give me the opportunity to increase my network of contacts within the credit union industry.
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Online voters and a panel of past finalists narrowed the CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec field from 20 to the Top 15 applicants. The challenge, held in conjunction with DDJ Myers and powered by Currency, searches for emerging leaders age 35 and under from within the credit union industry. |
