Growing Leadership from the Ground Up
There’s something special brewing in our movement, and if you’ve been to any of the chapter-level CU Spark Tank events, you know what it is: the incredible talent of our young professionals (YPs).
We’ve already wrapped up four chapter-level competitions, each one showcasing bold, original ideas and a clear drive from our YPs to push credit unions forward. It doesn’t surprise me that CU Spark Tank is proving to be more than a pitch competition. It’s a platform where YPs are encouraged to think outside the box and discover thoughtful solutions that will better connect us with our mission. In other words, when we hand YPs the mic, the results speak for themselves.
So far, participants have shared ideas on closing the homeownership gap, helping children build healthy financial habits early on and using AI in thoughtful, responsible ways that truly serve members. These aren’t theoretical brainstorms — they’re smart, actionable strategies that speak directly to where our industry needs to go.
What’s been equally exciting is the feedback we’ve gotten. Chapters are coming together around this effort, and YPs are getting the chance to think beyond their day-to-day work. We’ve heard how this experience has helped them grow their confidence, sharpen their presentation skills and, most importantly, see themselves as leaders in this movement.
To our chapters and credit unions that have already jumped in: thank you. And an extra shoutout to our chapter leaders doing the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting. Your support and commitment are what’s bringing this project to life.
If your chapter hasn’t hosted a CU Spark Tank competition yet, it’s not too late to still get involved! Mobilize your credit union leaders and nominate YPs to participate at the chapter level. Head over to mcul.org/CuSparkTank or connect with Haleigh Krombeen on our team to get started.
And while you’re at it, mark your calendar for the upcoming FUEL YP Leadership Summit. The event, which will feature the CU Spark Tank quarterfinal, will serve as the kickoff to ACE25 for attending YPs, but you don’t need to be registered for ACE or be a FUEL member to take part. These events are more than just networking opportunities; they’re spaces where YPs can connect and begin to see themselves as long-term contributors to this movement.
Growing and supporting long-term contributors isn’t just something credit unions need to think about, it’s something everyone’s facing. By 2030, Gen Z will make up 30% of the workforce, and we’re already seeing the impact they’re having. From how they communicate to what they expect from a job, they’re challenging us to evolve and do better. And honestly, it’s exciting!
They’re not looking for jobs as much as they’re looking for purpose. They want their work to align with their values, to support their mental health and to give them the flexibility to grow personally and professionally. They expect inclusive cultures, fast feedback loops and leaders who listen. And if they don’t find that? They move on.
In fact, Gen Z employees are changing jobs faster than any other generation, with many expecting to switch roles as many as ten times before the age of 35 — that’s 134% higher than they did in 2019. That’s a big shift, and a big opportunity.
If we wait until they’re “ready” to engage them, we’ve already missed our moment. The time to bring them in, invest in them and show them a path in the credit union movement is now, while they’re still deciding where they want to make an impact.
If we want to grow future leaders and advocates in this movement, we need to be intentional. Programs like CU Spark Tank are a low-barrier, high-reward way to start. When YPs feel seen, heard and supported, they don’t just stick around — they show up, they get involved and they lead.
If we want Gen Z to show up for credit unions, we have to first show up for them. So, let’s go!!!
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