Michigan Legacy CEO Spearheads Women Golf Group for CU Leaders
Recognizing the need for more female credit union executives to encourage and empower each other and enhance skills needed for deal-making opportunities, Alicia Bradley founded Mitten Women - a small, intimate group of female C-level executives from credit unions and financial service organizations servicing credit unions that offers the opportunity to learn to golf or sharpen skills on the course.
Inspired by Galena Girls, a similar group out of Galena, Ill., where she had previously been a guest, Carma Peters, president/CEO of Michigan Legacy Credit Union partnered with Bradley to formally launch Mitten Women with its first annual golf outing earlier this month.
“I had the privilege of being invited to Galena Girls last summer and was so impressed by my experience, I was happy to support Alicia in bringing this to Michigan,” said Peters. “Between chapter outings and community events, golf is a key skill in the financial services world and something that can be intimidating to start on your own.”
Seventeen leaders from across Michigan joined the Mitten Women gathering, held Aug. 5–7 at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. Both brand-new and experienced golfers were welcome, and the gathering included intentional networking, executive speakers, a charity raffle and of course, a round of golf.
“I have been attending the Galena Girls event for several years. It is my favorite event to attend each year because of the camaraderie and I felt compelled to recreate the group in Michigan,” said Bradley. “We’re thrilled with how this year’s event turned out and we hope to double our attendance next year.”
In addition to the golf and fellowship, Mitten Women also has a charitable component. Each year, a nonprofit will be selected to be the benefactor of the funds raised from the Mitten Women’s raffle baskets. This year, Mitten Women selected Vista Maria to be its benefactor, an organization based in Dearborn Heights, whose mission is to foster restorative relationships and deliver innovative care, treatment, and education so that vulnerable youth and families believe in their worth, heal and build the skills for success. Vista Maria CEO Megan Zambiasi joined the Mitten Women at Crystal Mountain to present to the group more about the organization’s initiatives and reach. The women ultimately raised $6,280 to donate to Vista Maria.
Mitten Women was made possible by the support of generous sponsors, including Founding Sponsor Multi-Bank Securities (MBS); Empowering Sponsors Allied Solutions – Open Lending, CU*Answers, Great Lakes Credit Union, Members First Credit Union, McQueen Financial Services and Michigan Legacy Credit Union; Inspiring Sponsors Envisant, Xtend; Leading Sponsors Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union and Holzman Law PLLC; and Encouraging Sponsors Alicia Bradley, Carma Peters, Thompson Phelan Group, TruStage and Landis Wealth Management.
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