2021 Crash the GAC...Virtually!

May 14, 2021

When I started my first job as a teller at a bank in 2011, I had no clue it would lead me to the credit union world that I live in now. After moving to Iowa and hearing about credit unions, all I knew was that credit unions were fun and that I wanted to work there! I soon learned of credit unions’ impact and the differences they make in people’s lives, and that is when I knew that I wanted to be part of the movement. Little did I know that I would be joining the Central Iowa Chapter, the Champions program, Capitol Hill Days, CRASH the 2019 Iowa Credit Union Convention, CUNA Lending School, and ultimately Crash the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC).

I knew that virtually Crashing the GAC in 2021 was going to be different from any other year before. I was nervous but hopeful that I would still have a positive experience and not feel like I missed out on the “normal” way to crash. I was excited to develop my understanding of politics and to network with eager young professionals with the same interests as myself.

The virtual experience did not disappoint. The amount of time and effort that went in to ensuring we gained the most from the GAC once again confirmed that I was in the right place. There were so many inspiring speakers that I often thought, “How could the next speaker be better than the previous?” My fellow Crashers played a huge role in my experience. We were engaging and built those relationships to help learn and grow from one another. I made so many great connections and gained an abundance of knowledge to help advocate back at the Capitol in Iowa.

I am very grateful for this experience, and I am proud and honored to be a part of the credit union “People Helping People” industry!

---