CUSO Magazine has declared July to be Credit Union History Month—taking a deep dive into the foundations of the credit union system and examining each brick that was laid upon that foundation.

If you haven’t been introduced to the historical perspectives on credit unions as introduced by Supervising Editor Esteban Camargo, now is the time. Whether you are new to credit unions or a seasoned veteran, each article offers insightful content on what it means to be a part of a movement, decades strong.

As you read, I hope you will pause to reflect on your place in this story. What is your legacy?

Legacy starts with knowing where you come from

Legacy isn’t just about what you left behind in terms of achievements and possessions. It is the story you tell through your values, your actions, and your impact on others. Your legacy is how you will be remembered. I am not ready to write my eulogy. However, when I asked myself, “What is my legacy?” I found myself returning to my roots: the credit union.

The legacy of credit unions is built on cooperation: putting people before profit, focusing on the well-being of the community, and offering financial services that prioritize the member. As a young woman, I was inspired that, as member-owned institutions, credit unions offered services that helped people build better lives. It wasn’t just a job. This was my responsibility. This is a far cry from the traditional banking model I grew up with.

For me, the credit union was more than a workplace. It was my place where I belonged. I had the chance to share my passion for service with the people I respected, for a cause that mattered. Helping members save, buy homes, and support their families didn’t just fulfill a job description. The credit union’s purpose became my purpose. My dream of making a difference in the world became less abstract; it was happening. What I didn’t fully understand at the time was that the cooperative model that is rooted in service and shared success would become the foundation of my own legacy.

It’s not just what we build, it’s how we show up

There is something incredibly powerful about helping someone understand and take control of their finances. That moment of empowerment. The sense of “I’ve got this” is why many of us do what we do.

Today, I work for a CUSO that has been owned by credit unions for more than 50 years. The ownership model isn’t just a technicality. It shaped everything. Your mission is our mission. We don’t just serve credit unions; we are a part of them.

And because of that, we take ownership seriously. Not just in terms of structure but in mindset. We are proactive, engaged, and committed to solving the challenges you face. Your priorities share our decisions. We don’t build quick fixes. We build for the long haul.

Our work is closely rooted in partnership. We listen closely. We collaborate openly and move forward with intention. Just like the credit union member, it gives me great joy when credit unions are empowered by tapping into the exchange of innovation and collaboration to serve members’ financial needs effectively. This isn’t a vendor-client relationship. It’s a shared journey.

At the heart of it, our goal is simple: to help you grow your impact. That means stronger credit unions, empowered members, and thriving communities. That is the legacy we are building together.

Leadership is legacy in real time

I have been privileged to walk alongside members and to have been a part of it as a representative of a credit union. When I think about it, there are not that many people in the world who have this honor. That is why it is important to protect the credit union legacy. Without it, the people of tomorrow will not have the chance.

As company leaders, it’s essential that we stay grounded in the unique position we hold. We don’t just support credit unions. We are owned by them. That’s not symbolic, it’s structural. It means our responsibility is greater, and our success is directly tied to theirs.

This ownership model challenges us to go beyond the transactional. It calls us to a deeper accountability, a tighter alignment, and a clear strategic purpose. Ownership in its truest sense means taking responsibility for not only what we produce, but for the impact it has on our credit union partners.

Our vision is to deliver solutions that are thoughtful, forward looking and deeply aligned with our owners’ needs. That requires active listening, fast adaptation, and leadership grounded in insight. It also requires collaboration and integrity because the way we work inside our organization shapes the value we deliver outside of it.

What’s your legacy?

The historical foundation of credit unions is rooted in cooperation, community, and ownership. Credit unions and CUSOs are not just financial institutions. They are a part of a larger movement with a meaningful legacy. Legacy isn’t just something left behind. It’s shaped by our everyday actions and our mindset.

In the span of my career, I have had many accomplishments. None more important than carrying forward the cooperative principles. My work focuses on strengthening cohesion, fostering collaboration, and aligning efforts around shared goals so that we can enhance our collective impact for ourselves, each other, and the people we serve.

How do you engage intentionally with the cooperative model? What is your place in the credit union story? What is your legacy, and where does it fit into the future of the credit union movement?

As you contemplate the answers to these questions, I invite you to explore the Credit Union History Month content on CUSO Magazine for deeper context and inspiration. Let’s celebrate the cooperative model together!