A Crasher’s Story: Renewed Sense of Confidence and Purpose

Attending the recent Governmental Affairs Conference as a Crasher gave OAS FCU's Kaylene Chavez a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Representing the District of Columbia, Chavez says the experience exceeded expectations, expanding her knowledge of credit unions and gaining meaningful connections that are still going strong.

Here's what Chavez shared about being a Crasher:

What surprised you most about the experience?
What surprised me the most was how energizing and inclusive the experience felt. I expected to learn a lot, but I didn't expect to feel so immediately connected to other Crashers and leaders across the industry. The openness of conversations and willingness of people to share insights, advice, and even personal challenges really stood out to me.

How has the Crasher experience impacted you both professionally and personally?
Professionally, the Crasher experience gave me a broader perspective on the credit union movement and where I can make an impact. It reinforced the importance of innovation, community engagement, and staying member-focused in everything we do. Personally, it gave me a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. Being surrounded by so many passionate individuals reminded me that I'm part of something bigger, and it motivated me to continue growing and showing up more intentionally in my career.

What were your key takeaways?
My biggest takeaway was the importance of using your voice, no matter where you are in your career. The experience emphasized that fresh perspectives are not only welcomed but needed in this industry. I also took away the value of building meaningful connections and staying engaged beyond the event itself. Our Crashers group chat is still going strong!