You've already got what it takes. Crash Course is a 7-month leadership accelerator built to sharpen your edge, expand your reach, and connect you with a cohort of rising credit union leaders who are just as driven as you are.
Crash Course Is Developed For Leaders Like You
Throughout the program, participants will:
- GAIN BOSS LEVEL INSIGHTS
- Go head-to-head with the challenges seen throughout the credit union movement in sessions led by industry leaders and grounded in Filene’s cutting-edge research.
- STRENGTHEN YOUR SQUAD
- Build real relationships with a cohort of driven, forward-thinking professionals who will push you, back you, and grow alongside you.
- ACTIVATE NEW ABILITIES
- Leave every session with practical skills and fresh perspectives that make you a stronger leader starting now.
New Player Guide
Here’s how Crash Course will work:
- Crash Course is a benefit of select Filene Memberships.
Not sure of your membership level or if your organization is a Filene member? Start here for more information. Reach out to us at The Cooperative Trust if you have any questions.
- Crashers are referred by their organization’s leadership.
Crashers will want to ensure their management can support their attendance at each session. The intended schedule can be seen below.
- Once registered, you are in the game.
Prior to the first session, Crashers will be given access to their Crash Course 2026 workspace and The Cooperative Trust’s online community.
- Virtual Sessions will be held once a month.
There will be guided checkpoints in between sessions designed to deepen the discussions and bring fresh insights to the group.
- Crashers who complete the program will be recognized.
Finish strong. Engaged Crashers will receive acknowledgement for their commitment to their cohort and the credit union movement.
Your next level starts here.
Registration is open through May 13, 2026!
Crash Course Schedule
| Session | Speaker |
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1 |  April 29, 20261:00 – 2:30 PMPress StartLet’s break down the rules of the game! Meet the newest leader of The Cooperative Trust and Crash Programming, Kaeshier Fernandez, as he walks you through agreements and expectations, the flow of Crash Course 2026, and accessing our online hub where majority of the learning and interaction will take place. Don’t have a Filene Research Institute account yet? Create one here! |
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2 | May 27, 20261:00 – 2:30 PMTrAIning ModeStay tuned for updates! |
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3 | June 24, 20261:00 – 2:30 PMFull Hearts, Full ImpactStay tuned for updates! |
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4 | July 29, 20261:00 – 2:30 PMWhat Innovation Means (For Real)Cortney Arnold, Director of Partnerships at Filene Research Institute, is not new to the game. As the previous leader of The Cooperative Trust and Crash Programming for the last 7 years, she has plenty of XP when it comes to breaking down what innovation really is and her workshop is like the cheat code to beating the game. Inspired by research from Filene’s Center of Excellence for Innovation & Incubation |
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5 | August 26, 20261:00 – 2:30 PMCrash the System (Responsibly)Pixie Gray is the Senior Vice President of Organizational Development at the Credit Union Executives Society (CUES) and in this session, she will use over a decade of experience in leadership development to highlight tips and tricks that won’t help you beat the boss but become one! Inspired by research from Filene’s Center for Leadership, Strategy & Governance |
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6 | September 30, 20261:00 – 2:30 PMMindful Communication in Diverse SettingsLeticia Vaca Williams, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist, consultant, and speaker. In this session, she'll guide you through her tutorial on communicating with intention, clarity, and cultural humility across diverse environments. This interactive workshop gives you the practice to cultivate meaningful connections and more inclusive interactions — so you can succeed on any level. Inspired by research from Filene’s Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion |
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7 | October 28, 20261:00 PM – 2:30 PMCreate Your CharacterYou've got honed skills, stronger abilities, and keener insights. But who are you, really? Finish strong with Kaeshier's workshop on finding your personal brand and telling your story to stand out in this multiplayer world. You've already got what it takes — now create the character you want the world to see. Inspired by research from Filene’s Center for Differentiation & Storytelling |
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