women to watch
“ BEING OPEN AND LISTENING TO DIFFERING PERSPECTIVES HAS HELPED ME GROW AND DISCOVER STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES .”
Lynette Cupps , Senior Vice President of Growth and Innovation at MAX Credit Union , is a financial pro . But she ’ s a teacher too , using her position to create programs that educate kids on money-management essentials and connect mentors with nonprofits to arm them with basic business concepts . “ Teaching healthy financial habits and having products that are safe for consumers is very important to me ,” Cupps said . She puts high value on the benefits of mentorship , pointing to her own career path as an example of the good things that can happen when people take the time to share their experiences and expertise . “ I have been blessed with several mentors who have each taught me something different ,” she said . Cupps has been a part of the MAX team for 20 years and in her current role for two .
Fulfilled : I get to work with our team in Marketing , Member Experience , Data and Community Development , and it is rewarding to be part of the development of tools that benefit the lives of our consumers .
Personal Best : At MAX , I partnered with others to develop and implement SideKick , our financial education program that ’ s in more than 30 schools . In addition to a facilitator-led program , a free , turnkey curriculum is available to any educator . I also had the opportunity to present an idea in the Next Top Credit Union Executive . My idea was for established businesses to mentor nonprofits with business acumen to help the nonprofit succeed . It won the competition , and afterwards , a handful of credit unions adopted the program .
LOVE LIST
CUPPS ’ ALL-TIME FAVES
SHOP : The Southern Refinery
COFFEE STOP : Ellianos Coffee
EVENING EAT : El Rey Burrito Lounge
MOTTO : “ Start with ‘ Yes .’”
Firm Foundation : My husband , Jason , and my parents play integral roles in helping me balance work and a family . Sandra Branch has been a constant encouragement and has consistenly challenged me . Cheryl Payson and Tim Marquardt each taught me to see opposite perspectives from my own . Lastly , WAYNE BLACKWELL PLANTED IN ME THE PHILOSOPHY , “ DON ’ T SETTLE FOR MEDIOCRITY ,” EARLY IN MY CAREER .
Helping Hand : I AM HONORED TO SERVE AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE GRANDVIEW YMCA and also volunteer with several organizations with my children .
Out of Office : I enjoy plants and FLOWERS , READING AND TRAVELING with my husband and family .
Photography by Aubrie Moates .
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