Prepare to Be Transformed

Kaelixte Wagner’s Experience with the Credit Union Development Education Program


There’s nothing we love more than seeing our employees grow and develop. Enough so that we’re willing to put resources behind it. A perfect example is our very own Kaelixte Wagner who pursued the CUDE credential offered by the National Credit Union Foundation – a transformative experience. But don’t take our word for it. Hear from Kaelixte about the power of continuing growth.

Participating in the Credit Union Development Education (CUDE) program was more than a professional milestone. It was a transformational experience that redefined my understanding of leadership and deepened my connection to the credit union movement.

From the moment I stepped into the program, I knew I was entering a space unlike any other. CUDE was not just about learning; it was about reframing and reconnecting. It challenged me to think with intention, listen with empathy, and lead with authenticity. The curriculum was rich, but it was the people, their stories, their passion, their vulnerability, that truly brought the experience to life.

Each day was a deep dive into the values that make credit unions unique: cooperation, inclusion, and service. We explored the roots of the movement, examined the challenges facing our communities, and envisioned bold, people-centered solutions. Through immersive exercises and heartfelt conversations, I found myself not only gaining knowledge but also rediscovering my own purpose.
 
CUDE reminded me that leadership is not about titles or tasks; it is about the impact we have on others. It is about showing up for members, advocating for equity, and creating spaces where everyone belongs. I left the program with a renewed sense of mission and a network of changemakers who continue to inspire me.

Most importantly, CUDE reaffirmed the heart of our movement: people helping people. It reminded me that when we lead with compassion and courage, we create ripples of change that extend far beyond our institutions and into the communities we serve. CUDE is more than a certification; it is a call to action. A call to lead boldly, serve humbly, and build a future rooted in shared values and collective care.

As I return to Black Hills Federal Credit Union, I carry with me the lessons, energy, and inspiration of CUDE. I am committed to infusing our work with deeper purpose and intentionality, whether through more inclusive communication, member-focused initiatives, or collaborative leadership. CUDE has equipped me to be an empathetic listener, a thoughtful advocate, and a courageous leader.

I see opportunities every day to turn values into action, whether it is amplifying the voices of our members, supporting our team’s growth, or strengthening our community partnerships. CUDE has given me the confidence to ask bold questions, challenge assumptions, and lead with heart. It has also reminded me that the most meaningful change happens when we stay rooted in service and connected to one another.
At BHFCU, we live by the philosophy of people helping people. My CUDE experience has deepened my commitment to that mission and empowered me to help carry it forward with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

To anyone considering CUDE: prepare to be transformed. You will walk in with questions and leave with clarity. You will arrive as a professional and depart as a purpose-driven leader. And you carry with you the most powerful superpower of all, the unwavering belief that together, we can make a difference.
 
November 14, 2025
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