Katie BaileyToday, The Credit Union Impact Foundation, the charitable arm of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, announced five recipients of the 2026 Kelsie Davis Memorial Leadership Journey Scholarship, a multi-year professional development program designed to support emerging leaders within the credit union movement.
Established in honor of Kelsie Davis, a respected credit union leader known for her compassion, mentorship, and commitment to “People Helping People,” the scholarship was created to invest in individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, service to their communities, and a dedication to the cooperative philosophy.
The 2026 scholarship recipients are:
- Sache’ Rodriguez, GeoVista Credit Union
- Ashleigh Ash, Family Savings Credit Union
- Stacie Kanellopoulos, Trax Federal Credit Union
- Elly Arnold, AmFirst
- Nikita Mathews, AmFirst
Each recipient was selected through a competitive process that considered leadership growth, professional impact, and a clear commitment to the future of the credit union industry.
“This scholarship represents more than professional development, it reflects Kelsie’s belief in lifting others up and preparing the next generation of leaders,” said Bobbi Grady, Executive Director of the Credit Union Impact Foundation. “These recipients embody the values Kelsie lived by, and we are proud to support their continued leadership journeys.”
The Kelsie Davis Memorial Leadership Journey Scholarship provides registration funding for a two-year leadership development path. During the first year, recipients will attend EMERGE and Leadership College, followed by Executive Institute in year two. This long-term investment is designed to equip emerging professionals with the skills, perspective, and network needed to grow into Vice President and C-Suite roles within the industry.
Through this scholarship, the Credit Union Impact Foundation continues its commitment to strengthening credit unions by investing in people, ensuring the industry remains resilient, value-driven, and prepared for the future.
For more information about the Credit Union Impact Foundation and its leadership development initiatives, visit the Credit Union Impact Foundation website.
