Mentorship has a way of reminding us what’s possible when people truly show up for one another. At NLCUP, it’s become one of the most meaningful parts of our work, helping leaders across the credit union movement find guidance, courage, and community through shared experience.
The NLCUP Mentorship Program has grown year after year, connecting professionals who might never have met but who discover through honest conversation how much they can learn from each other. Among the many powerful connections formed this year is the story of Nanci Wilson, Executive Vice President at Luminate Louisiana Credit Unions, and Vanessa Pino Ryan, EPMO – Business System Analyst at State Employees’ Credit Union. Their experience captures what mentorship is really about: growth, belonging, and friendship that lasts well beyond the program itself.
Nanci’s Story: Discovering the joy of mentorship
“This year’s Inspire Conference in Charlotte, hosted by the Carolinas Credit Union League, was extra special because I was able to meet my NLCUP mentee, Vanessa. As a first-time mentor in the program, I was both excited and a little nervous about being paired, but when I was matched with Vanessa earlier this year, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. She had shared her interest in learning public speaking, and as fate would have it, I was the closing speaker at Inspire. With the support of her fabulous CEO, Leigh Brady, she was able to attend and from the moment we hugged on day one, it felt like we had known each other for years.
What I’ve learned through this experience is that a mentorship relationship strengthens both parties by cultivating vulnerability and priceless conversations about life, career, and the eternal journey of growth. After my closing session at the Inspire Conference, complete with balloons and a dance party, Vanessa came up to me, wrapped me in the warmest hug, and told me how proud she was to call me her mentor. It truly felt like the perfect ending to a joyful story, and the beautiful beginning of a lifelong friendship.”
Vanessa’s Story: Learning and growing together
“Earlier this year, I had the privilege of joining the NLCUP Mentorship Program as a mentee. I was paired with Nanci, and we connected immediately. From our first meeting, it was clear we were a perfect match; her willingness to share her knowledge and experience resonated deeply with my eagerness to grow.
My primary goal was to improve my public speaking skills, and in an incredible stroke of luck, I learned Nanci is an international speaker. When she mentioned she was a keynote speaker at this year's Inspire Conference, I knew I had to see her in action. With the full support of my leadership, I attended the conference.
Watching her command the stage filled me with immense pride, and I was honored to tell those around me that she was my mentor. I am incredibly grateful to the NLCUP program for making this powerful connection possible, and to Nanci for her generous and impactful mentorship.”
Together, Nanci and Vanessa’s story shows that mentorship is not a one-way exchange. It is a shared journey that builds confidence, fosters connection, and strengthens the credit union movement from within.
Applications for NLCUP’s Spring 2026 Mentorship Program cohort will open soon. If you are ready to grow, learn, and form a meaningful connection, we encourage you to apply and experience the power of mentorship for yourself.
About Nanci Wilson: Over a decade ago, Nanci found herself in a financial bind—until a credit union saved the day. That moment of CU magic changed everything, launching her career from teller to VP of Member Solutions at the Louisiana Credit Union League. A 2015 CUDE graduate, Nanci didn’t just embrace the movement—she became its loudest champion, mentoring, speaking, and even co-facilitating the program in 2023. Named a Credit Union Rock Star in 2017, she’s now an award-winning innovator and international speaker, inspiring audiences on empathy, leadership, and the power of credit unions. Nanci also loves everything about a healthy culture—from building trust and psychological safety to fostering purpose-driven teams. Her passion for people and values-based leadership infuses every initiative she touches. From teller to trailblazer, Nanci proves that unexpected turns lead to incredible destinations.
About Vanessa Pino Ryan: Vanessa Pino Ryan is a Business Systems Analyst at State Employees’ Credit Union with experience in full stack development and technology project management. She is passionate about using technology to drive growth and efficiency.
