CANDIDATE PROFILE

"My experience as a Servus member has been strengthened through participation in Servus’s Filipino Community Council, nominating committee and attendance at the credit union’s AGMs. As a successful real estate agent, I can bring a wealth of business experience to support Servus’s board."

Statement of intent

Joining the Servus Credit Union Board of Directors is a big decision and commitment. I decided to include my name this year as I feel the time is right. My 21 years plus experience as a real estate agent helping buyers and sellers with their biggest investment equipped me with negotiation, management, sales, marketing and people skills that are aligned with Servus’s core values and beliefs.

As I have already experienced through my involvement on Servus’s Filipino Community Council, the Nominating Committee and the annual general meetings, Servus’s commitment to its communities and members is authentic and genuine.

In joining the Servus board, I am confident that I will contribute in a meaningful way to its stated goals in serving its members. I will be an active contributor to decision-making, advocate for strong and effective leadership, understand risk management and corporate governance.

I believe in a collaborative approach as opposed to a combative approach in providing solutions to challenges. With Servus, I am committing myself to an organization whose goal of helping others is successfully realized every day, and I would be honoured to be a member of its board.

Servus’s Noble Purpose is “Shaping member financial fitness.” What does that mean to you?

Servus’s commitment to its members is evident in various ways such as through its community and charity involvement. It’s no surprise that the noble purpose of shaping member financial fitness is a big part of Servus’s identity.

Well-trained staff are always ready to assist members with different banking/financial options; to provide education in investment strategies; to offer support during challenging times; and to join in celebration during great moments such as home buying and profit sharing.

Servus recognizes that in promoting and facilitating financial fitness, it strengthens the foundation and future potential of the communities it serves. Financially strong members equates to stronger and healthier communities. It’s a win-win for Servus, its members and the economy.

What makes Servus Credit Union different than other financial institutions?

Servus Credit Union’s difference comes from its authentic positioning; it is fully committed to the communities and members it serves. It is member owned and members come first!

Servus participates positively in the financial lives of its members and functions in an honest manner when addressing its members’ needs.

A pioneer in its profit-sharing program, Servus shows a genuine commitment to the future of its members and the charities it supports.

Like its logo, Servus’ approach is circular: taking care of its members creates stability, which encourages the financial fitness that Servus then continues to nurture, much like a gardener. When members profit, Servus profits and so the cycle continues, helping you feel good about your money!

What are the key issues or challenges facing the credit union system today?

The key issues or challenges facing the credit union system today would fall under technology and member acquisition.

In terms of technology, cyber security is an immediate challenge as our world continues to digitalize. The skills in cyber weapons of any criminal group advance in tandem with the growth of technology, and the cost associated with maintaining cyber security makes this an ongoing challenge.

Technology has positive and negative impacts on credit unions in terms of member acquisition. Communicating through social media and other cyber platforms is highly effective in broadcasting a credit union’s products and activities. However, it should be noted that there are segments of society that don’t rely on social media, such as older generations, rural communities and possibly newcomers with a language barrier. In these examples, a reliance on technology could be seen as short-sighted.

How will your skills and life experiences bring value to the collective Servus board?

I am dedicated to helping families improve their lives, with a focus on learning, growth and community. From my beginnings at the age of 10 as a street corn vendor in the Philippines to my successful 21+ years as a successful real estate agent in Edmonton, I understand service to others, finances, communications, marketing, collaboration and customer care.

As an immigrant, I will bring a different perspective and add diversity to the board. Finally, my varied experiences with Servus (Filipino council, AGM attendance, nominating committee, and a Servus member) have equipped me with the tools to bring value to the collective board in performing its duties and responsibilities with the goal of a healthy Servus and financially fit members.