Description

This jam-packed day and a half event is filled with robust learning opportunities designed specifically for young professionals within The Credit Union Movement.

Become a YP Network Member

Agenda

As we build the agenda and confirm specific speakers, you can expect to experience sessions on credit union advocacy with the newest member of the League Governmental Affairs team, how to be more present in the work you do and the life you lead, how to stand out in your career and strengthen relationships, and gain confidence in your communications and leadership. We will add in some time for wellness, too! Please join us this October!

Wednesday, October 21st

10:00am – 10:30am
Check-in, grab your name badge, and welcome in!

10:30am – 10:45am
Introductions and overview

10:45am – 12:45pm
YPs Have $10 Million Ideas
Lisa Schaefer, MSE, Educational Consultant & Mental Health First Aid Instructor | Shine with Schaefer, LLC

This interactive session will help emerging leaders build the essential skills needed to lead with confidence, curiosity, and impact. Led with Lisa Schaefer’s energetic, down-to-earth, and positive style, participants will explore the importance of networking, resiliency, innovation, asking impactful questions, active listening, and giving and receiving feedback in a way that supports growth rather than defensiveness. Through a partner interview activity and small-group challenge, attendees will collaborate as teams to develop creative and relevant ideas for their credit unions. Along the way, they will practice emotional intelligence, financial thinking, member focus, presentation skills, executive communication, and strategies for responding to feedback with openness and confidence.

12:45pm – 1:45pm
Lunch

2:00pm – 3:00pm
Foundations of Advocacy for Emerging Leaders
Grace Florence, Grassroots & Fundraising Specialist | Wisconsin Credit Union League

3:30pm – 4:15pm
Volunteering Activity

4:15pm – 5:00pm
Refresh & Rejuvenate

5:00pm – 6:30pm
Dinner and Networking at Wisconsin Brew Pub (onsite)

6:30pm – 8:00pm
Social Fun at Tom’s Foolery Arcade – Sponsored by CRS Data

Thursday, October 22nd

8:00am – 8:45am
Breakfast and Networking

9:00am – 9:30am
Group Table Topics

9:30am – 10:30am
You’re Just Not That Big a Deal
Courtney Smock, Change Management & Leadership Expert and Coach | Slingshot25

When it comes to the workplace, employees and leaders often get in their own way by worrying about what others will think or believing they need to know it all. This talk from change management coach Courtney Smock uncovers what prevents you from doing work that matters or leading in a way that unlocks the potential of others. Learn five things that will make you think differently about how you show up every day.

10:30am – 10:45am
Break

10:45am – 12:00pm
Leading Through the Movement: Meet Wisconsin’s Young Professional Leaders
YP Advisory Board Panel

Join current members of the YP Network Advisory Board for an engaging panel discussion about leadership, service, and growth within the credit union movement. The YPAB will share their path to the YP Network, personal stories from their own career journeys, and practical insights into how emerging leaders can pursue education, build meaningful connections, strengthen advocacy involvement, and access opportunities. Bring your questions and plan for an interactive discussion where YPs will gain a clearer understanding of how to deepen involvement in the future of Wisconsin credit unions.

12:00pm – 12:45pm
Lunch and Networking

1:00pm – 1:45pm
Reset, Refocus & Recharge: Practical Tools for Stress & Distraction Behind the Desk
Grace Herndon, CPT, CYT, B.S. | Ebb & Elevate Fitness

In a world of demanding schedules, constant notifications, and competing personal and professional responsibilities, it’s easy to feel pulled in multiple directions and disconnected from the present moment. This interactive session invites participants to pause, move, breathe, and reset. Through accessible movement, practical stress-management strategies, breathwork, and guided reflection, participants will explore simple tools they can use to feel more grounded and present — even in the middle of a hectic workday. We’ll wrap up with a short meditation and reflection designed to help participants identify small, sustainable practices they can carry with them beyond the conference.

Participants will leave with practical strategies for managing stress, creating intentional pauses, refocusing their attention, and cultivating greater presence in their everyday lives.

2:00pm – 3:00pm
Conference Closing Discussion and What’s Next

Speakers

Lisa Schaefer

MSE, Educational Consultant & Mental Health First Aid Instructor | Shine with Schaefer, LLC

Lisa Schaefer is an Edutainer and knowledge broker. For the past 25 years, she has been engaging audiences with leadership and laughter. As a certified John Maxwell Speaker and Coach, Lisa teaches the importance of trust and influence in leadership. She is passionate about creating cultures in organizations that help people SHINE. Lisa helps individuals and companies create strategic action plans that focus on the following: (S) strengths, (H) heart, (I) ideas, (N) networking, (E) empower.

Lisa is versed in many industries and has successfully facilitated mastermind sessions for a variety of professions. Because of her background in counseling, she is able to reduce conflict and defense mechanisms and encourage trust and team building in the organizations she serves. Lisa has been asked to present at conferences on the areas of mental wellness, stress reduction, and the importance of open communication.

Lisa thrives on knowing her audience and conducts needs assessments with the professionals she works with to tailor content to meet their goals. Her passion lies in the ability to increase productivity and engagement in each individual by helping them move past irrational beliefs and realize their full potential as a leader and organization.

Lisa is a certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer, holds a School and Community Counseling license with WI-DPI, and has served as a professor of Human Services, Psychology and Director of Student Services. She also has been a contractor for Wisconsin DPI and provides training as a Safe and Healthy Schools Professional. Most recently, she has served as a Staff Development Specialist in the financial industry and focused on developing staff in the areas of customer experience, sales/referrals, and product knowledge.

Lisa’s holds a Master’s Degree in Education, School and Community Counseling as well as a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin. Lisa also completed her internship at Walt Disney World, where she studied the Disney Culture and Guest Experiences. She has served on various non-profit boards including Women’ Leadership Network, HavLife, and because of her early experience as a Radio Announcer and Director of Sales, she is often asked to serve as MC for special events and fundraisers.

Lisa is in the business of helping people SHINE and living authentically in leadership and life.
Grace Florence

Grace Florence, Grassroots & Fundraising Specialist | Wisconsin Credit Union League

Grace recently joined The League as the Grassroots & Fundraising Specialist after earning her MPA from the University of Wisconsin Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs. While at La Follette, she specialized in AI policy and worked as a Policy Outreach PA in their Outreach Department, helping to connect alumni, students, and stakeholders through communication initiatives and events. Additionally, she has spent the last five years working extensively in Wisconsin politics, developing a deep understanding of political strategy. Originally from Northern Wisconsin, Grace enjoys anything on the water including sailing, fishing, and boating.
Courtney Smock

Change Management & Leadership Expert and Coach | Slingshot25

Courtney Smock is a powerhouse speaker with 20 years of experience in change management and coaching, making her a sought-after presenter for leaders looking to solve big challenges. Known for her engaging and humorous “keep it real” style, Courtney captivates audiences by breaking down complex issues into actionable insights. As the creator of Slingshot25’s change model and Navigating Change Masterclass, she’s designed strategies that help leaders, change managers, and HR professionals influence effectively, care for people, and take decisive action during times of change.

Courtney’s speaking experience spans from Fortune 500 boardrooms to small business workshops, where she shares her expertise on navigating the complexities of transformation—whether it’s restructuring, mergers, acquisitions, or IT system changes. With an IPEC coaching certification and an MBA from the University of Iowa, Courtney brings both depth and authenticity to every presentation.

As a founding partner at Slingshot25, Courtney’s talks are not just theoretical; they’re built on real-world success. Audiences walk away with actionable takeaways, inspired by her unique blend of expertise, humor, and practical advice. For organizations ready to embrace change and thrive through transition, Courtney Smock delivers a speaking experience that makes a lasting impact.
YP Advisory Board

The YP Network Advisory Board meets regularly to recommend programming, discuss strategies for getting YPs involved in advocacy, and find innovative ways to support The Movement. Members serve two or three-year terms. Two YP Advisory Board members serve as Advisors to The League Board of Directors. These advisors help guide the direction The League takes on behalf of Wisconsin credit unions and attend quarterly League Board meetings as active participants, but in a non-voting capacity.
Grace Herndon

CPT, CYT, B.S. | Ebb & Elevate Fitness

Grace Herndon is the founder of Ebb & Elevate Fitness, a Madison-based fitness and wellness community rooted in the belief that strength extends far beyond the physical. She is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CGFI), 200-hour Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT-200), and RRCA-Certified Running Coach, with additional certifications in TRX, mat sculpt, prenatal yoga, and children’s yoga. Grace holds a B.A. in Communication Arts and brings a thoughtful, mixed-movement approach to wellness that integrates strength training, mobility, mindful cardio, breathwork, and stress-management practices.

Grace works with individuals across a wide range of ages, abilities, and movement backgrounds, helping them build strength, confidence, and a more connected relationship with their bodies. Her approach recognizes that physical well-being is closely tied to how we manage stress, navigate daily demands, and care for ourselves. She emphasizes practical habits that can fit into real life. Through Ebb & Elevate, Grace encourages people to discover sustainable practices that help them feel more connected, capable, and supported through the highs, lows, and everything in between..