From Politics to People: Jacob Barkel on Serving Members and Strengthening Communities

The Heart of the Movement: Education & Empowerment with Taylor Neeley

In this episode of The CUllaborative, we sit down with Taylor Neeley from MCUF to dive into the power of financial education and the vital role credit unions play in strengthening communities. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Taylor shares her perspective on why accessible, relatable financial education matters now more than ever—and how credit unions are uniquely positioned to make a lasting impact. From empowering individuals to building financial confidence, this conversation highlights the mission-driven work happening across the credit union movement and why it continues to be so important.

From Policy to Advocacy: DaeSean Ashby’s Journey

---------------------------------------- In this episode, DaeSean Ashby, Director of State Advocacy at the Michigan Credit Union League, shares the journey that led him to MCUL and a career in politics. He reflects on the defining moment in college that first sparked his interest in public service and advocacy, and how that decision shaped his path forward. DaeSean also dives into his thoughtful approach to public speaking, emphasizing authenticity and connection. Along the way, we also share a personal update on the Camille's surgery earlier this year and reflect on the deep sense of gratitude we have for the credit union industry and the community it creates. Throughout, this episode is a completely candid conversation—offering an honest look at leadership, communication, and navigating a complex political landscape.

Where Planning Meets Impact: Aria & Megan's Story

In this episode, we’re joined by Aria Ottenbreit and Megan Stander from the Michigan Credit Union League. They take us behind the scenes of what it really takes to plan impactful events at the MCUL. From the details no one sees to the moments that make it all worthwhile, they share how their roles have evolved and how they’ve grown along the way. It’s an inside look at the creativity, collaboration, and career development that power MCUL events.

From Politics to People: Jacob Barkel on Serving Members and Strengthening Communities

In this episode of The CUllaborative, we sit down with Jacob Barkel from Best Financial Credit Union to talk about what it really means to put members first. Jacob shares his journey of changing careers—from politics to credit unions—and why the move felt like the right fit almost immediately. We explore how he started his new career running by competing in the MCUL's 2025 Spark Tank Competition and what he learned from it.  Jacob also reflects on what motivates him day‑to‑day, how credit unions can show up authentically for their members, and why meaningful work matters—especially for young professionals finding their place in the industry. It’s an honest, thoughtful look at career pivots, community impact, and the people powering credit unions forward.

Fueled by Connection: Joey G. on FUELmi, Networking, and Career Growth

n this episode, we’re joined by Joey, a credit union professional who has grown alongside Michigan’s young professional movement. We dive into the evolution of FUELmi—where it started, the growth we’ve seen over the years, and why it’s become such a powerful community for emerging leaders. Joey shares how networking through FUEL and industry events played a key role in a pivotal career shift, opening doors he didn’t even know existed. We also zoom out to reflect on how the credit union industry itself has changed over time, from member expectations to digital transformation, and what that means for the next generation of professionals. It’s a candid conversation about growth, connection, and showing up for opportunities when they come your way.