An ongoing initiative, The Heart of MCU, honors Marine Credit Union employees by capturing and sharing their personal and professional stories of courage, compassion, collaboration and commitment - the values MCU encourages and supports in and outside of work.
The idea for the project, created by Caitlin Wilson Master of Art in Servant Leadership student and MCU's Director of Corporate Communications recognized that sharing the story of the organization was best done through capturing and sharing the stories of all who work there - the "hearts" of MCU.
My preference would have been to meet each person interviewed face to face and take intimate portraits for this project. However, due to the remote working conditions during the COVID pandemic, images of each interviewee were limited to "screen shot portraits" taken at the same time as the interviews.
To those I have interviewed....thank you so much for sharing your stories with me. I have been greatly honored to spend this sacred time together and have so much respect and love for each and every one of you.
~ Lori Jayne
Growing up in an extreme traditional culture, Maira Sarfraz shares her story of overcoming an abusive arranged marriage so she can help others. “I know my voice can help to inspire others,” Maira said, “even if I can only help one other person. The company I work for encourages that.”
Zach Hancock, Senior Consumer Loan Officer at Marine Credit Union (MCU), said he “fell in love” with his work and enjoys the creative aspects of structuring loans for MCU members. In addition, supported by the MCU Foundation and WTC’s Project Proven, Zach visits the incarcerated every week to teach them financial wellness. “I lend with my heart on my sleeve,” Zach shared. “So many just need guidance.”
After having experienced financial hardships as a young mom in a military family, Kristin Kisgen now works as a CUNA certified financial counselor to help educate Marine Credit Union members. “It takes compassion,” she said. “Sometimes there are tough conversations. But we are in it together.”
After retiring from UWL, Robert Richardson shared that he came across a classified ad in the newspaper that “spoke” to him. The ad was worded, “We offer talented and motivated people the opportunity to do the best work of their lives.” The position was the Director of First Impressions – La Crosse at Marine Credit Union. “I’m in the middle of my 12th year at MCU and love it,” Robert said with a dashing smile.
Following in her own mother’s example, Amy Ortega shared that she loves to help people. “I tend to want to be giving,” Amy shared. “I was shocked to work for a place who loved me for that.”
“Collections isn’t always an easy job,” Dean Chady shared during his interview. Yet Dean said his team at MCU has responded by being compassionate and that MCU has embraced that attitude. “It’s not good for the world,” he said, “when we lose sight of the human aspect.”
Lori Jayne Carlson
Internationally published writer, photographer, sacred activist.