Lois Kitsch
National Program Director
National Credit Union Foundation
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I found a career that I love - for me that was working with credit unions.
Then I volunteered for international assignments - sometimes paying my own way.
Learned everything I could - did every job.
Then I asked for the job when the time arose - over and over again until I got their attention.
Then I built networks of people that could help me and who saw potential in me.
Then I traveled around the globe doing training - up to 58 countries now and still counting.
Education
High School
Devils Lake High School
Devils Lake High School
Career
National Program Director
I inspire credit union professionals to live their values to better serve members and communities.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Travel
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
My days are varied - some days are all about facilitating others' learning opportunities and helping young and old realize their full potential as credit union professionals. Other days are about building curriculum for training programs and inspiring others to pick up the mantle of change.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
The most important thing a high school student should do is capitalize on their school years. If you can take accelerated classes and then college courses it is worth it. Every credit you earn that you don't have to pay for is money in your (or your parents) pockets. I know high school should be fun but it is four short years versus the rest of your life. Never spend student loan funds on anything except tuition and books. You have to pay those loans back - get it?
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Friends:
"You don't have an education - that means you can't do it. You need to stay home in this little community you grew up in - the world is too big and dangerous."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Learning Issues
