LSCU Celebrates Two Award Winners at the Inaugural INSPIRE Conference

The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates (LSCU & Affiliates) is proud to announce the winners of its first-ever INSPIRE Awards, presented during the inaugural INSPIRE Conference, held Wednesday, October 11 – Friday, October 13, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. This groundbreaking event brought together more than credit union leaders, members, and supporters from Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, along with members of the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) and its sister societies in the region.  

The INSPIRE Award recognizes women who are making significant contributions to advance the credit union movement and their communities. For the first year of the awards, LSCU had two outstanding winners. 

LSCU President Samantha Beeler presented the first INSPIRE Award to volunteer Grace Chewning, who has served as an Orlando Credit Union board member for 60 years and has been a credit union member there for 70 years.

“Grace has been a true pioneer for women in our industry and has dedicated her life to serving the credit union movement. We are honored to recognize her remarkable contributions during her last year on the Orlando Credit Union board,” Beeler stated.

Although Grace was unable to attend the ceremony, Suzanne Weinstein, Orlando Credit Union’s CEO, accepted the award on her behalf, sharing insights into Grace’s illustrious career.

Samantha then presented the second INSPIRE Award to Elaine Tuten, CEO of GeoVista Credit Union in Hinesville, Georgia. Tuten is a credit union professional with nearly five decades of dedicated service. Tuten’s contributions extend beyond her credit union, as she has played a pivotal role in strengthening the credit union movement in the country of Poland and helping all members in times of need.

“Elaine’s legacy is a testament to her unwavering dedication to our movement,” Beeler remarked. “She has shattered glass ceilings as a woman in our industry and has paved the way for countless others.”

The INSPIRE Conference, designed by women, for women, celebrates outstanding leadership, commitment, and excellence within the credit union community. LSCU & Affiliates looks forward to continuing this tradition in the years ahead, making a lasting impact on women, credit union members, and communities throughout the Southeast.