March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the contributions women have made across industries, communities, and generations. Prime Financial Credit Union is proud to observe this month by recognizing the historical women who shaped the credit union movement and those continuing to trailblaze for future generations.
Honoring Women in Credit Union History
The credit union movement has always been about people helping people, and women have been at the heart of this mission from the very beginning. Their dedication to financial empowerment and community service has left an indelible mark on the industry.
Dora Maxwell: A Champion of Community Development
Dora Maxwell was one of the most influential figures in the early credit union movement. Born in 1882, she dedicated her life to organizing and establishing credit unions across the United States. Her work was driven by a deep belief in the power of cooperative finance to uplift underserved communities.
Dora’s efforts were particularly focused on helping low-income families gain access to affordable financial services. She understood that credit unions could provide a lifeline to those excluded from traditional banking systems. Her tireless advocacy is honored through the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award, which recognizes credit unions for their outstanding community service and outreach efforts.
Louise Herring: The “Mother of Credit Unions”
Louise Herring, often referred to as the “Mother of Credit Unions,” was another trailblazer who helped shape the credit union movement. Born in 1909, Louise was a passionate advocate for financial literacy and access to credit. Over her lifetime, she helped establish over 500 credit unions, driven by her belief that everyone deserved the opportunity to achieve financial stability.
Louise’s work was rooted in the idea that credit unions should serve as a tool for social and economic justice. Today, her legacy lives on through the countless credit unions that continue to prioritize member service and community impact.
Carrying Forward the Legacy
We are proud to carry on the legacy of women like Dora Maxwell and Louise Herring. Their commitment to financial inclusion and community service aligns with our own values, and we strive to honor their work by providing our members with the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial goals.
As a women-led credit union, PFCU is guided by a team of exceptional leaders who embody the values of service, innovation, and empowerment. Their leadership reflects the values of the credit union movement and serves as an inspiration to women in the financial industry and beyond.
With a Bachelor of Business Administration from UW-Whitewater, Christine "Chris" Moczynski began her career with Prime Financial Credit Union in 1995. Chris demonstrates visionary leadership with focus on community-building, advocacy, and innovation. Her commitment to credit unions is well-recognized across the State of Wisconsin as the Wisconsin Credit Union League Board Chair.
Amy Miller joined the Credit Union in 1998 and has consistently championed for the Credit Union's "people-first" approach, both as an employer and financial service provider for members. With a Master’s in Human Resource Management, Amy's work connects people and processes through approaches that leverage both empathy and logic.
Colleen Jakubowski has been a dedicated leader at the Credit Union since 1993. With a Bachelor of Science in Management from Cardinal Stritch University, Colleen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Colleen's expertise in operational excellence is exemplified in her drive to simplify overcomplicated processes and deliver greater value to members.
As we observe Women’s History Month, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women—past and present—who have shaped the credit union movement and, ultimately, the foundation of American finance. From pioneers like Maxwell and Herring to the women leading credit unions today, their achievements serve as inspiration for generations of women to come.