CCUA is always proud to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of our learners who go above and beyond to earn multiple Credit Union Institute of Canada (CUIC) accreditations. Navi Dhiman of Vancouver City Savings Credit Union is a four time CUIC graduate with accreditations in business lending, consumer and residential mortgage lending, and is both a fellow and associate of the institute. Congratulations on such dedication!

We asked Navi a few questions about her journey with CUIC, and here's what she had to say:

What did you enjoy most about your CUIC accreditation journey?

What I enjoyed most about my CUIC accreditation journey was the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the credit union system while connecting theory to real-world leadership and member service experiences. The program challenged me to think strategically, broadened my perspective on cooperative banking, and reinforced the important role credit unions play in creating positive community impact.

Were there any courses, facilitators, or connections that helped shape your experience or career growth?

Absolutely. While each course contributed to my learning, the opportunity to connect with facilitators and peers from across the credit union system had the greatest impact on my experience. Their diverse perspectives, experiences, and willingness to share challenges and successes broadened my understanding of our industry and strengthened my leadership approach. The relationships I built throughout the program became a valuable professional network and source of ongoing learning. The combination of practical coursework, engaging facilitators, and meaningful connections helped shape both my career growth and my appreciation for the cooperative values that set credit unions apart.

What impact have these accreditations or credentials had on your career so far?

The CUIC accreditation and related credentials have had a meaningful impact on my career by broadening my understanding of the credit union system and strengthening my ability to lead with a strategic, cooperative mindset. The learning reinforced the connection between purpose, member value, and organizational success, which has been invaluable throughout my leadership journey.

Have there been any specific instances in which something you learned through CUIC training aided you with a member or colleague?

Absolutely. The CUIC programs reinforced the importance of balancing business decisions with member impact and cooperative values. I've applied these lessons when helping members navigate complex financial situations by drawing on both retail and business best practices.

What advice would you give to any future or current CUIC learners?

My advice to future CUIC learners is to approach the program with curiosity and an open mind. While the coursework is valuable, some of the greatest learning comes from engaging with your peers, sharing experiences, and exploring perspectives from across the credit union system. Take the time to build relationships, ask questions, and connect the concepts to your day-to-day work.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

One thing I'd like to highlight is that continuous learning has been a cornerstone of my career. The CUIC journey not only expanded my knowledge of the credit union system but also reinforced my belief in the power of cooperative values, inclusive leadership, and community impact.

Congratulations to Navi on her admirable CUIC journey! We are so excited to see what you do next.

Interested in learning about accreditations? Check out our certification training page or reach out to clientsolutions@ccua.com for next steps.