Contact Us Today
Subscribe to our newsletter
Facebook Twitter X Icon Linkedin

Author: Alex VanHaasteren

Katy Zaleski
Meet Katy Zaleski
Leadership & Organizational Development Consultant
Contact Katy
Katy Zaleski has over a decade of experience driving strategic initiatives across departments, playing a critical role in shaping organizational culture and driving professional and organizational development.
 
As Vice President of Human Resources, she led the Human Resources, Training and Financial Education Departments with a focus on culture, career development, and operational excellence. 
Katy’s career is a blend of philanthropy and credit union service.
 
She began on the front lines as a Head Teller and progressed into an IT Core Systems Specialist role, where she led key initiatives in process improvement, operational efficiency, and project management.
 
Her path then led to Human Resources leadership, where she drives positive change and contributes to strategic growth. Katy has successfully implemented strategies that elevate employee engagement, enhance organizational culture, and drive leadership and organizational development.
 
Katy is passionate about the credit union movement and the impact it has on members, communities, and the teams who serve them. Her work reflects a deep belief in the power of people helping people and a workplace culture that empowers teams.
mayuri
Meet Mayuri Samala
Marketing Assistant
Contact Mayuri
Mayuri Samala is an emerging marketing professional who brings a vibrant blend of creativity, curiosity, and fresh perspective. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2025 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a concentration in Brand Management and a minor in Sport and Fitness Management.
 
During her time at VCU, Mayuri built a strong foundation in brand storytelling, digital content creation, and values-based marketing through multiple internships and leadership roles. Her experience spans direct marketing, social media management, design, video production, and strategic communications. She has worked with organizations ranging from startups and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, sharpening her ability to connect with different audiences and deliver meaningful results.
 
At Humanidei, Mayuri is ready to help elevate how the organization shows up and connects with the credit union community. She thrives on the creative side of marketing, combining strategy with storytelling to strengthen brand presence and build authentic connections. Grateful to be part of an organization that prioritizes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, values that strongly align with her own, she is excited to grow with the company and continue making an impact.
Sonya Watkins
Meet Sonya Watkins
Director of Recruiting
Contact Sonya

With 28 years of experience working in retail banking and focusing on delivering exceptional member service, Sonya understands that the best results are achieved by creating an atmosphere of trust where diversity is encouraged. Sonya advocated for greater department synergies and additional training and development to enhance member service delivery. She also offered members Financial Literacy services to improve their financial well-being.

Sonya worked within branches and corporate offices, gaining insight and extensive knowledge of the overall vision and long-term strategy for the organization. This knowledge assisted Sonya in promoting into roles with increasing responsibility within Alaska USA Federal Credit Union.

Most recently, Sonya served as Vice President of Branch Administration, in the Alaska Region where she was responsible for branch operations, market trends, product development, banking strategies, service delivery, coaching, and development.

Sonya is a performance-driven business professional with high integrity, strong work ethic, and exceptional leadership skills. She is a meticulous and resourceful business leader with proven success leading productive branch teams throughout the Alaska region. Sonya has demonstrated effective communication through networking with other business lines and collaborating with colleagues throughout the organization.

Sonya is enthusiastic about “People Helping People” and believes this begins with ensuring a more inclusive workforce within the credit union sector.

Sonya holds a Diploma from Western CUNA Management School for strategic management and financial planning, Certified Diversity Recruiter’s Certification (CDR), Harrison Assessments Debriefing & Coaching Accreditation, and Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE).

Jaime Marks
Meet Jaime Marks
Director of Recruiting
Contact Jaime

A seasoned executor with an entrepreneurial spirit, Jaime brings over two decades of financial institution experience. She honed her skills in the heart of the credit union movement, gaining rich and invaluable experience in her various leadership roles within retail branch networks, operations, commercial and consumer lending, strategy, and people operations. She thrives on forging genuine connections, improving processes and empowering individuals through effective mentorship and coaching to ensure talent has the skills and support needed to be the best in the industry.

Jaime has been instrumental in enhancing operational efficiencies and profitability of numerous financial institutions. Her deep understanding and care for employee development and member experience has enabled her to significantly improve both the member and team-member journey.

Jaime is an unwavering champion of Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) and believes that a thriving credit union should reflect the vibrant tapestry of its community. Giving a voice to those who have no voice is her personal mission.

Having served as Board Chairwoman, Vice-Chair and Board member with various organizations, Jaime continues to dedicate her time, talent and treasure within her community of San Diego, California.

Tracie Kenyon
Meet Tracie Kenyon
Executive Development Partner
Contact Tracie

Tracie delights in helping people find their true potential and she’s passionate about credit unions. Her 40-year career has spanned four states, four credit unions, and two leagues; she recently retired after 22 years as the CEO of the Montana Credit Union League. She’s made long-term contributions to each organization she served: building a self-funded health insurance trust, launching a 501(c)3 aimed at financial wellness, developing a training department, creating a secondary mortgage program, starting a marketing department, rebranding, and rebuilding cultures.

During her tenure at the Montana League, she was recognized by her peers with the two highest awards, the Eagle Award, and the Eugene Farley Leadership Award.

Her commitment to continuous improvement led her to become a certified professional coach with the desire to employ the “starfish principle” – helping one credit union executive at a time be the best they can be.

An engaged professional, her previous board commitments include Filene Research Institute chairman, American Association of Credit Union Leagues chairman, Western CUNA Management School (WCMS) board treasurer, and National Credit Union Foundation board member. She continues to serve on the faculty of WCMS.

Tracie has a master’s degree in professional communication (MPC), bachelor’s degree in psychology, Certified Professional Coach certification, PCC (Professional Certified Coach) designation, CAE (Certified Association Executive) designation, and CUDE (Credit Union Development Educator) designation.

Ciara LaVelle
Meet Ciara LaVelle
Director of Project Management
Contact Ciara

Ciara LaVelle is a dynamic leader and strategic project manager with over a decade of experience in the credit union industry. Her background spans leadership, branch operations, lending, and organizational strategy, with a consistent focus on driving impactful, people-centered outcomes. Ciara currently serves as Director of Project Management at Humanidei, where she ensures internal operations and initiatives align with organizational priorities and values, including a commitment to inclusive and effective leadership.

Known for her ability to manage complex projects and build cross-functional alignment, Ciara is passionate about improving systems, developing talent, and delivering meaningful results. Her work reflects a belief that strong strategy and strong culture go hand in hand.

Ciara holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Duquesne University and is a proud Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE), certified through the National Credit Union Foundation. She also earned a certificate in Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from Georgetown University.

She utilizes her platform to create positive, lasting change—championing leadership development, operational excellence, and workplace equity. Ciara shows up as her whole self: thoughtful, driven, and committed to helping organizations and people thrive.

Frieda Afandi 2025
Meet Frieda Afandi
Vice President- Administrative Services
Contact frieda

Frieda joined O’Rourke & Associates in 2010 as Corporate Services Manager and has since advanced her career with Humanidei, where she now serves as Vice President of Administrative Services. Throughout her tenure, she has been a vital asset, overseeing key operational functions and ensuring seamless execution across the firm’s initiatives.

With extensive expertise in project management, Frieda provides strategic oversight in marketing administration, vendor management, and executive search and benefits consulting projects for financial institutions nationwide. Her specialized skills in market data analysis and candidate development have been instrumental in enhancing the firm’s recruitment and consulting services.

Following O’Rourke’s partnership with Humanidei, Frieda earned her certification as a Diversity Recruiter, leading efforts to implement equitable candidate sourcing and screening processes. Her deep knowledge of executive recruiting, combined with her ability to effectively engage with candidates, makes her an invaluable resource for both credit unions and organizations looking to strengthen their diversity recruitment strategies.

Frieda holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Criminal Justice from San Francisco State University.

Carl Clark
Meet Carl Clark
Senior Consultant, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Contact carl

Carl Clark began working in the credit union industry in 2008. Working primarily in marketing and public relations, Carl is an excellent public speaker that enjoys spreading the word about the virtues of credit unions to all who will listen. He is well-versed in Board governance and has created trainings and programs that help connect communities and businesses with resources that help them thrive. He has experience in community outreach and facilitating discussions around strategic planning.

Carl believes that credit unions are a reflection of the communities they serve and the people who lead those institutions should also reflect that community. This belief is what led him to Humanidei and a career of matching diverse talent with inclusive organizations.

Carl is actively engaged in his local credit union league chapter and served as the chapter president for several years. Carl also devotes time to mentoring youth in the greater Charlotte (NC) area.

At every phase of his career, Carl has worked to be a connector and liaison. Carl has a passion for credit unions and a belief in what they can accomplish in local communities. Carl holds a master’s in business administration from Pfeiffer University and a bachelor’s degree from Murray State University. Carl is a certified Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) and a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC).

Oscar Porras
Meet Oscar Porras
Senior Consultant, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Contact Oscar

Oscar Porras started his career in the credit union industry in 2001. He has primarily worked with community members of modest needs, credit union professionals of diverse backgrounds, and immerging markets with a focus on the Hispanic community in Oregon and California. That experience has led Oscar to Humanidei as a Senior Consultant for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Porras has experience in branch operations, lending, and community outreach. In each of his roles he has helped create, develop, and implement products and services that have helped guide immigrant community members and those of modest means into mainstream financial services.

From working with youth, professionals, and board members, Oscar is driven by the belief that everyone deserves an opportunity. The credit union industry will serve as a catalyst for diversity, equity and inclusion by purposely and intently providing opportunities for different ideas, opinions, and lived experiences. Credit unions will continue to grow and stay relevant by becoming a reflection of the communities they serve. Oscar is a certified International Credit Union Development Educator and has also received a certification from Georgetown University in Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace.

Jill Nowacki headshot
Meet Jill Nowacki
President/Chief Executive Officer
Contact Jill

Jill Nowacki started her career with credit unions in 2001. She has taken on leadership roles at credit unions and state and national trade associations. Now, she is using her experience and passion to lead Humanidei, a human capital strategies firm committed to making credit unions the workplaces and volunteer causes of choice for today’s workforce.

Nowacki has practical experience in politics and communication; human resources and strategic planning; community development and marketing. With each role, her purpose remained the same: Help credit unions realize their full potential to expand the economic capacity of members and communities.

Jill has deeply engaged with credit unions across the country, working with Boards of Directors and executive teams to foster growth. They need products, services, and technology to meet member needs, but the true differentiator is in credit unions that leverage the value of human capital to make their systems work best.

As the President/CEO of Humanidei, Jill helps credit unions increase relevance and win the war for talent at all levels, from front-line staffing through the Board of Directors. By strategically addressing the value of human capital, credit unions can create environments where people bring their best, authentic selves to work; resulting in diversity in thought, increased innovation, stronger succession planning, and ultimately: Relevant, growing credit unions that expand the economic capacity of the members and communities they serve.