U&I Care Award
We have an incredible team of individuals at Great River Federal Credit Union. We created the U&I Care Award to highlight all of the great things that they do to exemplify our core values while making a difference in the lives of our members, community, and co-workers.
We Value…
Unity
I will care and collaborate.
Innovation
I will be your solution advocate.
Community
I will support and participate.
Authenticity
I will be honest and present.
Relationship
I will treat you with respect.
Empowerment
I will take ownership.
The U&I Care Award is a peer chosen award given quarterly.
Let’s meet Cara, our 2023 2nd Quarter Winner.
Q & A with Cara
Favorite thing about working at the Credit Union?
“Your story, is our mission!” This is my favorite thing about working at Great River. I feel proud to work for a company that truly stands by their mission with their members and their employees. Our stories matter! I feel encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and supported along the way.
Fun fact about yourself?
When I was a year old, my father picked up a couple hitch hiking. This couple ended up living on our farm for two summers, got married there (I was the flower girl), and then moved back to London. This is the family that I was able to stay with while I was studying there! The gentleman’s name is Paul Greengrass. A couple years after my London stay, he became a movie director for multiple, well known American movies including The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, Captain Phillips, and News of the World.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love spending time with friends and family. Especially playing games; outdoor games, board games, or card games. I also enjoy many types of arts and crafts; crocheting, pottery, stained glass and my Cricut is my favorite tool!
Favorite place you’ve been and why?
My favorite place that I have ever been is London, England. I was fortunate enough to be able to do my student teaching there! For three months, I stayed with friends of my family and learned so many life lessons that are still with me today.
Favorite movie/TV Show and why?
It is impossible for me to pick a favorite movie or TV show. I love so many!!! There is nothing better than cuddling with my dog and/or cat while watching a good show!
It is difficult for me to pick my favorite ANYthing! Lol! I have been blessed with a truly great life and love so many different “things.”
Do you have a favorite quote? What is it?
One of my favorite quote is from Maya Angelou, “This is a wonderful day, I have never seen this one before.”
One of my favorite bible verses is “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Mathew 5:16 The world can be a very dark place sometimes and this verse reminds me to work towards being a bright light in the world rather than hiding amongst the darkness.
Donation of Winner’s Choosing
As a part of the award, the Credit Union will donate $50 to the organization of the winner’s choosing, on their behalf. This quarter $50 will be donated to: 510 Art Lab. The 510 Art Lab provides an inclusive learning environment striving to nurture and promote all aspects of art conveniently located on Sinclair Lewis Avenue, Sauk Centre, Minnesota.
U&I Care Nomination:
I would like to nominate Cara Lewis for the U&I CARE Award.
I recently listened to Simon Sin-ek say, “There is a difference between leaders and those who lead.” As he began to explain…”Leaders hold a position of power or authority but those who lead inspire us. We don’t follow those who lead because we HAVE TO, we follow them because we WANT TO. We follow, not for them, but for ourselves.
Wow! At that moment I understood what he was teaching us, and I knew exactly who fit that “those who lead” for me.
Cara Lewis builds relationships with ease. Not a single day goes by that I am not inspired to be a better person when I am in her presence. She has a true gift for making people feel worth and love. The Sauk Centre branch is alive with kindness and laughter because of her. Our members will stop in sometimes just for a quick “Cara hug” or to share exciting news with her. She is a wonderful cheerleader for both our members, and for Melissa and me. She makes us feel needed and appreciated. She is warm and welcoming to all.
Cara is constantly showing me how important our community is. She gives of herself freely and with a big smile. She is intentional with her time and amazes me at what she fits into her days. She is quick to volunteer to be helpful at other Great River branches, as well as always willing to help with other activities – highway clean-up, parades, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on wheels…..etc.
Cara is authentic. She speaks her truth. I think what I love most about her is her humility. Cara is not afraid to be herself. She feels very comfortable saying things like “I’m going to get that answer for you.” “I am not sure on that, but I will direct you.” “I will check on that for you and reach back out with an answer.” She is a breath of fresh air!
I would like to end my nomination with a moment I witnessed, firsthand, at the Sauk Centre branch recently which will absolutely give you a glimpse into who Cara is as a person.
An older gentleman from our Sauk Centre community, that had clearly been treated medically and had limited ability with his arm, stopped by and felt comfortable enough with Cara to approach her and ask if she wouldn’t mind tying his shoelaces for him. There was not a moment’s hesitation as she knelt and tied his laces. She is THAT person. The one you can trust to see you and accept you with love and compassion.
I feel grateful to know her.
Nominator: Shana Satterlee
Member Advisor I