NEW OREANS–Luminate, the state CU trade association for Louisiana, announced the winners of its 2025 Luminate Awards during the Luminate Conference.
The event recognized individuals and credit unions for their exceptional contributions to the credit union movement, underscoring their dedication and innovation, the association said.
Award Highlights
Milestone anniversaries were celebrated for the following credit unions:
- 50 years: Engage FCU and UBC Southern Council of Industrial Workers FCU
- 75 years: Acadian FCU, Coast Guard Employees CU, and LES FCU
Radiance in Marketing Awards
- Annual Report: Sevenfold FCU ($0-$50 million in assets), BRECO FCU ($50-$150 million in assets), and Centric FCU ($150+ million in assets)
- Community Outreach: POE FCU ($0-$50 million in assets), Wesla FCU ($50-$150 million in assets), and Southwest Louisiana CU ($150+ million in assets)
- Integrated Campaign: Post Office Employees CU ($0-$50 million in assets), University of Louisiana FCU ($50-$150 million in assets), and Meritus FCU ($150+ million in assets)
- Social Media: St. Tammany FCU ($0-$50 million in assets), Ascension CU ($50-$150 million in assets), and Pelican State CU ($150+ million in assets)
Enlighten Award: Southwest Louisiana CU
“This award celebrates credit unions that exemplify the sixth cooperative principle of Cooperation Among Cooperatives. Southwest Louisiana CU was nominated by OnPath FCU for consistently shows up as a resource for others, sharing their time, experience, and insight to help move the entire movement forward,” Luminate said. “Whether in League-hosted discussions or collaborative peer forums, their leadership brings real-world perspective on everything from digital growth to grassroots outreach. They share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and why. Their guidance on sustaining mission integrity while expanding services has led to informed conversations at OnPath and beyond.”
Emerging Leader Award: Kimberly Chapman of Neighbors FCU
“Chapman is an emerging leader in the credit union industry, recognized for her nearly two decades of service at Neighbors Federal Credit Union and her unwavering commitment to financial literacy and wellness,” Luminate said. “Through initiatives like the Women’s Empowerment Program, the Neighbors Way Tuition Assistance Award, and her ongoing financial education outreach—including hosting the Money Matters podcast—Kimberly has made a lasting impact on thousands of lives in her community. Selected from numerous nominations by a panel of judges outside of Louisiana, she will receive a full scholarship to America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference.”
Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Martha Castillo from OnPath FCU
“Castillo has made a profound impact on OnPath and the broader community through her purposeful leadership as board chair, guiding the credit union to become more strategic, inclusive, and mission-driven, especially in serving low-income and underserved populations,” Luminate said. “Beyond OnPath, her advocacy for Hispanic and Latinx communities and her extensive volunteer work have strengthened financial inclusion and expanded access across Louisiana.”
Louisiana Credit Union Hall of Fame
The 2025 inductees are:
- Gary Hall, La Capitol FCU
- Joseph Leo Papa, New Orleans Firemen’s FCU
- Joyce Butler, Carter Credit Union
- Madeline Sander, New Orleans Firemen’s FCU
- Mark Drennen, La Capitol FCU
- Neil Johnston, Xplore FCU
- Steve E. Webb, Jr., Neighbors FCU
Legends Award, Judy DeLucca from New Orleans Firemen’s FCU
“Previously announced, DeLucca, a true pioneer in the credit union movement, has spent over 45 years reshaping what it means to serve, building nationally recognized programs that offer ethical alternatives to predatory lending and champion financial inclusion,” Luminate said. “Her legacy continues through the thousands of lives she’s impacted and the future leaders she’s mentored.”
Celebration of Extraordinary People
“The Luminate Awards are a celebration of the extraordinary people and programs that make our credit unions shine,” Juan Fernandez, president and CEO of Luminate, said in a statement. “This year’s recipients embody innovation, integrity, and the cooperative spirit that powers everything we do.”
