With many 2016 resolutions being kicked off this month, CUTimes thought the timing couldn't be better to share some ofthe best advice from our 2015 Women to Watch honorees.

Thinkyou know someone who should be among the 10 women recognized in2016? Send in your nominations!

“I'd adviseeveryone to create their own values-based mission statement. We'veonly got one life. If you don't love what you are doing now, thentake a moment to think about what you might enjoy doing because youaren't doing anyone any favors by staying put. It's okay ifsomething doesn't meet our expectations because that creates a firefor the next thing. Every career move I've made, I've revisitedthat statement and it's clear to me when it's time to do somethingnew.”

Jamie Strayer

Founder/Instigator of Goodness

CU Strategic Planning

“One of thebiggest challenges is how to get people motivated to fight to beexceptional. That's where their personal and professionaldevelopment goals come in. What tools, support and mentoring can weprovide each other to help everyone be their best and achieve theirgoals?”

Amy McGillan

Unit Manger Papillion Nebraska Service Center

Pentagon Federal Credit Union

“I thinkdedication to personal development makes anythingpossible. Don't settle for mediocrity.”

Stacy Filmore

Vice President National Sales and Service

United Federal Credit Union

“Innovationdoesn't pay off in the short term. It takes perseverance and can bea painful process, but it will pay off. Our members' needs keepevolving, and we have to be flexible enough to look for ways to dowhat we can to meet those changing needs.”

Pam Fleuette

President/CEO

Sussex County Federal Credit Union

“Be apositive force in your organization. Never stop learning. Workhard, teach and motivate others, and the title and income willfollow. Identify two to three people you admire and ask them tomentor you. Don't limit yourself to just female mentors. I've hadmany mentors over the course of my career. They each taught mesomething important.”

Sharon Cook

Senior Vice President, Marketing/Public Relations

Mountain America Credit Union

“Women inparticular need to have confidence in their abilities. We need toknow what we do well and not be afraid to ask or step out of ourcomfort zone to do it. It's important to lead with actions and notnecessarily words. A true leader is not always the loudest. Theycould sit back, absorb all the information to summarize everythingpresented, and then act on those ideas regardless of theirposition.”

Rebecca Roberts

Principal, Strategic Initiatives

CFCU Community Credit Union

“Don't beafraid of failure or even success. I'm a firm believer that even ifsomething perhaps didn't work in the past, taking those lessons,looking for ways to improve and maybe providing different optionscan make it work. If it can't be done in-house, you can alwayscollaborate or find a third party who can help deliver.”

Alyssa Sykes

Vice President, Lending

Sunmark Federal Credit Union

“I oftenfind that organizations explicitly plan for everything but thepeople. Take the time to do that, and essentially your strategywill take your succession plan to the next level.”

Maria Rolston

Assistant Vice President, Learning Development

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union

“Without thesupport of my mentor Teresa Andrews and her giving me theopportunities I had, it would have been a longer climb to be whereI am today. So, I find it only fitting to be a resource for others.We all need someone to guide us at some point in our careers.Someone once told me that I would someday realize my true potentialwhen I believed I deserved it. They saw something in me that Ididn't see in myself and it was in that moment that I felt thatmuch more validated and inspired to increase my professionalcapacity.”

Tanita Richardson

Assistant Vice President, Real Estate Lending

Chevron Federal Credit Union

“I've never believed thatit has been necessary for me to change who I am to 'fit in' acorporate environment. Don't feel defeated by challenges orsetbacks. As a young person, it took me a while to learn that whenit came to questions of values and fairness, I was ready tocontribute even though my technical skills were still developing.Step up to explore doing different things. Mentors can be there tohelp push you out of your comfort zone, but you have to beself-motivated. You drive your success.”

Marvel Ford

Senior Vice President, Risk Management Officer

California Credit Union

“Credit unions should becommitted to examining whether and how they are making a realdifference for their members and in their communities. We need todo more than position ourselves as nicer, more affordablealternatives to banks.”

Deyanira Del Rio

Board Chairman

National Federation of Community Development CreditUnions

“The ability to listen isas important as the ability to speak. Are we paying attention towhat's going on in the world outside the credit unionmovement?”

Rose Rangel

Board Chairman

National Association of Credit Union Chairmen

“If you are trulyinterested in board diversity, then you have to be willing tostretch your reach beyond your usual zones, look for innovators andbuild a structure so that you have a staggered turnover.”

Juli Lewis

Board Chairman

National Youth Involvement Board

Member Relations Consultant League of Southeastern CreditUnions

“Those of us who areserving or have served must reach back to our sisters and offer oursupport, guidance and leadership. Always be prepared to step into aleadership role when the opportunity presents itself.”

Susan Streifel

President/CEO

Woodstone Credit Union

CUNA Board Chairman