The $635 million Michigan First Credit Union has selected Victoria Goldwater as the 2013-2014 spokesperson, or spokester, for Young & Free Michigan, an initiative to promote a positive financial message to young adults (17-25) throughout Metro Detroit.

A native of the Detroit suburb of Clinton Township and a communications major at Macomb Community College, Goldwater, 20, will be the voice of Michigan First for her peers in southeast Michigan, serving as a full-time employee.

She will be responsible for writing daily blog posts, creating weekly video updates, attending a variety of local events and participating in multiple media opportunities, the credit union said.

“As a credit union founded by educators, it's critical for us to continue to share the value of making smart financial decisions with the next generation—and to do it in a way that's fresh and exciting,” said Michigan First President/CEO Michael Poulos. “Victoria has risen to that challenge and will be a wonderful ambassador for this program. With her vibrant personality and outgoing nature, we're thrilled to watch her engage with audiences and help many more high school and college students, as well as recent graduates, gain the tools to live young and free.”

This year, Young & Free Michigan spokester applicants were required to submit an initial essay and video. Through more than 7,000 online votes, the search was narrowed down to 12 who attended Michigan First's Show Your Stuff Meet-Up event.

There, each applicant participated in a series of tasks—including mock media interviews, managing a Michigan First exhibit booth and improvising a skit—to evaluate their ability to carry out the role as the next spokester.

The finalists from the event were required to draft a blog post on financial responsibility and film a video entry before a panel of judges selected the winner.

As part of the contest, Goldwater won an Apple MacBook Pro, an HD video camera and a smart phone to use on the job. She also gets to drive the Young & Free Michigan Chevy Cruze for the year, along with paid gas and insurance. The remaining 11 finalists each received a $100 gift card and Young & Free Michigan branded gifts.

Goldwater replaces outgoing Young & Free Michigan spokester Austin Chapman, who will be returning to Lawrence Tech for his senior year.

Instant Insights /

Michigan First Picks Next Spokester

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