Thank you for your interest in the Neoteric Changemaker Award for 2026. This award is presented on behalf of the African-American Credit Union Coalition and 40 Groups. Nominations will be accepted up until June 12. The winner will be announced at the 2026 AACUC Annual Conference, August 3-6, 2026 at the Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia.

The award is named after the first recipient of the award, Renée Sattiewhite, CEO and President of the African-American Credit Union Coalition. This national award recognizes those who have demonstrated personal perseverance, advanced the cause of “people, helping, people,” advocated for relevant ideation, and created positive programming for leaders. The unique name of the award was selected because it represents the literal meaning of the word neoteric: A modern person who advocates for new ideas.

Nomination Requirements:

Anyone may submit a nomination for the Renée Sattiewhite Neoteric Changemaker Award. Nominations must clearly document why the candidate should be considered, above all others, for this distinguished award.

Nominations must contain sufficient information to inform the selection process without additional research. Complete nominations must include the nominee's curriculum vitae or resume. While a CV or resume provides the committee with a more comprehensive overview of the nominee's accomplishments and experiences, it is not a substitute for any of the required items listed below. After reviewing initial nomination submissions, the committee may request reference letters to assist in the evaluation of the nominees under consideration.

The following is a list of examples that may be considered in the evaluation process:
  • Demonstrated an exceptional ability to make change happen in the credit union sector with a focus on modernizing the purpose of “people, helping people.”
  • A body of work that has had a broad impact on the advancement of the credit union movement within society.
  • Exceptional display of volunteerism within the credit union movement outside organizational or job description.
  • Been a role model or mentor for others and epitomized the true meaning of being a Changemaker – putting ideas into action.
  • Unwavering/Enduring commitment to achieving diversity, equity, inclusion and sense of belonging for a broad audience of stakeholders, across all demographic segments understanding that allyship is paramount to all sustainable initiatives.
Recognition:

Recipient will receive an award with their name engraved, which recipient may keep. The recipient will also receive two complimentary registrations to the 2026 AACUC Annual Conference.

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* 1. Your name

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* 2. Your title

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* 3. Your Credit Union or Organization Name

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* 4. Your email address

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* 5. Best phone number to reach you

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* 6. City

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* 7. State

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* 8. Please upload your file document that explains why the person you are nominating deserves to be recognized for the Neoteric Changemaker Award based on the evaluation criteria listed above. Please include all information the committee might need to review the nomination.

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* 9. Please upload the nominee's curriculum vitae or resume here.

Thank you for your nomination. Committee members will review all nominations once the deadline for submission of applications closes at 11:59 pm Eastern on June 12, 2026.

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