Meet Chantel Windeshausen, Vice President, Marketing at Centris Federal Credit Union (centrisfcu.org).

Tell us a little about your business. – Centris Federal Credit Union is a local credit union that has been part of the Omaha, Council Bluffs, Grand Island and North Platte communities for nearly 90 years. As someone that is new to the financial industry, one thing that I love about working for a credit union is our industry philosophy: people helping people. We all have goals and dreams for our future and having a financial institution that is focused on providing financial education, products and services that help meet those goals is something I am proud to be a part of every day.

How did you get started in the business? – I fell in love with the art of marketing in high school and have had the great opportunity to pursue this passion for over 24 years. I am new to the financial industry and I find it inspiring to have the opportunity to support and educate our members who are on their own unique financial journey. I also love being part of an organization that is dedicated to the local communities in which we serve.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – My greatest professional challenge was determining it was time to leave my former employer after 21 years to try something new. While it was hard to leave everything I knew and people I adore, having the courage to take a leap of faith gave me the confidence and belief that we all can do hard things.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – My most important achievement professionally was leading a global rebrand relaunch. It was a time of collaboration with like-minded marketers who shared the same vision and passion for seeing months of research, creative decisions and collaboration come to life. I can only hope everyone can work with a team where you can laugh AND cry together, who you can trust beyond measure and who supports you and lifts you up when you might not realize you need it.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Anything focused on self-care. A massage, pedicure, yoga, meditation, focusing on my faith, reading a book, being within nature, hanging out with my husband and two boys.

Who inspires you? – I am inspired by people that want to create memorable experiences for others. I am inspired by people that will not give up in the face of adversity. I am inspired by those that realize that lending a helping hand or sharing a smile with a stranger could be what changes someone’s life.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – The little things are the big things.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Thoughtful.

What is your favorite TV show? – Ted Lasso.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Centris has allowed me to learn about amazing nonprofit organizations in our community. I am looking forward to doing more volunteer work with Together Food Bank and Duet, a service provider for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – www.linkedin.com; www.centrisfcu.org.