Voices of leadership: women driving impact at Credit Human

It’s Women’s History Month and Credit Human is proud to be led by some pretty fantastic female changemakers. We sat down with Amy Engallina, Chief Marketing Officer, and Cynthia Klint, Chief Governance Officer, to tackle some of the most pressing questions about financial equity for women, using their own personal stories and career journeys to shed light on these topics.

Together, they help guide Credit Human’s mission—one through giving voice to our brand, the other through the heartbeat of its values. What follows is a look into their paths, their wisdom and the way they think about women, money and possibility.

Explain your role at Credit Human

Amy: My work is all about helping people understand who we are—our mission, our values and why we exist. Through marketing, advertising and brand work, I want empoloyees and members to really feel our purpose: that they are more than a number and they're not alone in their financial lives.

Cynthia: My role is a little unusual for the financial sector because it isn't traditional governance, like compliance and regulatory. It's more about our mission and values and how we live that as an organization. I shape policies and leadership processes and oversee initiatives involving culture and internal communications. I always say, "I'm the keeper of the mission." I focus on making sure we stay true to why we exist. For me, clear is kind and simple is better. If our systems and communication support our values, then we're doing it right.

How did you get started in your finance career? What drew you to work in a credit union/Credit Human?

Amy: I spent my first 15 years in advertising at AT&T and Oracle before shifting to financial services in 2014. That was my crash course in investments and financial planning. I knew the basics, like 401(k)s, but this was a totally new world. What I loved most was just helping people understand their options and choose the life they wanted. When I discovered the opportunity at Credit Human, I was fascinated by the mission. This was the first time I'd found a financial institution where what members need truly comes before what we're trying to sell. It felt like the perfect fit.

Cynthia: My journey wasn’t linear at all. In college, I worked as a teller—honestly I think it was the hardest job I’ve ever had. After graduating, I had a few jobs in various industries but ended up spending 26 years at an expert-witness firm looking at how people got injured in accidents, which was fascinating but not my forever home. When I learned about Credit Human, similar to Amy, it was the mission that drew me in immediately. I have a finance degree and experience running a business, but credit unions are different. They’re grounded in people, not profits. That alignment made the choice to work here easy.

The finance industry has very few women in leadership roles. What advice would you give women who want to advance but feel nervous or unsure?

Amy: My advice is to trust your instincts, lean into what makes you different and remember you don’t have to let the people who came before you define you or what you’re capable of contributing to this industry. My grandmother was the one who instilled this in me. In the 40s, when all the men were going off to war and women were staying behind, she said, “why not me?” She joined the Auxiliary corps and was stationed in Africa delivering correspondence between the officers. Then after the war she still got married, had six kids, held a career and led a beautiful whole life. She lived her values and never sat to the side. When I think something’s not fair, I think about her. This is for us. We can do this.

Cynthia: Confidence matters, especially when you don’t see many people like you in leadership. I’d encourage women to advocate for themselves, be clear about what they want and pursue opportunities even if they don’t feel fully ready. Growth usually comes from taking a bit of risk, and confidence often follows action, not the other way around.

Only 26% of women in America rate their financial health as “very good” or “excellent.” What is one thing women can do to improve their financial well-being?

Amy: Educate yourself. Read, listen, explore. Even small bits of knowledge can build huge confidence. And save early—even tiny amounts. Life will always tempt you to spend. Choosing to save is choosing future you. You deserve that care.

Cynthia: Ask for help. There’s so much shame wrapped around not knowing things about money, but why should there be? Most people don’t talk openly about finances, so of course people can feel lost. Vulnerability is power here. When I was in my late twenties and drowning in student debt, a friend sat with me and helped me make a plan. Writing that last check felt like being released from jail. It changed everything—not because I suddenly had more money, but because someone said, “let’s look at this together.”

And now a mini pep talk:

We’re all participating in a modern economy that can feel strange, complicated and at times overwhelming. With that said, financial knowledge doesn’t have to happen all at once. At Credit Human, we believe in taking small, steady steps—focusing on what’s relevant to you right now—to make a meaningful difference. Even learning one new thing at a time is a powerful start, and we’re here to support you as you grow your financial confidence. Stop by your nearest Financial Health Center for a free conversation on how to reach your goals.