Crashing is not usually seen as a good thing. We think of it as breaking in, disrupting, or even failing. But this experience taught me that sometimes, things need to be crashed in order to transform into what they are meant to be. Ed Filene once said, “Progress is the constant replacing of the best there is with something still better.” That is exactly what Crashing is about—challenging the status quo, breaking down barriers, and stepping into spaces we might not have thought were meant for us. I had the privilege of joining 55 incredible leaders from across the country and beyond, all of us embracing the idea that crashing is a force for growth. Together, we stepped into the biggest credit union event of the year—not as observers but as contributors, advocates, and changemakers.
Crashing the GAC meant taking up space, making my voice heard, and proving that the future of the credit union movement is bright. Throughout the week, I had the opportunity to advocate for credit unions and our members on Capitol Hill, connect with industry leaders who share a passion for the People Helping People mission, learn from experienced professionals who once stood where I do, and build lifelong friendships with my fellow Crashers—55 of the most passionate, driven, and inspiring individuals I have ever met.
GAC was a whirlwind of knowledge. But beyond the policy discussions, keynote sessions, and panels, the biggest lesson I am taking home is this: Our movement thrives because of people who are willing to crash, to break the mold, and to rebuild with purpose.
Like the Japanese art of Kintsugi—where broken pottery is repaired with gold, making it even more valuable—crashing is about embracing imperfections, breaking through limitations, and coming out stronger than before.
I am incredibly grateful to Linda Carter for encouraging me to apply and to the MembersOwn Credit Union team for their support. A special thanks to President/CEO Scott Sullivan, Chief Advocacy Officer Brandon Luetkenhaus, and the Nebraska Credit Union League for making this opportunity possible.
Crashing the GAC was not just about attending a conference—it was aboutstepping up. It was about realizing that our voices, perspectives, and passion are what fuel the credit union movement. Advocacy is not just something we do once a year in D.C.; it is something we carry forward every single day in our communities, our workplaces, and our industry. The credit union movement was built by disruptors, by people who dared to do things differently, and that spirit is alive and well in every single Crasher I met at GAC. I learned that crashing is not about breaking—it is about breaking through. And that is exactly what we did.
Drew Baldridge – 2025 Crasher Marketing Coordinator, MembersOwn Credit Union
