Nancy Lockrhyn: A Legacy of Leadership Through Faith, Service, and Inclusion
For Nancy Lockrhyn, VP of Finance, leadership has never been about climbing the ranks—it has always been about lifting others, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities where none existed before. Throughout her long-tenured career, she has witnessed the power of mentorship and inclusion, and she has made it her mission to foster an environment where others can thrive and push past the barriers she once faced. 
Her journey into finance was not a straight path. As a high school student, she excelled academically, but the reality of college seemed out of reach. That changed when a business teacher recognized her potential and refused to let financial limitations dictate her future. This teacher not only mentored Nancy but also advocated for her, securing scholarships—including one that came with a job offer at a bank. That moment set everything into motion, leading her into the world of finance and ultimately shaping her career in ways she never imagined.
Nancy never forgot what that teacher did for her. She learned early on that knowledge should be shared, not hoarded, and that the best leaders are those who lift others as they climb. But as she navigated her career, she encountered many who did not share that belief. In some workplaces, learning was treated as a rite of passage, made unnecessarily difficult because it had been difficult for those before her. Nancy chose a different path—one rooted in servant leadership, mentorship, and faith.
She carried these values with her as she transitioned into commercial lending, stepping into an environment that was competitive, male-dominated, and often unforgiving. The expectation was to match the intensity of the room, to command authority through volume and intimidation. But Nancy did not conform—she transformed. “If you’ve ever met me, you know I did not compromise my values—it was the temperature that changed,” she recalls. She remained calm, steady, and principled, and over time, the environment began to reflect her leadership, rather than the other way around.
Her approach to leadership was tested again when she took on the responsibility of supervising a team of women working evening shifts in bank operations. At first, she was met with judgment and bias, assumptions based on appearance rather than ability. But instead of responding with frustration, she led with patience and understanding, choosing to meet her team where they were. Over time, she became a mentor, advocate, and support system, coaching them through professional challenges and even stepping in to protect their jobs when personal hardships threatened their employment. What began as a difficult situation turned into a transformative experience—for both Nancy and her team. “The healing that occurred in hearts and minds during those years was beyond anything I could have expected,” she reflects. “I am humbled and blessed to have been part of their journey.”
Her career was one of constant evolution, shaped not just by ambition, but by the people who surrounded her. When she suffered from Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition that left her partially paralyzed, she found herself in a position she had never been in before—needing help rather than offering it. It was then that a mentor stepped in, refusing to let her struggle alone. That moment reshaped her understanding of leadership and community, reinforcing that strength is not just about perseverance—it is also about knowing when to accept support.
That same belief in building others up has guided her time at AEFCU. She has seen firsthand how finance can feel intimidating and inaccessible, and she has made it a priority to remove those barriers. Last year, she launched a Financial Update series, designed to help team members understand key financial metrics and see the connection between their roles and the organization's success. What started as an informational session evolved into a movement, inspiring even more targeted learning opportunities for those eager to grow their knowledge.
Her approach to inclusion is simple—it’s not just about hiring the right people, it’s about preparing them to succeed. “Hiring the best candidate for every role without bias is critical to success,” she says. “But preparing individuals to become that best candidate is how we open the door to more diverse representation at all levels of leadership.”
Nancy’s advice to women looking to grow in finance is straightforward and honest:
“Be patient. Success isn’t immediate, and real learning happens on the job. Build on small wins, seek knowledge, and take control of your own growth—because every step forward is an investment in your future.”
Beyond her work, Nancy remains committed to lifelong learning and personal growth. Whether she’s studying her faith, painting, writing, or kayaking on the lake, she believes that growth is a constant process—one that extends far beyond a career.
For Nancy, leadership is not about titles, power, or recognition—it is about serving others, sharing knowledge, and ensuring that every lesson learned is passed forward.
Jada McLaren: Leading with Purpose, Inspiring the Next Generation
From the moment Jada McLaren joined AEFCU in 2019, she has approached every role with curiosity, determination, and a passion for growth. What started as a position as a Member Service Specialist quickly evolved into a journey of continuous learning and leadership, moving through roles as a chat agent, retail financial representative, and now a Supervisor in the Member Sales and Service Center. 
Her rise through the organization is a testament to her commitment to personal development and her ability to adapt, but she is quick to acknowledge the women who helped guide her along the way. Mentors like Denise Henry, Margaret Baxter, Patty Mason, Lauren Rush, Ann Riley, Mary Brennan, and Jen McKeithan played a role in shaping her leadership style, offering support, wisdom, and encouragement at pivotal moments in her career.
Jada’s appreciation for trailblazing women extends beyond her personal mentors. Growing up, she admired Lisa Hanna, a Jamaican politician and former Miss World, who defied expectations by stepping into a male-dominated political arena. Though politics was Jada’s dream, her career path took her in a different direction. Still, Lisa Hanna’s story leaving a lasting impact, teaching her that success isn’t just about the title you hold, but about the impact you make and the doors you help open for others.
That belief became especially important when she transitioned into a leadership role. Moving from peer to supervisor required her to redefine relationships, set new boundaries, and tailor her leadership style to the diverse needs of her team. “I quickly realized that leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all,” she shares. “To be effective, I had to listen, learn, and meet people where they are.” Through that experience, she discovered that true leadership is about creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
That same passion for helping others thrive is what led her to mentor women and advocate for greater inclusivity at AEFCU. As leader of the People of Color OTRG and an active member of the DEIB Council, Jada is dedicated to ensuring that women—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—have access to mentorship, leadership opportunities, and the resources they need to grow.
Still, she knows there’s more work to be done. “AEFCU has made meaningful strides in fostering inclusion, but there’s always room to grow,” she reflects. She sees greater representation of women—particularly women of color—in leadership roles, mentorship expansion, and work-life balance initiatives as key areas for future progress.
For those looking to grow within AEFCU, her advice is clear:
"Be patient with yourself. Everyone’s path looks different, and success isn’t about following a straight line. Seek mentorship, take every opportunity to learn, and never doubt your ability to lead. The right conversation with the right person can open doors you never imagined."
Beyond her work, Jada finds joy in entertainment, self-care, reading, and volunteering—hobbies that reflect her values of balance, continuous learning, and giving back to the community. As she looks ahead, her focus is on advancing in project management and process improvement, with plans to earn her Project Management and Six Sigma certifications. But her vision extends beyond personal career growth—she hopes to be a visible example of what is possible for women, particularly women of color, who want to step into leadership and create lasting change.
This year’s Women’s History Month theme—"Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations"—perfectly reflects Jada’s journey. She has been guided by the women who came before her, and in turn, is helping shape the future for those who will follow. Her story is a reminder that progress is never a solo effort—it happens when we uplift one another, create opportunities, and move forward, together.
Written by: Devon O'Nalty, VP of Diversity & Inclusion at American Eagle Financial Credit Union