Why is technical education essential for people entering the workforce? In this episode, you'll meet Dr. JacQuene Rainey, President of TCAT Jackson. She draws on her background in manufacturing to advocate for students and share how her experience led her to TCAT. You'll learn about TCAT's programs, ways for high school students to get connected, and opportunities available to students.

Highlights:

01:03 – Can you tell us about yourself and your early career path?

02:37 – How has your manufacturing background impacted how you lead today in education?

04:06 – What programs & opportunities does TCAT Jackson offer?

06:13 – How does TCAT Jackson's new Stanton campus tie into Blue Oval and the developing industry in that area?

08:00 – Is there a student success story you can share with us?

09:00 – What makes skilled trades so necessary and why are they such a hot topic right now?

10:45 – How can highschoolers interested in TCAT prepare for technical school?

12:51 – What are your typical student ages?

14:50 – What common barriers have you noticed that make pursing education difficult for students?

16:46 – How has the Leaders Education Foundation's workforce readiness scholarships assisted TCAT students?

18:21 – What encouragement would you give students investing time & money in their education?

19:11 – How can students find out more about TCAT?

19:56 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given?

20:55 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

To learn more about TCAT Jackson's programs or to set up a tour, visit tcatjackson.edu. For more information about applying for a workforce readiness scholarship, visit leadersgives.org/workforce-scholarships.

The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more about Leaders, visit leaderscu.com.

What financial goals do you have for 2026? Join Karen Freeman, Chief Operations Officer at Leaders Credit Union, as she shares advice on how you can make wiser money decisions this year. Tune into our newest episode of Pocket Change to learn how you can become more observant of your spending, what common financial challenges people are facing, and practical ways to establish credit.

01:19 – Can you tell us about yourself and what you do here at Leaders?

02:44 – What has your journey in banking looked like?

04:06 – Do you have any smart money advice for 2026?

05:26 – What are your personal financial goals for 2026?

06:40 – What financial challenges are our members facing this year and how would you encourage them?

07:43 – What are some practical tips for someone wanting to build or establish credit in 2026?

09:10 – What financial advice would you give college students and young adults?

11:11 – What makes a credit union different from a bank?

12:19 – What are you most excited about for Leaders in 2026?

13:09 – What is the best financial advice you've ever been given?

13:54 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

If you need help achieving your financial goals, get help from one of our Financial Champions by calling 731-664-1784 or visit one of our branches.

The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more about Leaders, visit leaderscu.com.

What keeps you coming back to the same career for 35 years? President & CEO of Leaders Credit Union, Todd Swims, joins us on the Pocket Change Podcast to reflect on his time at Leaders, the differences between credit unions and banks, and what he's looking forward to in 2026.

01:01 – What has 35 years at Leaders been like and what keeps you coming back every day?

02:10 – What would you say to someone who is hesitant to choose a credit union?

03:28 – Do you have any special stories from 35 years with Leaders?

05:36 – What would you like to say concerning our technology upgrade this year?

06:41 – What would you like to say to our members about what's next for Leaders?

07:56 – Can you tell us about the growth at Leaders over the last 35 years?

09:49 – Why is it important to give back to the community?

11:22 – What are you most looking forward to in 2026?

13:26 – What is some of the best financial advice you've ever been given?

14:40 – If you found some extra change in your pocket, what would you spend it on?

The Pocket Change Podcast is presented by Leaders Credit Union. To learn more about Leaders, visit leaderscu.com.

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