CU Shine
Shaunna’s community involvement
Shaunna’s passion for community involvement may have started as a self-improvement effort, but it quickly grew into a lot more than she ever expected. As part of her CWCU-supported community involvement efforts, she is determined to make sure we are deeply connected to the communities we serve.
How Shaunna found her passion while searching for her voice
When Shaunna Grissom became a part of the Employee Engagement Committee at Central Willamette Credit Union, her motivation was personal. “I had horrible stage fright,” she said. “I wanted to improve my public speaking, and I thought joining the EEC would help.”
But what started as a quest for self-improvement quickly blossomed into a deep love for community involvement. “I ended up falling head over heels for it,” she said. “I didn’t realize how many ways there were to get involved until I joined.”
Shaunna’s story at CWCU began nearly three years ago, and in that time, she’s worn many hats. She started out as a roving Financial Advocate, and has worked at every branch except Newport, Eugene, and Bend. She’s been a steady, familiar face at the Lebanon and South Salem branches and now brings her expertise to the Member Solutions team. Her adaptability and willingness to step in wherever needed have made her a valued team member across the organization.
In addition to her full-time job duties, Shaunna has coordinated and participated in several volunteer events through the EEC. From Storybook Land and the LBCC Pumpkin Patch to Furniture Share and the Father’s Day Firehouse Fun at the Oregon Fire Museum, her impact is felt across the region. She has also rallied volunteers for the American Red Cross, local Boys and Girls Club events, and even handed out snacks and water to athletes at the Special Olympics in Corvallis—a highlight she hopes to repeat.
Shaunna’s dedication to community service is rooted in her upbringing. Growing up in Lebanon with her mother and three sisters, volunteering was always a family affair—especially at St. Edward Church and in cancer awareness events, a cause close to their hearts.
“As long as I can remember, we were helping out,” she said. For Shaunna, the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” is a natural extension of her own values.
Her commitment doesn’t stop at work. Shaunna continues to volunteer at church alongside her mom when she can. She estimates she contributed about 48 hours to community volunteer activities last year alone.
Balancing a busy work schedule with extensive volunteer commitments isn’t easy, but Shaunna credits her success to teamwork and organization. “I couldn’t do it without my team and good communication,” she said, giving a special shoutout to her committee colleagues for their support. “I really like the difference between credit unions and banks. I like the aspect of helping one another.”
Thank you, Shaunna, for your unwavering commitment to our members, our team, and our communities. We CU Shine!