Mazuma Credit Union Hosts CU Disrupt Innovation Challenge

Partnership with CAPS Program provides a unique learning experience that rewards collaboration and innovation

Students discuss solutions for business challenges in Mazuma’s Community Room.

As part of its ongoing partnership with the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS), Mazuma Credit Union hosted its second annual CU Disrupt Innovation Challenge on April 11th. CU Disrupt is an innovative experiential learning program that provides opportunities for students to engage in real-world experiences that create solutions for actual business challenges. Nearly one hundred students from schools across the Kansas City metropolitan area met to “take over” Mazuma’s Overland Park Headquarters for a day of connective, collaborative engagement with each other as well as business leaders from the Credit Union and other local organizations. The students were split into teams to work together to identify and ideate solutions that addressed the challenge of attracting new Credit Union Members. Members of Mazuma’s Senior Leadership Team were available to mentor, encourage, and answer students’ questions related to the industry and the Credit Union. Later in the day, each of the five student groups presented their innovative ideas to a panel of judges from the local business and non-profit community, including representatives from Sporting KC, DMH Advertising, American Century, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and others. Presentations were judged on how connected the solution was to the business need, whether the solution is actionable, and the students’ presentation skills. The first-place team in each group was awarded a monetary prize during a celebratory announcement ceremony. James Merriman, Mazuma’s Member Experience Leader and emcee of the event, said “CU Disrupt provides an exciting opportunity for CAPS students to use their problem-solving skills and fresh ideas to work out solutions to real challenges that face the financial services industry. We are proud of our partnership with CAPS and enjoyed meeting this year’s students." All participants received SWAG bags full of event-branded items, a commemorative T-shirt, and a free pizza lunch. CU Disrupt, a highlight of the partnership between Mazuma and the CAPS program, is designed to create a fun, rich, and meaningful experience for students, Credit Union Team Members, and members of the local business community. The CAPS program’s five core values of profession-based learning, responsiveness, self-discovery and exploration, professional skills development, and entrepreneurial mindset encourage students to fully immerse themselves in the challenges they are faced with and sharpen important skills that will benefit them and their communities. “The CAPS Network is built to go where students lead,” Corey Mohn, President and Executive Director of CAPS Network, Inc, noted. “Our strategic partnership with Mazuma Credit Union pours fuel on this fire, providing our high school students with incredible access to professionals and opportunities to work on authentic projects and challenges. The CU Disrupt event empowers young professionals from across the Kansas City area to make a positive impact.” “We were so honored to host this vibrant group of students for the CU Disrupt Innovation Challenge,” remarked Deonne Christensen, Mazuma’s President and CEO. “As a Credit Union dedicated to serving all Kansas Citians, we are always eager to hear from today’s bright young minds and encourage them on their journey to becoming the innovative community and business leaders of tomorrow.” Mazuma was recently named an inaugural Kansas City Champion for the CAPS Network Council of Champions, and continually supports the development of CAPS students by providing internship opportunities at the Credit Union. Students eagerly embraced the opportunity to network with each other and with Mazuma personnel, exchanging resumes and connecting via LinkedIn.