Presenting Sponsor Spotlight: Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union

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Thank You Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union!

We are proud to shine a spotlight on Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, a dedicated community partner of the Lamar Educational Awards Foundation (LEAF) and Lamar CISD.

For three years, Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union has served as a Presenting Sponsor of New Staff Stampede, helping us welcome and support new educators as they begin their journey in Lamar CISD. Their continued investment in education reflects a strong commitment to empowering students, supporting teachers, and strengthening our community.

Founded in 1954 and serving more than 65,000 members from College Station to Missouri City, Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union is dedicated to supporting educators.

Through initiatives such as helping newly hired teachers bridge the gap before receiving their first paycheck, providing   scholarship opportunities for students, and offering financial literacy resources for all ages, Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union works to make meaningful differences in the lives of those they serve. Their continued commitment to education and community partnership aligns closely with LEAF's mission of empowering students while supporting educational excellence throughout Lamar CISD.

At Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, an organization with a goal to “stand beside our members with trust, service, and community at heart.” Their partnership with LEAF helps create opportunities for students and educators while advancing our shared vision of educational excellence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union for their continued commitment to education and for investing in the success of our community. We’re proud to call Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union a valued partner in helping ignite bright futures across Lamar CISD.

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Employee Spotlight: Meet Fatima

Membership Development Representative, Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union

Fatima Elizondo joined Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union shortly before her graduation from the University of Houston with a degree in Marketing and Management. Her current role as a Membership Development Representative allows her to build relationships with schools, which includes supporting students, educators, and staff across the region. One of Fatima's most rewarding experiences this year was directly bringing financial literacy programs into classrooms.

From January through May, Fatima visited schools throughout the community, presenting age-appropriate financial education programs to students from kindergarten through high school.

Working with more than a dozen school districts, no two days are ever the same. In fact, that's exactly what she enjoys most.

LEAF Favorites

Fatima serves more than a dozen school districts, but her involvement with Lamar CISD and LEAF has been especially meaningful. Through Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union's partnership with LEAF, she regularly collaborates with educators, administrators, and staff to support district events and initiatives.

When it comes to LEAF events, Fatima's favorites include Grant Express, Men Who Cook, and Surfs Up. Grant Express holds a special place in her heart because it allows her to see the impact of a year's worth of fundraising and support come to life.

For Fatima, one of the most rewarding aspects of working with LEAF is the welcoming community. Whether she's connecting with teachers at events, supporting school programs, or celebrating educators' achievements, she values the relationships that have been built through the partnership.

When asked what advice she would give herself when first starting her career, Fatima's answer was simple:

"Don't be so hard on yourself. Be grateful for what you have and keep doing what you're doing."

LEAF is grateful for partners like Fatima and Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union, whose dedication to supporting educators and students helps make a lasting impact throughout Lamar CISD. If you would like to learn more about deepening your partnership with LEAF, please send an email to LEAF@LCISD.ORG to schedule a discovery meeting.