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Summit Credit Union and StartingBlock announce selections for the ‘Summit Credit Union Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs’

February 7, 2025 Madison, Wis – Summit Credit Union, a member-owned financial cooperative and the #1 SBA Lender among Credit Unions in Wisconsin*, is proud to announce 11 women entrepreneurs selected into the second cohort of its Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs. The collaborative initiative is hosted in partnership with StartingBlock, Madison’s premier hub for startups and innovation. 
The Summit Credit Union Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs takes women entrepreneurs on a developmental journey through a 12-week, accelerator-style boot camp, followed by nine months of monthly meetings with their coaches for ongoing mentoring and accountability. Each fellow receives business basics through hands-on workshops and mentorship, as well as financial literacy and funding insights through Summit’s expert coaching and financial education. 
“Summit designed the Fellowship to support women in our communities by building their businesses, financial security and overall wellness,” said Summit CEO & President Kim Sponem. “We built great momentum with our first cohort and we look forward to seeing how our second cohort creates meaningful impact. Entrepreneurship is a powerful way to build wealth and we’re so proud to offer this innovative springboard to help women reach their goals.”
The Fellowship kicked off on January 24 and runs through January 31, 2026. Meet the 2025 Summit Credit Union Fellows: Dr. Taysheedra Allen, Rukmini Banerjee, Sarah Branch, Casey Foxen, Marissa Holmes, Dr. Angie Ingraham, Tashayanna Mixson, Kari Mysker, Amanda Thomas, Nyima Sanyang, and Robin Zander. Fellows were selected based on their business idea's viability, potential impact and alignment with the fellowship's goals.
“We’re excited to kick off the second cohort with another amazing group of women,” said Scott Mosley, CEO of StartingBlock Madison. “The Summit Fellowship creates a community for sharing ideas, insights, workspace and other valuable tools and resources for women entrepreneurs’ holistic success.” Back row left to right: Tashayanna Mixson, Rukmini Banerjee, Sarah Branch, Marissa Holmes, Casey Foxen
Front row left to right: Dr. Taysheedra Allen, Dr. Angie Ingraham, Nyima Sanyang, Kari Mysker, Amanda Thomas Not pictured: Robin ZanderAbout Summit Credit Union
Established in 1935, Summit Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative. Summit holds $7.5 billion in assets and has more than 265,600 members and 932 employees across 58 locations throughout Wisconsin. Since 2002, Kim Sponem has been CEO & President of Summit Credit Union, formerly known as CUNA Credit Union/Great Wisconsin Credit Union.
  
In 2024, Summit was recognized for continued excellence in employee engagement as a Top Workplace USA by USA Today for the fourth consecutive year and a Top Workplace in the Madison area by the Wisconsin State Journal the fifth year in a row. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel named Summit a Top Workplace in Milwaukee in both 2023 and 2024. Additionally, and representative of its focus on financial education, Summit received the Governor’s Financial Literacy Award in 2010, 2014, and 2016 and the Governor’s Financial Literacy Award – Legacy in 2019. 

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*SBA Lender of the Year Award for Credit Unions as awarded by the Small Business Administration of Wisconsin in 2023.

About StartingBlock Madison
StartingBlock – Madison's Startup Hub is the epicenter for entrepreneurship in Madison, Wisconsin. With a mission to support startups, foster innovation and drive economic growth, it offers state-of-the-art workspace, mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to young companies. For more information, visit . You might also be interested in Summit Credit Union was ranked in the top 4% nationally for financial returns to members, reflecting strong member value... From budgeting to saving, Summit helps you take control of your money and reduce stress for a secure future... Women’s Equality Day spotlights pay gaps, financial inequity, and the push to empower women through economic reform... Kim Sponem, CEO of Summit Credit Union, named 2025 United Way Campaign Chair, continuing her legacy of service... Summit Credit Union selected 12 inspiring women for its 2025 Fellowship, empowering entrepreneurs to grow and thrive... Summit’s “Equity in Money” initiative tackles the gender pay gap by boosting women’s financial confidence and security... Kim Sponem was named a “Legend of the Movement” for her visionary leadership and impact on the credit union industry... Kim Sponem, Summit Credit Union CEO, was appointed to TruStage’s Board of Directors, bringing decades of leadership experience... Summit’s Project Money program was featured in BRAVA, sharing expert tips to build financial confidence and security...