Kim Sponem Honored for Community and Female Empowerment Efforts in Wisconsin
Summit Credit Union CEO and President recognized by WAFCS and The Business Forum
MADISON, Wis.—Summit Credit Union CEO & President Kim Sponem was recognized by two Wisconsin organizations last week for her statewide efforts around community leadership and female empowerment. Sponem received the Wisconsin Friend of the Family Award by the Wisconsin Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (WAFCS) and was nominated for The Business Forum’s annual ATHENA award.
“At Summit Credit Union, we recognize the unique needs and desires of women and their families,” said Sponem. “I am proud of the many ways we incorporate just in time financial education and programs that make a real impact for families. Women are much more likely to end up in poverty than men. We have worked with thousands in our communities building stronger financial lives.”
Sponem was presented the Wisconsin Friend of the Family Award for demonstrating outstanding service in advancing public policy and advocacy to support families in Wisconsin. Through her service, she personifies the WAFCS mission of helping area individuals, families and communities achieve a better quality of life.
Presented by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and universities worldwide, the ATHENA award is given to individuals who exemplify excellence and leadership in their profession. Sponem was nominated for The Business Forum’s annual ATHENA award in recognition of her efforts to help women realize their full leadership potential.
As Summit Credit Union’s CEO & President since 2002, Sponem has helped the financial cooperative grow from $200 million to $3.3 billion in assets, while expanding its footprint from four locations to nearly 40 across southern Wisconsin.
Under Sponem’s leadership, Summit has won dozens of awards recognizing its community service, including the Philanthropy Award for Outstanding Business and three Governor’s Financial Literacy Awards. In 2018 Sponem received the Edgewood College Alumni Award for Ethical Leadership and Outstanding Service and was recently named one of Madison’s 25 Most Influential People by In Business Magazine.