Publix Employees Federal Credit Union

March was a powerful month of Service with Purpose at PEFCU, with associates across Florida coming together to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. From supporting over 5,000 meals through food distribution efforts and providing more than 4,600 pounds of pet food to local families, to participating in environmental clean-ups and walking in support of survivors of domestic violence, our teams demonstrated what it truly means to lead with heart. We were also honored to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Junior Achievement Discovery Center in Polk County, an innovative investment in financial literacy and workforce readiness for future generations. As a committed partner, PEFCU is proud to play a role in shaping this transformative space. These efforts reflect the passion and dedication of our associates, and we’re excited to carry this momentum forward into April and beyond. 🔗 Read the full recap and learn more about how we’re making a difference. https://bit.ly/4dlCVEp

Join us for a free virtual workshop on Saturday, March 28, at 9 AM. Twenty-five random registrants for this workshop will receive a $5 Publix gift card, and one lucky attendee from each session will win a $50 Publix gift card. Reserve your spot and take a fresh step toward financial empowerment! Register for free here: https://lnkd.in/eqpdegwR Gift card recipients must attend the workshop. Gift cards will be emailed within five (5) business days after the workshop.

69 years of serving our members. Here’s to helping you reach your financial goals for generations to come!

Join us for a free virtual workshop on Thursday, March 26, at 6 PM. Twenty-five random registrants for this workshop will receive a $5 Publix gift card, and one lucky attendee from each session will win a $50 Publix gift card. Reserve your spot and take a fresh step toward financial empowerment! Register for free here: https://lnkd.in/eqpdegwR Gift card recipients must attend the workshop. Gift cards will be emailed within five (5) business days after the workshop.

What an incredible evening at our Women’s History & Empowerment Panel! 💬✨ The conversation was powerful, inspiring, and even a little funny at times; reminding us just how impactful it can be when women come together to share their experiences, perspectives, and encouragement with one another. A huge thank you to our phenomenal panelists, Ileana Kniss, Danielle Wood, Da'Lecia McDougal, and Shannon Patten, and discussion leader, Sadie Hammack, for bringing such authenticity, wisdom, and energy to the conversation. Your stories sparked meaningful dialogue and left all of us feeling motivated, empowered, and proud to continue lifting one another up. Events like this are a reminder that when we create space to listen, learn, and support each other, we all grow stronger together. 🩵

At PEFCU, we know that great service starts with great people. For Employee Appreciation Day, our branches brought a little bit of the islands to the workplace with a luau-themed celebration, featuring games, food, snacks, and sweet treats for our associates. 🌺 It was a fun way to celebrate the team whose dedication, collaboration, and commitment to our mission make a difference for our members every day!

We’re excited to introduce the panelists for our upcoming Women’s History & Empowerment Panel. Each of these inspiring leaders brings unique experiences, perspectives, and a passion for empowering others in our community. ✨ Ileana Kniss — Chief Development & Marketing Officer, United Way Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and raised in Lakeland, Ileana has more than 18 years of experience in fundraising, development, and community relations. She has worked with organizations including the Lakeland Chamber, Polk State College Foundation, and Peace River Center, and currently serves as President of Lakeland Vision. Ileana is deeply committed to community leadership and giving back. ✨ Da’Lecia McDougal — Director of Deposit Services, Publix Employees Federal Credit Union Da’Lecia is a purpose-driven leader who provides strategic oversight and operational leadership at PEFCU, helping deliver exceptional member experiences. Known for bridging vision with execution, she also serves on community leadership initiatives, including Lakeland’s EMERGE Steering Committee. Outside of work, she leads youth and children’s ministry at her church and is a devoted wife and mother of three. ✨ Danielle Wood — Director of Associate Experience Operations, Publix Super Markets, Inc. Danielle has spent 35 years with Publix, where she now leads Associate Experience Operations. Her passion for people and culture runs deep; her family represents four generations of Publix associates. Danielle is also active in the community, serving on the boards of KidsPACK and the Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association. ✨ Shannon Patten — Chief Experience Officer, Publix Employees Federal Credit Union With more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, Shannon is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that build strong relationships. After 25 years with Publix, she joined PEFCU six years ago and now serves as Chief Experience Officer. A graduate of Leadership Florida and Leadership Lakeland, Shannon is deeply committed to community leadership. 📅 Join us on Thursday, March 12, at 6:30 PM at Catapult Lakeland, for this inspiring conversation. 🔗 RSVP here: https://bit.ly/4covjR7

At our annual PEFCU Purpose event, we proudly recognized our Branch of the Year Award, an honor selected by leadership based on performance and overall impact. This year, we’re excited to celebrate our Lakeland Branch for earning this distinction. 👏 The Lakeland Branch team delivered top overall performance across our Branch of the Year model, demonstrating excellence in both results and culture. ✨ Strong loan and membership production ✨ Exceptional member engagement ✨ High associate engagement and a thriving branch culture Their success reflects more than just impressive numbers; it reflects teamwork, consistency, and a shared commitment to serving our members at the highest level. Congratulations to our Lakeland Branch for leading the way and representing what it means to grow together, rooted in purpose. 💙