YOU + TFCU Podcast

In this episode of the YOU + TFCU Podcast, hosts Israel and Terah sit down with Sarah Stephens, Community Engagement Manager at Tinker Federal Credit Union. Sarah shares how TFCU shows up across Oklahoma and beyond through community events, partnerships, and volunteer efforts. From shred days and member appreciation events to financial education and small acts of kindness, this conversation highlights how TFCU lives out its commitment to people helping people and why community involvement is at the heart of the credit union difference. 

Creators and Guests

Host
Israel Estrada
Host
Terah Page

What is YOU + TFCU Podcast?

YOU + TFCU Podcast explores the real-life moments where money, goals, and everyday decisions intersect. Featuring trusted voices from across Tinker Federal Credit Union, each episode offers clear insight, practical tools, and encouragement to help you make smarter financial choices with confidence.

Israel:
Welcome to the You + TFCU Podcast. I’m one of your hosts, Israel.
Terah:
I’m your host, Terah. And today we have a special guest, someone I call a dear friend. This is Sarah Roberts. Sarah, thank you for being on the podcast.
Sarah:
Thanks for having me. I’m excited to be here.
Terah:
Absolutely. Sarah, can you tell us your title and what you do here at TFCU?
Sarah:
Yes, I’m Sarah Roberts, and I’m the Community Engagement Manager at Tinker Federal Credit Union. I oversee all of our community initiatives, whether it’s parades, festivals, or really anything you can think of in the community. That’s what my team does.
Israel:
So awesome. We did some homework. I hear you’re from Lone Grove, Oklahoma, and that you grew up on a farm. Can you tell us about that?
Sarah:
Yeah. I’m from the small town of Lone Grove, where there are only a few stoplights. I graduated with about 90 people. I grew up on a farm with my parents — about 180 acres — fishing, hunting, and being outdoors. Back then, when you’re young, you don’t always appreciate living far from your friends, but it was such a blessing. Looking back, I wish I had treasured it more. Growing up being able to go fishing, run the land, and ride four-wheelers with my family was a lot of fun. I’m a country girl at heart, even though I live in the city now.
Israel:
Very nice. I don’t even know the definition of a farm, but I have two chickens, so I guess that counts. Driving country roads just feels different. I’m sure that farm work ethic translates into what you do for the community.
Speaking of community, why do credit unions show up more in the community than banks?
Sarah:
I believe it starts with the fact that we’re not-for-profit. We’re able to give back through higher dividends on accounts and lower rates on loans. Being member-owned also sets us apart. We have to be responsible with our members’ money and invest in things that matter to them.
We want to be good stewards of their money. We’re very community-oriented. “People helping people” is our motto in the credit union world, and I truly feel like we live that out at TFCU. We participate in over 400 community events. It’s a lot of work, but it sets us apart from other financial institutions because you don’t always see them out supporting nonprofits or interacting with people at parades and events. It shows we’re invested in the community and here to stay, not just in the metro, but also in Tulsa and now in Texas.
Terah:
That’s what I think is cool. We have members everywhere, from rural parts of the state to the city. How does your team determine what “community” means? Are you able to cater to those more rural communities?
Sarah:
That’s a great question because I love rural communities. That’s where I grew up. I’m always looking for opportunities in smaller towns like Ada, Seminole, or Enid. Those communities still have events, and we look for ways to get brand exposure there too. Everybody needs a financial institution, so we don’t show favoritism in any market. We’re willing to go anywhere.
Israel:
I’ve been out with my family before and suddenly see TFCU sponsoring an event, and it’s a different feeling. It’s easy to say we’re involved, but seeing it in person makes you proud as an employee.
Sarah:
Exactly. We don’t just talk the talk; we walk the walk. One of my favorite events is during November when we go to a local grocery store and hand out gift cards. Our CEO goes with us. There are lots of tears and heartfelt moments. For some people, that gift card makes a huge difference. We also sponsor the State Fair every year, which is a big event for us. It’s fun hearing people say, “You’re everywhere,” or “That’s my financial institution.”
Terah:
It’s fun when people proudly say they’re members.
Sarah:
Yes, or when they start competing over who has been a member the longest.
Terah:
Can you talk about the teamwork across the credit union that makes all this possible?
Sarah:
We couldn’t do what we do without volunteers. We have a team of five, but we rely heavily on employees across the credit union. We work closely with business development, lending teams, and branch employees. It takes a whole team. Without them volunteering to walk in parades or help set up events, we couldn’t do what we do.
Israel:
I think employees feel proud to be part of that.
Sarah:
We’re fortunate to bring smiles to people’s faces. We get to see and hear the good stories. We love sharing that feedback with others across the credit union.
Israel:
Switching gears, can you tell us about the benefits for organizations that become business partners with TFCU?
Sarah:
Our business partnership program is free and open to nonprofits, businesses, schools, churches — really anyone. We offer free financial literacy workshops, a mobile ATM unit, and membership eligibility for people connected to those organizations. We also offer financial coaching and access to financial advisors. When people feel good about their finances, it reduces stress and helps them grow personally and professionally.
Terah:
Sarah’s team and the business development team work closely together to support partners who host community events.
Israel:
What’s one key takeaway you’d want people to remember about TFCU and the community?
Sarah:
We truly value our members and our communities. We’re here to stay, and we’re always looking for ways to give back and meet people where they are. We want to bring positivity and make people feel excited about being part of a credit union.
Terah:
Tell us a little about your path to this role.
Sarah:
I’ve been at TFCU for six and a half years. I started as a business development officer and loved building relationships. Almost two years ago, I moved into the Community Engagement Manager role. It’s different and has its challenges, but I have a great team, and I love being part of the credit union.
Terah:
Do we ever collaborate with other credit unions?
Sarah:
Yes. Credit unions are really good about working together. One big event is CU in the Park at Scissortail Park, where multiple credit unions sponsor a free concert for the community. We’ve also participated in events tied to the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. It’s great seeing credit unions come together for a larger cause.
Terah:
What are some other annual events we host?
Sarah:
We host Save-a-Tron’s Birthday Party, Member Appreciation events, Heritage Club events for members 62 and older, fraud awareness events, and Shred Days. We hold Shred Days eight times a year so people can safely dispose of sensitive documents. They’re very popular.
We also host “On Us” events where we pay for small treats like coffee, car washes, or snow cones at local businesses. It’s a small act of kindness that makes people smile.
Terah:
If someone wants TFCU to be part of their event, what should they do?
Sarah:
They can visit tinkerfcu.org and find the Community Engagement page to submit a request. We review everything and respond quickly.
Israel:
Thank you, Sarah, for sharing all this. And thank you to our listeners. We’ll see you next time on the You + TFCU Podcast.