Meet Audrey: Helping Members Build Stronger Financial Futures

At USF Credit Union, our Humans of Finance video series goes behind the scenes to introduce the people who make a difference in the lives of our members every day.

Today, we’re spotlighting Audrey R. from our St. Petersburg Campus Branch, who finds purpose in helping members navigate their financial journeys - from understanding credit and getting approved for a loan to taking the next big step toward their dreams.

A Passion for Helping People

Ask Audrey what she loves most about USF Credit Union, and her answer comes back to one thing: making a difference when it matters.

“The one thing that I love about USF Credit Union is being able to really help members when it matters," she says.

That passion takes many forms.

Along with lending, Audrey helps members understand their finances and build the knowledge they need to make confident decisions. She recently brought that commitment to campus, leading a financial literacy session for students.

Whether she’s helping someone work toward loan approval or teaching students the fundamentals of managing money, Audrey believes in meeting people where they are and helping them move forward.

A Little Guidance Can Change Everything

One member story stands out to Audrey.

She worked with a recent university graduate who was earning a good income and wanted to start her own business. There was just one obstacle: her credit score was low because she hadn't developed a plan for managing her payments.

Audrey took the time to review her credit history and walk her through what to prioritize, helping her understand how to pay down her balances and build healthier financial habits.

The results were remarkable.

With a plan in place, the member paid off outstanding balances and consolidated some debt with a personal loan. Her credit score climbed from around 500 to approximately 740.

And then came the big next step: she left her job and opened her own business.

Today, she's doing amazing.

For Audrey, it's a powerful reminder that sometimes people don't need to earn more money to make progress. They need the right guidance, a plan and someone willing to help them see what's possible.

Helping at Every Stage of Life

One of the things Audrey loves about the St. Pete branch is its location right on campus in the Student Center.

It brings her team into contact with students just beginning their financial journeys, as well as faculty, professors and members approaching retirement.

“We get to talk to a lot of students as well as faculty and the professors,” she says.

That means helping a student understand credit for the first time -or sitting down with someone who's ready to retire and asking, What do I need to do?

Those conversations may look different, but the goal is the same: helping people feel more confident about their financial future.

Love More

If Audrey could put one message on a billboard, she knows exactly what it would say.

“Love more. That's what we need in this world, more love. My sign would say love more.”

It's a simple message, but one that fits the way she approaches her work: with a genuine desire to help people and make a positive difference in their lives.

Outside the Branch

When she's not helping members, Audrey makes time for a few passions of her own.

Hot yoga is one of her favorite ways to stay active. She used to run five miles a day and hopes to get back into it, too.

She also loves to travel, especially when there's water involved. One of her favorite trips was to Aruba, where she enjoyed crystal-clear waters and went parasailing - with a view of giant sea turtles swimming below.

More recently, she traded the beach for the mountains on a trip to Napa Valley, taking in the views overlooking the city.

Different scenery, same appreciation for getting out, exploring and enjoying the moment.

For Audrey, helping people is more than a job. It's the reason she shows up each day - whether she's helping a member take control of their credit, giving a student a stronger financial foundation or helping someone turn a long-held dream into a reality.

That's Better Banking for All in action.

Here’s how you can join the family