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Filene i3

A community of over 325 leaders and change-makers working across the North American credit union system and beyond.

Explore complex problems, see with new perspective, discover breakout solutions.

Filene i3 is a two-year innovation leadership program equipping top credit union professionals with the mindset, tools, and network to lead and shape the future.

Through this cohort-based program, participants work in cross-functional teams to explore and address some of credit unions’ most pressing challenges as identified by Filene's Think Tank and backed by research from Filene's Centers of Excellence. i3 participants learn cutting-edge innovation competencies grounded in three core categories:

  • Facilitating Innovation: Engaging the diverse perspectives of members, staff, stakeholders, and subject-matter experts to co-create new solutions.
  • Accelerating Learning: Exploring and iterating new ideas to gain insight, reduce risk, and validate solutions.
  • Leading Change: Mobilizing people and resources to inspire action and make change happen

Each year we select a new cohort of promising leaders who are passionate about shaping the future of the CU industry. 

The application deadline for Filene i3 Wave 20 has closed. Contact [email protected] with questions.



The methodologies have made my work better, and the connection to other business professionals has been HUGE!
Evan Mulcahy
2021 i3 Cohort
Innovation Consultant, Credit Union 1

SUBMIT A NOMINATION!

If you know someone that would be a great fit for this program, please send us your nomination and we will contact your nominee with application details!

Filene i3 Program Today

Over the course of this two-year program, participants will practice innovation through four experiential training modules:

Interested in becoming part of Filene i3? Here's What You Need to Know.

  1. Applications for 2024 will open in Q4.
  2. There is a fee of $1,899 annually for the program which covers the cost of resources that support the programming.
  3. The application includes three sections:
    • A short video introducing yourself.
    • Written responses to questions on why innovation is important to you and what is your motivation for wanting to be a part of i3.
    • A recommendation letter from your CEO or Manager.

If you have submitted an application for the current i3 Wave, you will be notified of your status shortly. Contact [email protected] with questions.

Selection Process

Each year we select a new cohort of promising leaders from a wide pool of applicants to join i3. The i3 selection process happens in four stages:

  1. Online Application : Interested candidates completed the online application by January 19. The application includes responses to questions, a letter of recommendation from your CEO or Manager, and a short video introducing yourself and insights on how your history and professional experience will contribute to the i3 experience. Instructions are found in the application link.
    We are also accepting nominations for leaders at your organization. If you have a leader in mind, please complete this nomination form and we will contact your nominee with application details.
  2. Application Interviews: Final candidates are then invited to virtual face-to-face interviews with the review team during the first few weeks of January.
  3. Candidate Selection: The applicant review team will select the top candidates for participation in the i3 program.
  4. Announcement: The new class of i3 will officially be announced to the marketplace in March of 2024.


As an i3er, I can attest to a new way of thinking, listening, learning and co-creating. Our credit union leaders, and movement as a whole, are more adept, influential and impactful because of the Filene i3 program.
Dohnia Dorman, 2018 i3 Cohort
Chief Experience Officer
African American Credit Union Coalition

Explore Solutions

Webinar Recap

View the findings from last year's i3 Innovators on six complex challenges facing credit unions.

Wave 16/17 Graduation

Webinar Recap

Wave 16/17 of the Filene i3 program graduated on May 1, 2023. Hear from each of the graduates on the biggest insights from their i3 experience.