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Filene i3

A community of over 380 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 one-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 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 one-year program, participants will practice innovation through four experiential training modules:

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 close of the application window. 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 also accept nominations for leaders at your organization at any time. 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 in late January and early February.
  3. Candidate Selection: The applicant review team selects the top candidates for participation in the i3 program.
  4. Announcement: The new class of i3 will be officially announced to the marketplace in March of 2026.


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

Filene's i3 Wave 22: Building the Future of Credit Union Innovation

Blog Post

Now is not the time for credit unions to accept the status quo. Our industry needs passionate innovators with a fire in their belly to build the future. That's exactly what Filene's i3 program is designed to create, and Wave 22 represents the next generation of leaders ready to do just that. Meet the 24 inspiring credit union professionals from across the country who were selected to join this prestigious program and discover why the future of our industry is in good hands.

Explore Solutions

Webinar Recap

Review the webinar materials from i3 Prototype Presentations (Parts 1 & 2), hosted on March 12th and 13th, 2025.

Blueprints for Innovation: The Latest Concepts from Filene i3

Report