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2025 Payments Institute Scholarship Winner Shares Insights and Experience

By Hoot-E posted 08-15-2025 14:21

  
Scholarship winner Leah Thomas (center) with EPCOR staff members @Casey Demma (left) and @Myranda Brown (right).

Leah Thomas, AAP is our 2025 Payments Institute (TPI) scholarship winner! At FORUM Credit Union, Leah is a vital part of her institution, managing ACH exceptions, disputes, stop payments, wire processing and much more to keep daily operations running smoothly. She recently wrapped up her time at Nacha’s Payments Institute in Atlanta, GA, from July 13–16, and we can’t wait to share the highlights from her experience.

Leah described her TPI experience as refreshingly different from other conferences she’s attended. “It was more laid back and interactive, which really helped me stay engaged,” she shared. “Being able to ask questions along the way and network with others in the payments field made it feel less intimidating.”

Her favorite session was The Payment Court Law and Order. Leah loved getting into character and debating a Regulation E dispute, saying, “It was a fun way to learn, and I picked up new insights from my group members.”

One of her biggest takeaways came from the Exploring FFIEC Booklets and Guidance session. Leah explained, “I’ve been prepping for my Accredited Payments Risk Professional (APRP) exam, and this session helped clear up some confusing parts of the handbooks with real-life examples.”

  

Thinking about applying for our next scholarship or attending TPI in 2026? Leah’s advice is simple: “Go for it! You’ll learn so much and come away with valuable tools to bring back to your institution.”

We’re thrilled for Leah and grateful she shared her experience with us. Here’s to her continued success and to all who make the payments world go 'round!

   

Be on the lookout for our 2026 Payments Institute Scholarship by checking our social media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, X and Instagram) and future editions of News You Can Use to attend Nacha’s Payments Institute with tuition covered by EPCOR! And if you’re ready to rock a conference before then, join us October 6–8 in Overland Park for EPCOR Payments Conference – Fall 2025 for headline-worthy sessions, star-studded speakers and networking opportunities that hit all the right notes.

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