Larissa Walkiw

By Joyce Moed, Reporter

ALBERTA, Canada–Larissa Walkiw, 19, from St. Albert, Alberta, was named Common Wealth Credit Union’s first Young & Free spokesperson winning the most votes in an online election.
The CU’s Young & Free campaign is designed to attract those ages 17 to 25 into the credit union world.

Credit Union Journal: Why did you want to become the Young & Free spokesperson?

Walkiw: The Young & Free spokesperson role is a dream job I never knew could exist. I was first drawn to the initiative because of its fresh and original feel. The fact that it was an unprecedented project appealed to me. Never before had I seen a business actively reaching out to youth, and recognizing their potential. The position requires inventiveness, accessibility and enthusiasm–which I am all for!–allows me to work with the people I can best relate to–young adults, and even allows me to incorporate my passion for filmmaking. It’s the best gig in the world.

CUJ: How many votes did you receive?

Walkiw: During the public voting phase, I received 49% of the vote, with runners up Paula Mickelson and Shane Lamotte receiving 27% and 24% of the vote, respectively.

CUJ: What will you do in your role as the spokesperson?

Walkiw: My duties as the Young & Free spokesperson are twofold. The first aspect of the position involves connecting with and initiating a dialogue between young adults in the 17- to 25-year-old age group. This will be achieved through my maintaining the www.youngfreealberta.com website, posting daily blog entries, creating weekly youtube video posts, recording podcasts, and responding to viewers’ comments and questions in order to create an engaging online environment. The first aspect also involves attending and speaking at popular youth events in the Albertan community–with the extremely conspicuous Young & Free vehicle being my means of transportation.

The second aspect of the spokesperson position is serving as a liaison between young adults and the great people at Common Wealth. I will be bringing the results of the online and in-person discussions to meetings so that the credit union can continually improve and tailor the Young & Free account.

CUJ: What do you hope to accomplish in this role?

Walkiw: Though there are many things I hope to accomplish as the new Young & Free spokesperson, my strongest focus is going to be connecting with the 17- to 25-year-old age group. My primary goal isn’t to attract a large group of Young & Free website viewers, but rather to attract a large group of Young & Free participants. There is a huge difference between being an onlooker and being a contributor. If I can motivate youth to take on an active role within the Young & Free community, then I know I will have done my job.

CUJ: What was the process from time of application to the time you were selected as the winner?

Walkiw: The application phase of the spokesperson search started with the submission of a 60-second youtube video and a short blog post on any topic. The applicants were then narrowed down to three finalists, and the voting phase began. Voting was open to anyone with access to a computer and an Internet connection. All three finalists had different ways of garnering votes: posting additional youtube videos and blog entries, starting groups on social networking sites such as Facebook, arranging newspaper, radio and television interviews, recording podcasts, and putting up posters. The public voting came to a close, and a very long and nerve-racking week preceded the “big spokesperson reveal” on December 10th.