It’s a simple fact: credit unions provide better savings and interest rates than banks do, while providing the same services and security (up to $250,000 of your money is insured per account!). Why miss the opportunity to make the most out of your money?
Our team is composed of some of the most passionate and brightest students in Columbia University. We understand your needs since we’re one of you.
Worried about giving your money to students? Don’t be. We will receive thorough training from the National Credit Union Association and will be fully qualified to handle your money.
Any profits we make will be invested back into you and the community. This means that we can offer even better services and rates, free financial literacy classes, and grants for organizations and clubs.
Want the money to go to a specific cause? Vote for board of directors members who best represents you. All credit union members with accounts will have a voice.
Alvaro is a sophomore at Columbia College double majoring in Financial Economics and Political Science. A stereotypical Brazilian fan of soccer and warm weather, he joined the Lion Credit Union Initiative seeking to learn more altruistic banking and to make a lasting positive impact in the Columbia community. The Lion Credit Union Initiative merges two of his favorite fields of interest: economic innovation and community development, both of which he wants to further develop on in his home country in the future.
James is a sophomore in Columbia College who intends to major in mathematics with a concentration in computer science. Born in Seoul, he has lived all over the globe, including Milan and Barcelona. Over the years, James has learned five different languages. He is a teaching assistant for the Department of Mathematics and a programming officer of Korean Students Association. He joined LCUI to gain first-hand experience in finance and to make a positive contribution to the Columbia community. In his spare time, he loves to play soccer and tennis.
Ricky is a sophomore at Columbia College studying economics and computer science. After learning more about the Lion Credit Union initiative, he joined because of the tangible and lasting impact a credit union could have on the Columbia Community. Outside of LCUI, Ricky has work experience in graphics and user interface design as well as IT infrastructure. In his free time, Ricky enjoys rewatching movies, long-form journalism, and a good game of squash.
Dayalan is a sophomore at Columbia College studying financial economics and mathematics. He actively manages a family investment portfolio and has previously worked for a long/short hedge fund and a private equity firm. He will be working at JP Morgan this summer in the investment banking division. He currently serves on the executive board of the Columbia Financial Investment Group and Columbia Financial Engineering and is eager to change the face of finance through the Lion Credit Union Initiative.
Phantila is a juniorin Columbia College. She is a transfer from Georgetown University, where she was a part of the Georgetown University Alumni and Student Federal Credit Union, the largest student run credit union in the nation. Upon hearing about LCUI, Phantila became incredibly excited about the initiative and wanted to be a part of bringing something she loved to the Columbia community. Phantila is involved in Columbia’s Thai Club. She is majoring in Political Science and Economics and is also interested in East Asian studies.
David is a sophomore in SEAS majoring in computer science. David is a member of the Application Development Initiative, and has been working on several coding projects. David joined LCUI because he wants to help start an institution that would help the Columbia community and last past his graduation. In his free time, David enjoys following technology events and reading.
Mounika is a first-year at Columbia SEAS majoring in Computer Science. After a great winter interning at Navy Federal Credit Union, she joined LCUI to apply what she learned to make a positive impact on the Columbia community. With a love for Indian culture, Mounika is an avid fan of Bollywood movies and a vocalist on CU Raaga, a South Asian performance group on campus.
Sophie is a first year at Columbia College, double majoring in Economics - Mathematics and Computer Science. She is both French and Brazilian. When she got to Columbia, building a community was her first goal. She joined LCUI because it addresses her passion for social development while pushing her to do her best in the financial field. Sophie's drive come from the fact that LCUI will change the way Columbia students do their banking.
Howei is a sophomore in SEAS majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He joined LCUI because he wanted to work for an organization that was solely focused on helping the community rather than monetary gain. Howei is currently serving as the Student Government Association Liaison for the Engineering Student Council and is also involved in the Columbia Formula Society of Automotive Engineers. During his spare time, Howei enjoys longboarding, fishing, and reading science fiction.
Jonathan is a junior in Columbia College double majoring in Economics and Philosophy. After a summer internship in asset management during his sophomore year Jonathan became intrigued with the concept of financial planning, viewing it as a golden mean between two of the things he enjoyed most, community service and learning about financial institutions, which made the LCUI a perfect fit for his interests. He recently completed a summer internship at Morgan Stanley in Mergers and Acquisitions. He looks forward to using his knowledge of finance to help aid in the community building and offering of valuable educational services in the LCUI.
Teddy is a sophomore at Columbia College studying Financial Economics from Louisville, KY. He joined LCUI because he wanted to make lasting change at Columbia, and knew that a student-run credit union would provide the community support and financial literacy Columbia craved. Outside of LCUI, Teddy is a brother in and Lieutenant Commander of Sigma Nu at Columbia, as well as the Director of Internal Affairs of Columbia’s Inter-Greek Council. In addition, he is an IT Specialist for Columbia Technology Ventures. When he’s not busy doing the obnoxious amount of work his professors assign, Teddy likes to play soccer, hangout with friends, and poke fun at the other members of LCUI.
Robbie is a sophomore in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences studying Operations Research and Computer Science. Robbie was born and raised in the small town of Redding, CT. He loves playing golf, taking hikes, and doing just about anything that gets him outside. At Columbia, Robbie is also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and the Application Development Initiative. Robbie joined the Lion Credit Union Initiative for its incredible collection of people who share his passion for making a positive lasting mark in the University's history by working to give the Columbia Community its very own Credit Union.
Rafae is a freshman in Columbia College considering a joint major in Economics-Political Science and a possible minor in either History or Sustainable Development. He's a big fan of stand-up comedy and live concerts and joined the Lion Credit Union Initiative to gain exposure in the exciting world of start-up culture and serve the Columbia community in a unique and innovative way. He aims to use the experience he gained from LCUI to advance the field of microfinance and poverty alleviation in his home country of Pakistan.
Jared Greene is a junior in Columbia College studying Computer Science. His freshman year Jared was introduced to the idea of a student run credit union for Columbia University and, after seeing similar institutions at other schools, knew that LCUI was the mark he wanted to leave at Columbia. He now leads a team of twenty brilliant students that are changing the way Columbia’s community thinks about and interacts with their bank. Jared has work experience in venture capital and business development for tech startups.
Maya is a junior at Barnard College majoring in Political Science and History. While originally from Germany and India, Maya grew up in Japan where she was first exposed to the concept of a Credit Union. Maya joined LCUI due to her interest in combining financial and community development, as well as her enthusiasm for the innovative nature of the initiative. Beyond LCUI, Maya is a Resident Assistance, Vice President of the Society of International Undergraduates and Athena Scholar. In her free time, Maya enjoys kayaking, trying various cuisines and learning new languages.
Zachary is a sophomore in SEAS majoring in Operations Research. He is active in the Columbia Photography Association, Undergraduate Recruitment Committee, and Columbia Faith and Action. He joined LCUI to help create something that could help out the Columbia community, and gain some experience in banking and finance. Zach hopes to go into a career in marketing or finance
Meaghan is a junior in SEAS majoring in Engineering Management Systems and minoring in Economics and Entrepreneurship. She is also the VP Internal of CU Society of Women Engineers. Meaghan was most recently a Business Intelligence Intern at The Motley Fool and is an incoming Operations Intern at Amazon. In her spare time, she enjoys cycling, dance, and hunting for New York's best dishes.
Alexander is a sophomore in Columbia College majoring in Physics and Economics. Besides from missing out on Octoberfest in his hometown Munich, Germany, he is interested in a variety of fields such as medicine, technology, business and finance. He joined the Lion Credit Union Initiative in order to make a lasting impact on the Columbia community, to learn more about the world of finance and banking.
Chris is currently a junior in Columbia College, pursuing a major in Economics-Mathematics. He joined the Lion Credit Union Initiative because he believes that the Columbia community deserves an alternative banking institution. Chris’s interests include technology and going to the gym. Outside of LCUI, Chris is involved in the Chinese Students Club and the blog team for CORE.
Caitlin is a junior in Columbia College and a Managing Director of LCUI, working on strategy development and implementation. Caitlin is currently a business intern at A24 Films, working on database development as well as financial analysis. She previously interned at a Venture Capital Lab that invested in innovative financial service businesses in emerging markets. After seeing the possibility for change that the financial sector offered, she began her time on LCUI. Caitlin is also the treasurer of Postcrypt Art Gallery, as well as a member of the Delta Gamma Fraternity. She enjoys film photography, water sports, and baking.
Hannah is a sophomore in Columbia College majoring in Financial Economics and concentrating in Environmental Science. She joined LCUI because she wants to help make a positive and lasting impact for the Columbia community. On campus, she is also a part of Lion Dance and Wind Ensemble. In her free time, she enjoys the perks of going to school in the city by exploring its restaurants and museums.
Hailing from the great state of New Jersey, Teddy joined the Army after the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center. In September 2014, following a 12-year career in Human Intelligence during which he deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan and became proficient in Chinese Mandarin, Teddy matriculated to Columbia University’s School of General Studies as a Junior majoring in East Asian Studies. He joined LCUI in order to bring to the Columbia University community all the benefits and services he enjoys as a member of a military credit union. Teddy is also involved in the Columbia chapter of Service to School, a non-profit volunteer organization that helps military veterans transition into schools across the country. He enjoys skiing, wine tasting, and hippopotami.
Anuj Sharma is a Columbia College sophomore from the San Francisco Bay Area. Majoring in Computer Science and Statistics, Anuj was drawn to LCUI by his interest in banking and startups. Anuj is also involved in several other organizations around campus. He is currently a research assistant at the Declassification Engine as well as a member of the Columbia Debate team. In his spare time, Anuj enjoys coaching his high school’s debate team and playing the alto saxophone.
Shannon is a sophomore in Columbia College studying Neuroscience and Statistics. She works as Director of Student Experience at Forward Tutoring, a nonprofit that empowers underserved students to pay for online tutoring not with money - but with community service. Shannon also sits on the Student Advisory Board of University of Pennsylvania’s Duckworth Laboratory, and researches in Dr. Denny's Integrative Neuroscience lab at Columbia's Medical Center. She joined LCUI because she knows personally how big a difference a credit union can make in someone’s life -- and wants to share that with Columbia’s community.
Amber is a sophomore at Columbia College studying English & Comparative Literature and Business Management. She joined LCUI after seeing how passionate its members are and realizing the type of impact it can make on the Columbia community. In addition to her work at LCUI, Amber studies in the orchestra and chamber music programs at Columbia, as well as privately with NY Philharmonic violinist Lisa Kim. She also works as the Non-profit Development Manager of the Spectator Publishing Company, and spent her summer as a content marketing and internal relations intern. In her free time, Amber enjoys Disney films, running, reading, cooking and pictures of baby elephants.
Yixin, better known as Sunny, is a junior majoring in Economic-Statistics. Her favorite part about the Lion Credit Union Initiative is how passionate everyone in the organization is about this great cause. Beyond LCUI, Sunny is a Fall Associate for Atikus, a company that provides credit insurance for microfinance loans, and a Senior Editor on the Journal of Politics and Society.
Andrew is a junior in SEAS. Andrew joined LCUI because he likes the idea of giving back to the community and is passionate about providing a service that best serves Columbia affiliates. Andrew is a coordinator in the Global Youth Mentorship Initiative, and a coxswain on the Varsity Heavyweight Rowing Team. Recently, Andrew has worked as a business development intern at The Vanity Project. Andrew likes to lift heavy things and put them down loudly and enjoys fencing occasionally.
Alex is a freshman in SEAS planning to study computer science with a minor in economics. Before coming to Columbia, he found a passion and interest in business, founding a nonprofit called Student Music Initiatives in his hometown of Seattle, WA, and serving today on its Board of Advisors. Alex joined LCUI for its startup spirit and for the opportunity to contribute to a project of real and lasting significance. Outside of LCUI, Alex works for Spectator as a member of sales, and is an avid soccer fan.
Richard is a freshman at Columbia College studying Financial Economics and Computer Science. He joined LCUI because of his interest in changing the way Columbia banks and seeing how passionate its members are. In addition to his work at LCUI, Richard is also involved with the Multicultural Business Association, Columbia University Financial Engineering, Columbia Economics Review, and Moneythink at Columbia. In his free time, Richard enjoys watching LA Lakers games, playing basketball, reading, watching Kobe Bryant play basketball, and listening to Waka Flocka Flame.
Mischa is graduating in 2016 from the School of General Studies where he studies Financial Economics and Middle Eastern Studies. Alongside other members of the LCUI's first executive board, Mischa contributed to the strategic direction of the LCUI in its early stages, led a rigorous awareness and recruitment campaign, and conducted numerous consultancies with professional and alumni advisors. Mischa's interests include finance, entrepreneurship, and community service, and he loves getting involved with ideas that are driven by teamwork.
Shensi is a senior in SEAS studying Computer Science and minoring in Economics. Shensi is the Senior Class President for Engineering Student Council and a group leader for the Peer Connector Network. She is also on the executive committee for the Class of 2015 Senior Fund, on the board of the Columbia Economics Society and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Shensi has worked as an intern at AOL and Goldman Sachs, and an Investment Banking Summer Analyst at Credit Suisse. Shensi will be working in New York at Credit Suisse in the Investment Banking Division after graduation.
Zinnat is a junior in Barnard College majoring in Psychology and French and concentrating in Business Management. She joined LCUI because she wanted to contribute to a facility that will benefit Columbia University and its affiliates and continue to be everlasting. Her experience in developing this credit union motivated her to look into the financial industry. Zinnat interned as a research analyst at Goldsmith & Company and a Distressed Debt Claims Trading Analyst at Argo Partners. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi and Vice President of Club Bangla. She enjoys belly dancing, scuba diving, playing badminton, and tasting all types of cuisines.
Sunpreet is a junior in Columbia College majoring in Economics and History. He is one of the founding members who sought to build an institution that brings together the entire Columbia community and change the way Columbia affiliates view their finances. Apart from LCUI, Sunpreet keeps busy on campus as the Secretary of Activities Board at Columbia, board member on the Multicultural Business Association, and associate on Columbia Spectator.