Ten years ago, Nickimmy became a member of Ellafi Federal Credit Union, then known as Seasons. She was pregnant with her twins, who turn 10 this year, and, with two children already, she needed a car loan to buy a bigger car.
“We were going from a family of four to a family of six,” reflects Nickimmy, who received good recommendations about the credit union from friends. “Two car seats weren’t going to fit in my little Trailblazer.”
Since the Meriden location was in her town, she went there to obtain a car loan and opened a savings account for her then three-year-old daughter, starting early lessons in financial responsibility that continue today. While her husband, a teacher, was introduced to another bank early in his career, Ellafi has remained her go-to for major financial decisions.
What stood out was the ease of the process. Ellafi coordinated directly with the dealership, making it all seamless. And because of the positive experience, she tapped Ellafi again years later for another car loan.
Today, Nickimmy primarily manages her finances digitally, using Ellafi’s mobile and online tools for day-to-day banking. But she makes occasional visits to the branch, and when she does, she continues to bring her daughter.
“It’s a teaching moment,” she says. “I want her to get comfortable and understand how it all works.”
Professionally, she serves as a union organizer for the American Federation of Teachers Connecticut, working closely with educators and school personnel across the state. She also holds leadership roles as vice president of the Meriden Board of Education and vice president of the Meriden-Wallingford NAACP.
I have our kids in the school system, and just kept getting more involved. You see what’s happening firsthand, and you want to be part of making things better.
Much of her work focuses on empowering young people, especially young women, to find their voices. Through her involvement with NAACP youth programs and local athletics, Nickimmy has spent years mentoring students, including serving as an assistant coach for the Meriden Raiders Cheer Team. Her daughters now compete as well, traveling to competitions across the country.
“It’s amazing to watch them grow,” says Nickimmy, who also cheered as a teenager growing up in Kentucky. “Not just as athletes, but as leaders.”
“Some of these kids used to be really shy,” she says. “I’ve seen their confidence build over time, especially when they’re encouraged to speak up. Now they’re advocating for themselves and their schools—even speaking out about education budgets and what cuts would mean for their programs. Being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding.”
Nickimmy H.
Ellafi Member