Rae Hoskins
Rae Hoskins is a dynamic technology operations leader and fintech innovator currently serving as Technology Operations Manager at CU NextGen. With more than a decade of experience in financial services and technology, she has built a career at the intersection of digital banking, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital law. Known for her self-described role as a “Chaos Coordinator,” Rae brings both technical expertise and creative problem-solving to an industry often slowed by legacy systems and outdated processes. Her work focuses on helping credit unions modernize their technology, improve member experiences, and adopt scalable, forward-thinking solutions. Rae’s career began in a network operations center, where she developed a strong foundation in IT systems and infrastructure. She later transitioned into the credit union space, gaining firsthand insight into how financial systems impact everyday users. This experience shaped her passion for improving financial accessibility and ultimately led her to the vendor side of the industry. At CU NextGen, she collaborates closely with clients to identify pain points, tackle complex challenges, and implement innovative digital banking solutions. Her work spans client service delivery, product development, and research initiatives, all aimed at transforming how credit unions operate and serve their communities. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rae is an advocate for authenticity, mentorship, and inclusion in technology. She is an award-winning author, podcast guest, and active voice in fintech conversations, often encouraging others to embrace their individuality as a leadership strength. Through her involvement in STEM education and initiatives supporting women in tech, she continues to inspire the next generation of innovators. Balancing a fast-paced career with personal passions, Rae embodies a leadership style rooted in optimism, resilience, and a commitment to building technology—and communities—that truly work for people.
• Diploma in Ethical Hacking
• Mental health first
• Building Al
• How to Manage Remote Teams
• Social-Behavioral-Educational Researchers
• System Support and Administration
• Google Analytics Individual Qualification
• Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
• Certified Server Pro 2016
• Certified Client Pro
• Sullivan University - BS
• She Responds: Female First Respondeds
• Meade County School District
• Battletown Community Park
• Girls in Tech, Inc.
• Girls Who Code
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and support of trusted mentors and colleagues, as well as my commitment to showing up authentically and unapologetically in every space I enter. I prioritize continuous growth through lifelong learning and place strong value on building meaningful, lasting professional relationships that foster collaboration and mutual success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to show up unapologetically as myself. Embracing authenticity has allowed me to build genuine connections, lead with confidence, and stay true to my values in every professional setting.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the tech industry is to take guidance from others, but ultimately choose your own path. Don’t feel pressured to specialize too early—explore different areas, especially since everything in IT is interconnected, and discover what truly excites you. Follow what sparks your curiosity and passion, then build from there. Most importantly, don’t let anyone define your limits or direction—stay true to yourself and remain open to opportunities that could shape your career in unexpected and meaningful ways.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating a space where women—especially in the intersection of technology and the financial sector—are still underrepresented, which can mean having to establish trust and credibility more deliberately in client and vendor interactions. At the same time, there’s a significant opportunity in driving innovation within an industry that often relies on traditional tools and long-standing practices. Encouraging stakeholders to move beyond the status quo, embrace new technologies, and take calculated risks can be difficult, but it’s also where meaningful progress and transformation happen.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are lifelong learning, authenticity, and mentorship, along with building meaningful human connections. I’m also deeply committed to advancing accessibility and driving innovation in financial services, ensuring that progress creates more inclusive and impactful opportunities for others.