Unitus is lending their expertise in financial education to Adelante Mujeres, a nonprofit based in Forest Grove that empowers Latina women and families to become more active in their education, careers, and community leadership.
“This work means empowerment for Latina women and their children, so they can gain confidence and the voice they deserve in the world,” said Melissa Erickson, Corporate Engagement Officer at Adelante Mujeres.
In this world, rising up begins with education. To date, Unitus Business Development Officer Denise Stewart has taught four sessions at no cost to Latina youth involved in the program. With assistance from her volunteer interpreter Marisol Fabian-Dominguez, a former Unitus Member Advocate who is fluent in Spanish, Stewart has taught participants how to prepare for college funding, balance budgets, build great credit, and manage their money for long-term growth.
“Financial education is critical so we’re offering our skills to help these communities prosper and grow stronger,” said Stewart. “We’ve got many more financial activities planned for program participants of all ages, and we are thrilled to be working with such an impactful program helping this underrepresented community.”
Lucila Gambino, a Chicas Youth Development Advocate, adds, “The Chicas hold so much power, empathy, and wonder for the world and it’s so special to support them in their journey. It’s important for the girls to have this knowledge, to feel independent, and to set themselves up for success. They now have a myriad of tools and awareness about their finances.”
For the Latinx community, Unitus believes the time to rise up is now. The credit union is investing their time and money to make that happen today.
