Multicultural analytics and consulting firm Coopera is pleased to announce Jennifer Santos Esperanza, Ph.D., has joined the ranks as Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Esperanza comes to Coopera from Beloit College in Wisconsin, where she has been a professor of anthropology since 2008.
“Like many businesses across the country, Coopera is evolving,” said Coopera CEO Victor Miguel Corro. “We are so excited to add Jennifer to our team as Director, as we expand our services beyond Hispanic outreach and into multicultural communities through diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Beyond her knowledge and energy, Jennifer has amazing lived experiences, and an ability to teach and be a storyteller. These talents will really engage Coopera’s partners to advance their own DEI work and accelerate inclusion to more communities and market segments.”
With nearly two decades of research, teaching and facilitation experience, Esperanza brings a wealth of leadership and understanding around building culturally-responsive and inclusive programming. She has lived in many countries and speaks several languages. In this new role, she will work closely with Coopera’s partners to build and implement DEI roadmaps and strengthen outreach to more diverse markets.
“Coopera is a mission-driven organization, focused on growing diversity, equity and inclusion in the financial services marketplace,” said Esperanza. “I am energized about embarking on DEI work that carries the potential for wider social and economic impact. I have great respect for the work Coopera has done to improve outreach to Hispanic communities, and I’m very excited to be a part of their future work as they transition into messaging for broader multicultural groups.”
Coopera is adding more tools for inclusion so partners and clients can be relentlessly inclusive. “Financial access through a thoughtful and deliberate DEI strategy should not be taken as transactional, but rather as transformational work,” said Corro. “In the mission-driven credit union space we have a higher purpose, and Coopera is focused on adding partnerships that foster a sense of belonging. Filling this new role is a component to this strategic initiative.”
Credit unions interested in learning more about building programs for inclusion can contact Coopera at info@cooperaconsulting.com.
Jennifer Santos Esperanza