During Women’s History Month this March, PSECU is paying tribute to the women who played an integral role in founding what is today Pennsylvania’s largest credit union with more than 430,000 members and over $5 billion in assets.
PSECU was founded by 22 state employees who decided to take control of their finances and make a better life for themselves and their families. They pooled their money, and with just $90 – equating to roughly $1,646 today – they started the credit union.
Of those 22 founders, several were women, based on a review of historical documents.
“By reviewing historical documents such as our official ledger book and the minutes from our first credit union meeting, we know that several women were involved in the founding of PSECU,” said Barb Bowker, PSECU’s Vice President of Marketing and Membership Development.
PSECU continues the legacy that its women founders initiated. Today, approximately 68% of PSECU’s more than 850 employees are female. Women also continue playing strong roles on the credit union’s Board of Directors and executive leadership team.
“In the 1930s, women had fewer career options than they do today. That’s why it is so amazing to look back and see that even from PSECU’s start in 1934, women played an important role,” said PSECU President Greg Smith. “It’s an honor to say that women helped form our credit union and make us who we are today.”
A photo of PSECU’s Board of Directors in 1935.