Express earns Juntos Avanzamos designation
Expanding financial opportunities for the Hispanic Community
Express Credit Union today announced that it has been named a Juntos Avanzamos credit union, a designation awarded to credit unions that commit to serving and empowering Hispanic consumers regardless of immigration status. Translated as “Together We Advance” in English, Juntos Avanzamos accredited credit unions help those who remain largely unbanked and vulnerable to predatory lenders.
Washington ranks No. 13 among states with the highest Hispanic/Latino population, which accounts for 13.5% of the total state population, according to Washington’s Office of Financial Management. Based in Seattle, Express’ membership is open to anyone who lives or works in the state of Washington.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion are within the fabric of everything we do here at Express,” said CEO Paul Baudin. “Our members are wholeheartedly accepted and valued when they come to our credit union. It is with great reverence that we help them achieve their personal Financial goals.”
To earn the Juntos Avanzamos accreditation, the credit union must complete an extensive application process and demonstrate how they serve Spanish-speaking people principally through inclusive underwriting policies, Financial education, and affordable loans. Express is a top ITIN lender for people who do not have legal immigration status or are ineligible to obtain a social security number.
“We welcome Express to the growing family of Juntos Avanzamos credit unions. We recognize and celebrate Express Credit Union’s commitment to the Financial inclusion of Hispanic communities in Washington State. Express Credit Union is an example for credit unions that go above and beyond to meet their mission” said Pablo DeFilippi, SVP of Membership and Network Engagement at Inclusiv.
“We are establishing credit-building opportunities for so many in Washington state,” Baudin said. “I’m incredibly proud of our team here at Express as they serve these members at the highest of levels.”
Express is one of less than 120 credit unions across the country to earn the Juntos Avanzamos accreditation
About Express Credit Union
Seattle-based Express Credit Union is a member-owned Financial cooperative with the designation of Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Juntos Avanzamos. Established in 1934, Express provides fair and affordable Financial services to the people who live or work in the state of Washington. To Find out more visit us at www.expresscu.org.
About Juntos Avanzamos
Juntos Avanzamos (“Together We Advance”) is a designation for credit unions committed to serving and empowering Hispanic and immigrant consumers — helping them navigate the U.S. Financial system and providing safe, affordable and relevant Financial services. Juntos Avanzamos credit unions employ bilingual, culturally-competent staff and leadership, accept alternative forms of ID and treat all of their members with respect, regardless of immigration status. Inclusiv is leading the national expansion of Juntos Avanzamos and the network is growing quickly; it currently includes 112 credit unions in 27 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia
