A partnership between the Illinois Credit Union League and Coopera will produce a study outlining underserved financial markets in Illinois, as well as a glimpse into the future demographics of the state. This partnership is part of the Illinois Credit Union League’s wider mission to support diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the credit union movement.
Coopera is a leader in Hispanic outreach and has worked with credit unions over the past decade to identify opportunities for growth and service of underserved markets. Coopera leads the way for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the credit union space and partners with several Leagues across the country, in addition to being a strategic alliance partner of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA).
“Supporting credit unions as they carry out the principle of people helping people is an important part of the Illinois Credit Union League’s mission,” said Tom Kane, Illinois Credit Union League President and CEO. “By collaborating with Coopera, the League can boost credit union efforts to expand services to the underserved and unbanked. Our partnership with Coopera will bring powerful new insights to Illinois credit unions, empowering them to strengthen their connections with Hispanic communities.”
Illinois Credit Union League members will be provided access to the Illinois Hispanic Opportunity Report upon its completion and release later next month. Following the release of the study, Illinois Credit Union League members will be able to attend a series of workshops and e-learning sessions focused on DEI strategies and how to implement initiatives at the credit union level.
“Coopera has been working in the credit union DEI space for some time now,” said Coopera CEO Víctor Miguel Corro. “Over time we are seeing this conversation become more mainstream as credit unions are learning about the real opportunity that exists to serve multicultural markets. Demographically, the state of Illinois is rapidly evolving. Assessing the growth trends represented in this study, will help Illinois credit unions to assess their future and determine which markets represent the most opportunity moving forward.”
Illinois credit unions can expect to receive access to the completed demographic study in November 2019.