“OMG, just how much better can the Underground get?” exclaimed Roxy Ostrem, Vice Chair of Ventura County Credit Union. “I have no idea but the Xchanges were damn awesome.”
Mitchell, Stankovic & Associates Underground announces a new service, Enterprise Xchanges, bringing conversations into your community starting with CUNA Mutual Group’s Engagement Resource Groups to exchange ideas and increase strategic influence resulting in vulnerable collaboration that will drive future initiatives. “The Mitchell Stankovic Underground challenged the status quo once again partnering with CUNA Mutual Group to bring together industry thought leaders to engage Employee Resource Groups and change the industry from the inside out,” shared Brandi Stankovic, Chief Strategy Officer, CU Solutions Group.
As organizations build out Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have become an internal grassroots effort to enhance culture, understand the diversity of employees and, in many cases, help define strategy for the future. “ERGs have been integral for organizations to further connect their people for awareness and the emphasis has typically been internally focused,” said Susan Mitchell, CEO of Mitchell, Stankovic & Associates and founder of the Underground. “We, along with CUNA Mutual, saw an opportunity to collaborate and bring both an outside perspective in as well as share CUNA Mutual’s incredibly diversified culture out to the industry.”
CUNA Mutual has a robust Engagement Resource Group program with 13 ERGs and more than 1200 employees engaged. From African- and Asian- American to Alies with Disabilities and the Modern Family, CUNA Mutual has demonstrated a commitment to culture and diversity for it’s employees. Each ERG was invited to the event with breakout sessions led by 14 industry thought leaders to share ideas, best practices and challenge the industry, and their organization, to action. “I love seeing leaders like this, who were so authentic and willing to share their stories and their lives to help the movement,” shared Gerry Singleton, vice president of credit union system relations at CUNA Mutual. “These efforts and impact will be felt and known for a long time. Thanks for joining us in this great journey!”
Mitchell, Stankovic and the Underground also held a Board of Director Xchange, bringing together volunteers from across the country to connect and have an intimate conversation about what keeps them up at night and priorities in 2021. Amber Harsin, CEO of Prodigy said, “The Underground Xchange was a unique way to connect organizations to the larger credit union community by sharing experiences, exchanging ideas and working to enhance our shared world together.” For more information about Underground Xchanges, contact Zach Christensen, zach@mitchellstankovic.com.