Credit Union Spotlight, presented by CUInsight, features credit unions taking action and changing their local communities. Join us as we recognize and celebrate the important work these credit unions do to bring their mission to life.
In January 2024, a bold and student-driven movement took root at Seattle University with a mission to reshape financial access and education on campus. The Seattle University Credit Union Initiative (SUCUI) was launched with a visionary goal: to establish a student-run credit union that not only addresses the pressing financial literacy gap among students but also provides inclusive, community-centered banking services.
Founded by Cisco Marlpartida Smith, a Seattle U alumnus with a background in both credit union consulting and student leadership, SUCUI was born out of a clear recognition of three core challenges facing college students today:
- A significant lack of financial literacy among students.
- Limited access to financial tools designed with student needs in mind.
- A unique opportunity to build a sustainable, affordable credit union by leveraging a student-run model that keeps costs low—translating into better rates and fewer fees for members in the future.
Here’s what they built so far
Since January 2024, SUCUI has grown into a team of 25+ students across seven departments—Finance/Accounting, HR, Legal/Compliance, Marketing, IT, Pitch, and Financial Literacy. Each team is paired with professionals from the field, giving students hands-on experience and expert guidance.
They have made significant strides in establishing a strong foundation for their organization. This includes building essential infrastructure from the ground up, such as recruitment and onboarding processes, a clear succession plan, and robust operational systems. In addition, they have raised over $270,000 toward their $1 million capital goal, including a notable $20,000 award from Seattle University’s Harriet Stephenson Business Plan Competition. To advance their mission further, they have partnered with a retired NCUA consultant to initiate the formal credit union chartering process. They have also launched a Financial Literacy department, which provides peer-led financial education through workshops, social media outreach, and community events.
SUCUI is proving that when students take ownership of their financial futures, real transformation happens—not just for themselves, but for the entire community.
What’s next?
The team is focused on strengthening internal operations, expanding community partnerships, and continuing their fundraising journey. At the same time, they’re looking outward by expanding their network and sharing their story. Their initiative is focused on educating the community and creating meaningful impact, and it’s clear they’re already exceeding that goal.
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