Strategies for better expressing your credit union’s DEI gene

We all need to be all in, all the time.

I’ve been thinking about diversity, equity and inclusion—and believing in it passionately—since before DEI came to the forefront of conversations in business. One of the reasons I love working in the credit union space is that serving members’ needs—all members’ needs—has long been part of credit unions’ DNA. But as I process the passing of CUES CEO John Pembroke in November, it seems like a good time to talk about something he believed in deeply—that success with DEI means making a long-term commitment.

So how can credit unions express their DEI gene even more fully all of the time? I have some ideas for you.

Why Me?

Let me start by saying that I always hesitate to speak out about DEI because I’m white, and with that comes clear privilege. At the same time, I’ve been a woman in senior leadership for many years. When I first took a senior leadership role, there were even fewer women at the table than there are now. I believe it’s important for me to use the privilege I have to keep the conversation about DEI going and to honor John’s legacy.

 

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