Is there racism in US financial institutions?
Can credit unions make a difference in the fight to combat racism?
Yes is the answer to both, says Renee Sattiewhite, CEO of the African American Credit Union Coalition, a founding member of the CU DEI Collective which is centered around this belief: "We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion is good business and is fundamental to a vibrant, relevant and growing Credit Union Movement."
That is the key: practicing DEI is both the right thing to do and good business.
The US increasingly is a minority majority country.
So is today's DEI movement likely to result in real changes?
Or is it another well intended effort that results in little substantive?
Ask Sattiewhite and she will tell you she is optimistic. Maybe cautiously so. But optimistic nonetheless.
"This time is different," she said.
The time for change is here, she believes, a reality dramatized by weeks of coast to coast protests against racism and police brutality.
"I believe credit unions can lead the way in helping America eradicate racism."
Sattiewhite is keenly interested in job opportunities in credit unions for people of color and she has numbers: there now are 15 African American CEOs of credit unions, including 6 at billion dollar institutions.
Could there be more? "I look at this and see a glass half full," said Sattiewhite, who added that credit union can do more, better in hiring minority professionals, promoting them, and - this is key - recruiting minority board members.
There are many related podcasts in this series, including #100 with Victor Miguel Corro of Coopera, another CU DEI Collective member, and also Cathie Mahon, CEO of Inclusiv, also a CU DEI Collective member.
Sattiewhite also offers a shout out to Jim Blaine, a past podcast guest for his support of AACUC.
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