Greater Iowa Credit Union (GICU) celebrated its ongoing dedication to serving Hispanic and immigrant communities by hosting a Juntos Avanzamos Proclamation Ceremony. The event marked the official recognition of GICU’s Juntos Avanzamos designation, which was awarded in December, symbolizing the credit union’s commitment to inclusivity and financial empowerment.
The ceremony, held at GICU’s Westown branch in West Des Moines, brought together community leaders, members, and local partners to celebrate this significant achievement. By raising the Juntos Avanzamos flag, GICU visibly reaffirmed its pledge to provide accessible, relevant financial services to the Hispanic community across central and western Iowa.
“The Juntos Avanzamos designation is a powerful testament to our mission of financial inclusion,” said Scott Zahnle, CEO of GICU. “Our credit union is committed to helping all members, regardless of their background, achieve financial success, and this ceremony is a celebration of the progress we’ve made and the work that lies ahead.”
The Juntos Avanzamos ("Together We Advance") designation is awarded to credit unions that go above and beyond in providing services to Hispanic and immigrant consumers. GICU has actively implemented initiatives to remove barriers for these communities, including offering ITIN loans, bilingual financial education, and culturally relevant financial products. This recognition highlights GICU's efforts to ensure that every individual, regardless of immigration status or language, has access to safe and affordable financial services.
During the ceremony, GICU leaders and community members celebrated the ongoing partnerships and collaborations that have been key to their success, including relationships with national organizations and local Hispanic advocacy groups. These partnerships have enabled GICU to better understand and meet the financial needs of the Hispanic population.