An inclusive environment is essential at Illiana Financial
The credit union values Spanish-speaking staff; supports employee and community education; and respects Hispanic traditions.
At Illiana Financial Credit Union, one of our main objectives is to generate an inclusive environment, equally as much for our members as our employees. Throughout the years, we have evolved to create an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Our branch locations are positioned in areas with a large population of Spanish-speaking people. Acknowledging the significance of language and to provide the best member experience, we recognized that our employees must reflect the community. As a result, the majority of our current staff are fluently bilingual.
Serving our communities beyond meeting their banking needs is additionally essential to our organization. Pre-pandemic, our CEO, Jim Henmueller, would teach a financial literacy class for students enrolled in English as a second language at a local community college, Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Furthermore, Illiana Financial CU has collaborated with PSC and to grant the Illiana Financial Credit Union-Hispanic Scholarship. My CU donates $2,000 per semester to PSC to sponsor up to four students who are DACA Dreamers, or to students who have Social Security numbers but do not qualify for financial aid because of their parents’ citizenship status. We do also grant this scholarship to students at South Suburban College, South Holland, Illinois. Investing in our communities generates potential members along with attracting potential talent.
Illiana Financial CU strives to create an inclusive and positive career environment where growth opportunities are possible. Myself for instance, I began my career as a teller. Illiana Financial CU presented me with the opportunity for career growth. Presently, I am the director of business development and BSA officer. In an effort to preserve talent, we facilitate the opportunity for career and educational growth as well. Our credit union provides a tuition reimbursement program for all of our employees pursuing their education in business. Referrals and attending local job fairs at city events or colleges have been our most successful platforms for recruiting employees.
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