How hiring, community partnerships and culture impact diversity of thought
Leaders from Hope CU and Premier America CU share their experiences.
CUES was fortunate to get to talk with Fabiana Luis-DeGuire and Diana Cervantes about some key aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion: hiring, community partnerships and promoting an inclusive culture. Luis-DeGuire is financial inclusion officer at $368 million Hope Credit Union in Jackson, Mississippi, and Cervantes is VP/community and business development at $3.2 billion Premier America Credit Union in Chatsworth, California, and executive director of Premier America Foundation, which focuses on youth financial empowerment.
Q: Why is hiring for diversity through colleges/universities important, and what has your organization done to hire for diversity through them?
Luis-DeGuire: Hope CU has found success in building partnerships with local schools and historically Black colleges and universities to broaden our recruit pool. We believe we’re stronger as an organization when our workforce is as diverse in thought and experience as it is in race and culture. For example, hiring younger talent allows us to better understand and serve this member base.
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