ST. PAUL, MN (May 4, 2023) — The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation (MnCUF) and Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union are proud to recognize Debra Hurston, Executive Director of Association for Black Economic Power (ABEP), as a CU Builder.
The recognition is in honor of Hurston’s work in leading the establishment of Minnesota’s first Black-led community credit union dedicated to addressing the needs of the residents who live, work, or worship in Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
“Debra is tirelessly and patiently leading all aspects of building Arise Community Credit Union. She’s an emerging and significant positive force for the credit union philosophy in Minnesota,” said Dave Larson, President & CEO of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union.
Hurston has raised seed funds, recruited board members, setup governance, created a charter and business plan, hired a CEO, and partnered with dozens of local and national industry and community leaders.
ABEP was formed to lead the development of Arise Community Credit Union, which is in the state and NCUA chartering process.
Created in 2008, the Credit Union Builder Award honors an individual’s dedication to the success, growth, and vitality of the not-for-profit financial movement in Minnesota. Dedications are typically made at a time of significance to acknowledge an individual’s contributions to credit unions.
91 individuals have been designated as Credit Union Builders since the award’s inception. The names of the recipients and the contributing credit unions are permanently displayed in the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s lobby as a tribute to those who have dedicated time and energy to building the credit union movement.
Focused on financial education and professional development initiatives, the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation is dedicated to providing the resources for credit unions and communities to prosper and thrive. MnCUF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1969 that serves as a charitable arm of the Minnesota credit union movement. For more information, visit www.mncufoundation.org
Julia Miller, Director of Communications
612-380-1433
jmiller@mncun.org
