El Paso shines in opportunity knocks Season 2
Raiz Federal Credit Union Empowers El Pasoans with Financial Wisdom in Acclaimed Series
EL PASO, TX (October 7, 2024) — In a grand celebration of financial empowerment and community impact, Raiz Federal Credit Union hosted a viewing party for the second season of the acclaimed television series, Opportunity Knocks. The event took place on Friday, September 27, at the Alamo Drafthouse and included a panel discussion with Raiz Community Engagement Officer and moderator Pearl Contreras, local Opportunity Knocks participant Nicole Landini, Opportunity Knocks financial coach Luis Barajas, and Opportunity Knocks Initiative creator and Opportunity Knocks executive produce Jamie Strayer.
Opportunity Knocks has been instrumental in shedding light on the financial struggles many Americans face amidst the rising costs of groceries, gas, and housing. A revealing survey by Payroll.com in 2023 highlighted that over three-quarters of the U.S. population is affected by these challenges, making the messages conveyed through the series more relevant than ever.
Raiz Federal Credit Union, known for its dedication to financial empowerment and serving communities commonly overlooked by mainstream financial institutions, was featured in the season. Believing in El Pasoan Nicole Landini’s potential to turn her financial struggles around, Raiz provided her with the guidance and solution of a consolidation loan. Nicole’s transformation of her financial situation is just one of the many situations that Raiz provides support for everyday.
El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego attended the viewing party and shared, “As County Judge, I am fortunate to have some incredible opportunities, and the viewing party for Opportunity Knocks was definitely one of them. Thank you, Raiz and Project Amistad, for all that you do.”
Max Villaronga, CEO and President of Raiz Federal Credit Union, affirms, “As an organization that values uplifting our community through financial empowerment, we’re proud to be a part of Opportunity Knocks once again for Season 2. Audiences can witness firsthand how lives can be transformed when given the guidance, tools, and knowledge from a financial institution that cares.”
Opportunity Knocks is a standout series currently nominated for the “Best Feel Good Show” by the American Reality Television Awards. Jamie Strayer shares a message with viewers, “Everyone deserves financial opportunities. Opportunity Knocks levels the playing field and breaks down barriers for families to get ahead. Raiz’s work with Landini shows the miracle that happens when people receive fair access to affordable credit.”
Raiz Federal Credit Union remains dedicated to its mission of serving and empowering its members, ensuring that more individuals like Nicole Landini can turn their financial despair into hope and action.
For more information about Raiz Federal Credit Union and its services, visit www.raiz.us
For more information about Opportunity Knocks and to watch the award-winning series, visit the official website at www.opportunityknocks.net or PBS. Assets available: Media Kit
About Raiz Federal Credit Union
At Raiz (pronounced as "rise" in English and "rah-EES" in Spanish), our members and strong, vibrant community inspire us daily. We share a passion for knowledge and the pursuit of growth, grounded in our heritage as El Paso Area Teachers Federal Credit Union (TFCU). Today, we guide members from many professions to focus on their goals and help them get here. We're proud of our roots in El Paso (since 1936) as we envision a bold path forward, leading the way with passion. We are over 70,000 members strong and provide a full range of high-quality financial services at the great rates and low costs you can expect from a first-class credit union. Join us and experience the difference that comes from working with people who care.
The meaning behind our name:
Spanish for root and pronounced as Raiz, our new identity grows from our community heritage. Grounded in the roots of our beginning with teachers, we share a passion for knowledge and the pursuit of growth. We inspire our members and employees to feel connected to our future potential together. We are rising and inviting people to move forward with us. As we look out to the light over the Franklin Mountains rising from El Paso, we look up and ahead to an even brighter tomorrow.
