Humanidei + O’Rourke has formed a Credit Union DEI Practitioner Network. Specifically designed for individuals working in credit unions, the Network provides a supportive and resourceful peer group for leaders who have been tasked with developing and integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies in their organizations.
“The Chief Diversity Officer is a high stress, high turnover position in any industry,” said Jill Nowacki, President/CEO of Humanidei + O’Rourke. “For credit unions, the sense of urgency to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies in a time when the workforce is already dealing with a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and brand new remote work challenges creates potential for even greater burnout of our leaders.”
The Network provides DEI practitioners the opportunity to share encouragement, resources, and ideas to move Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies forward. “Credit unions are known for their cooperation among cooperatives,” said Creighton Blackwell, Chief Culture and Impact Officer at Coastal Federal CU ($3.4B; Raleigh, NC) and a charter member of the network. “This DEI Practitioner Network is a great example of one more way credit unions are collaborating to change people’s lives and the communities we serve.”
Participants from the Network meet monthly via video conference for open discussion and to address specific areas of emerging interest. Conversations so far have included executives from approximately 20 credit unions representing over $60 Billion in assets. They have addressed topics that range from designing strategic diversity plans and equitable lending practices to sharing resources to support employees through gender reassignment and the development of Employee Resource Groups.
Credit union executives working to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies at your credit union may express interest in joining the Network by emailing info@humanidei.com.