Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become a mindset credit union leaders consider when forming their business plans.

They address DEI when attracting, recruiting, and retaining employees, and also when listening to community members and determining how to adapt products and services to meet members’ financial needs.

As organizations advance their DEI efforts, new challenges arise.

“It’s an ongoing journey,” says Sheila Milton, director of cultural competency and inclusion at $3.3 billion asset UW Credit Union in Madison, Wis. “We’ve done a lot to set ourselves up for the future, but as you go from year to year, it becomes even more challenging. DEI never ends.”

CUNA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion E-School

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, Milton explains the steps UW Credit Union is taking to address DEI, why credit unions need to engage in DEI efforts, why it’s important to involve all employees in DEI efforts, and more.

For more information:

• DEI is central to COVID-19 response
• A fresh perspective for onboarding
• Everyone benefits from an inclusive work culture
• MDIs and financial inclusion

You can listen and subscribe to the CUNA News Podcast in Apple’s iTunes Store, Spotify, Google Play, and Stitcher Radio.

In this episode:

2:50: Why UW Credit Union created a position focused on DEI

4:50: UW Credit Union’s DEI efforts

6:30: Impact on staff

7:13: Why DEI is important

8:38: The role of employee resource groups

11:30: Involving the board

13:00: Getting started

15:39: Avoid these mistakes