Economic empowerment is a critical element of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), panelists said during the African American Credit Union Coalition’s Commitment to Change virtual event.

At its best, DEI should provide access to employment, fair housing, health care, and education, says Maurice Smith, president/CEO at $2.4 billion asset Local Government Federal Credit Union in Raleigh, N.C.

“The common denominator of all these concerns is economic empowerment,” he says. That involves helping people manage their money, create intergenerational wealth, and be good financial consumers.

Smith says Local Government Federal considers DEI both a moral and ethical imperative and a smart and strategic issue.

“How do we stand out in a commodity world? We want every employee and every member to be their very best,” he says. “That begins by moving our staff forward and not leaving anyone behind.”

NCUA Chairman Rodney Hood reiterated his stance that financial inclusion is the civil rights issue of our generation.

“When I look at COVID-19 and how communities of color have been disproportionately impacted, on top of what happened with the tragic murder George Floyd, we are seeing a lot of these issues bubble to the top,” he says. “A lot of that stems from lack of access to financial services.”

African American Credit Union Coalition

In the months ahead, Hood would like NCUA to host a summit with credit union leaders to improve access to capital for minority depository institutions (MDI), including the creation of de novo MDIs.

Other panelists included Cathie Mahon, president/CEO of Inclusiv; and Angela Russell, vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion for CUNA Mutual Group.