CUNA Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Samira Salem spoke to Associations Now recently about CUNA’s plans to ensure DEI is a consistent part of the credit union movement, CUNA’s report to the board on advancing service to Black communities and more.

Salem said that DEI is “in credit unions’ DNA,” as they were created to provide opportunities for populations and communities that wouldn’t otherwise have access to the financial system. With the recent events and protests around the country, CUNA found it especially important to detail measurable ways it, and credit unions, can commit to action.

Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Salem said CUNA’s DEI plans are more important than ever.

“We know COVID and the recession are having a disparate impact on vulnerable populations,” Salem told the publication. “This is the time to double down on DEI efforts for credit union employees and their members. It lines up well with our philosophy of people helping people.”

Salem added that CUNA has provided a free webinar to members on ways to realize DEI practices in the workplace, and Credit Union Magazine will continue to produce articles and podcasts on the topic. She also noted CUNA’s partnership with the African American Credit Union Coalition and it being a founding organization of the CU DEI Collective.