For Juan Fernández, Pride Month is about celebrating who we are and our differences.

“That’s something I’ve struggled with throughout my life,” says Fernández, president/CEO of the Credit Union Association of New Mexico. “I’ve come to a place in my career and in my life where I have finally been able to accept myself and bring my whole self to the credit union movement. It makes a huge difference.”

Pride Month also allows credit unions to send a message to the LGBTQ community that they’re an ally, embrace them, and welcome them into the credit union movement.

In this episode of the CUNA News Podcast, Fernández explains what Pride Month means to him, why it’s important for credit unions to reach out to the LGBTQ community, how diversity strengthens credit unions, and more.

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

In this episode:

1:12: What Pride means to Fernández

4:55: On his new role at the Credit Union Association of New Mexico

6:25: Flashbacks to high school while watching “In the Heights”

8:25: “I can be at the table, but I could also build my own table.”

10:28: Be part of the change

16:40: Build a business case to gain buy-in

19:00: Begin or get more engaged in the journey